Hestercombe Gardens Trust Ticket Portal

Join us in Bampfylde Hall for a day to remember for chocolate lovers. Treat yourself or a loved one this Christmas to unforgettable experience in 2025. 

The Chocolatier Experience will be hosted by Paul Ruttledge, Hestercombe's Patissier, whose experience includes three-rosette restaurants.

You will:

• learn how to make chocolate ganache
• learn how to mould chocolate
• learn how to decorate chocolates using different techniques

Every chocolate you make will be yours to take home to enjoy and share.

Over lunch a special two course menu will be served in the restaurant (included with your ticket). Tea or coffee is included on arrival. Every ticket will also receive free garden entry, which can be enjoyed after the experience ends at 2pm or at an alternative date of your choice.

The 6-course tasting menu costs £60 per person and a £15 deposit ticket each is required to secure a reservation. Join us with your special someone and enjoy a unique dining experience in the restaurant, with a delicious 6-course tasting menu.

We’ll serve you a succession of Valentine’s inspired courses, expertly prepared by our talented chefs, using seasonal and local ingredients to ensure the night is one for you to remember.

You'll also receive free garden entry for two, worth over £30, which can be used on a different date.

Each Hestercombe member will receive a free glass of 175ml house wine with meal when showing their membership card.

Join us for an immersive and hands-on plant support making workshop with Windrush Willow.

What to Expect

• Expert instruction from Richard and Suzanne Kerwood, who have 25 years experience growing and weaving willow locally in Devon.
• High-quality and sustainably sourced willow.
• Aiming to make a 4 to 6ft tall wigwam plant support with 12 uprights.
• Practical, step-by-step guidance through each stage of the plant support-making process.
• Take home your creation! You’ll leave with your very own handcrafted plant support.

This course is suitable for beginners and intermediates and includes tea/coffee upon arrival. There will be a 30 minute lunch break, please feel free to purchase lunch in our restaurant or bring your own.