Hestercombe House and Gardens has gone into administration. Picture: Paul Jones/Somerset Leveller

Hestercombe House and Gardens enters administration amid falling visitor numbers

Paul JonesAugust 6, 20250 Comment0

HESTERCOMBE Gardens and Gardens has gone into administration amid falling visitor numbers and rising costs.

The landmark estate, near Taunton, has appointed accounting firm Forvis Mazars to oversee the move.

Mark Boughey, from the firm, said: “Like many businesses, Hestercombe has continued to suffer with increasing cost pressures to operate, leaving the trustees with little option but to seek the protection of Administration and the support of administrators.”

He said the estate would “remain open and operate normally for the time being, while we explore all options for future sustainability”.

Trustees of Hestercombe Gardens said they hoped the move protect the estate going forward.

It comes after news of another Taunton business going under – Eat The Bird. The chicken restaurant, which also had branches in Cardiff and Exeter, has closed down – again citing rising costs as the main reason.

The Taunton branch, at Coal Orchard, opened in 2017 to great fanfare.