Hestercombe was shortlisted after an exhaustive selection and judging process, plus mystery inspections. The stylish venue, comprising gardens spanning three periods of garden history, an elegant café and restaurant using local produce, an art gallery, shop and contemporary conferencing facilities, beat hundreds of other entries to reach the final and ultimately to secure the Gold Award.

Philip White, Chief Executive of the Hestercombe Gardens Trust was over joyed at the announcement, made at the awards ceremony held in Torquay last night (Nov. 15.th)

‘Over the past decade Hestercombe has gone from strength to strength and winning this accolade means that Hestercombe is recognised as a top destination in the South West, a huge area which extends from Wiltshire to Cornwall, so we are over the moon! Every year we add more to our visitor experience and it seems to be paying off, and that is thanks especially to the wonderful team we have working here at Hestercombe.’

Hestercombe’s story is one of a unique restoration programme to re-establish the Grade 1, Edwardian Garden, designed by architect Edwin Lutyens and planted by Gertrude Jekyll; to uncover and restore the eighteenth century Landscape Garden; and to reinstate the Victorian shrubbery and terrace. In addition the coach house has been transformed into a state of the art visitor centre and the mill and barn turned into conference facilities. Thousands of visitors flock to the site annually to enjoy all that it has to offer. Much of the work carried out by the charity, The Hestercombe Gardens Trust, has been generously supported by grants and the Friends of Hestercombe.

Alistair Handyside, Chairman of South West Tourism said: ‘ We were delighted to see Hestercombe in the finals. The judging process has been extraordinarily difficult due to the very high standard of entrants. These awards play a key role in enhancing the quality of what this region, Britain’s number one holiday destination, has to offer.’

Recognition in these prestigious awards, confirms that no South West holiday is complete without including Hestercombe! Even in winter it looks stunning and offers a wonderful programme of events and activities.

Hestercombe will now go forward to compete in the national Enjoy England Awards representing the South West, the results will be announced on April 15th 2011.