13 YEARS AGO this week, Hestercombe Gardens became one of the first businesses in the region to install an electric vehicle charging post.

Located in the attraction's car park, the charging post allows visitors to power up their electric cars or bikes while enjoying the gardens.

A spokesman for Hestercombe Gardens said at the time: "Eventually, Hestercombe hopes to be able to generate its own electricity from water power in the mill using the restored water wheel."

Taunton-based firm Reaction Electric was responsible for installing the charging post at Hestercombe, having already installed four Elektrobay charging points at the Henlade park-and-ride near the M5 motorway junction.

Reaction Electric's managing partner, Jim Duncan, said in 2011: "It is to be applauded that a privately owned centre can give their visitors the chance to stop off, enjoy the gardens, and charge their car or bike."

Hestercombe Gardens is known for its restored gardens which span three centuries of garden design.

Sir Edwin Lutyen's design elements are prevalent throughout the gardens, complemented by Gertrude Jekyll's bold and simple planting.

The gardens offer a rewarding experience for those interested in symmetry, balance, and proportion.

The secret landscape garden, designed by Coplestone Warre Bampfylde in the late 18th century, comprises 40 acres of lakes, temples, combes, and woodlands.

Hestercombe House opened to the public in 2014. Within the house, there is a contemporary art gallery, a second-hand bookshop, and a gallery shop.

The visitor centre features a plant centre and a refurbished restaurant and café, serving homemade brunch, lunch, and afternoon tea.

The gardens are mostly wheelchair accessible and offer facilities such as accessible loos, parking, bike storage, and child-friendly areas. They are pet-friendly and have a picnic area.