Jackson’s : Plein Air Day : Hestercombe Gardens

Only one place is permitted per person. If you wish to bring a plus one or make a group booking, contact us at [email protected].

Date: Friday 3rd October

Location: Hestercombe Gardens - View Map

Host: Lisa Takahashi, LAOTY Semi-finalist & Materials and Studio Specialist at Jackson’s

Schedule

• 10am gathering at the Assembly Point
• Paint/draw/print throughout the day
• 3pm meet-up at the Marquee Lawn to reflect on the day

What to expect

A casual gathering for artists of all levels to connect and respond to the landscape together, with support and advice on hand from a Jackson's art materials specialist, and a meet-up at the end of the day to look at everyone's artworks. Whether you paint, draw, print, or work with any other medium, everyone is welcome.

How to get there

​By car: Please use the postcode TA2 8LQ for sat nav. The route is marked out with brown daisy signs from the motorway all the way to Cheddon Fitzpaine. Stay on the main road until you reach Hestercombe Gardens. Please note, don't take the turn onto Hestercombe Road as this will take you to the farm.

By train: The nearest railway station is Taunton, which is a 10 minute drive away (walking not recommended). Virgin, Great Western, and Wales and West services serve Taunton station. There is a taxi rank at the station.

By coach: National Express coaches stop at Castle Green in the town centre (15 minute drive away, walking not recommended). There is a taxi rank by the coach stop.

By taxi: You can also pre-book taxis - the following taxi companies are all known to offer accessible services (they have no affiliation with Hestercombe):

TLC Taxis: 01823 444444

Taunton Taxi Services: 01823 248248

A1 /Ace Taxis: 01823 332211

About Hestercombe Gardens

Near Taunton, Hestercombe Gardens spans 50 acres and three centuries of garden design. Featuring Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian elements by Bampfylde, Lutyens, and Jekyll, its landscape includes cascades, garden buildings, and a restored mill, uniting history, architecture, and horticulture in one remarkable site.

Recommended views

From the dramatic Great Cascade to the sunken Great Plat, Hestercombe Gardens boasts many striking views. Capture sweeping valley scenes, mirrored ponds, geometric borders, and floral terraces, shaped by centuries of design and evolving light.

What to bring

If you're new to plein air or returning after a break, we've pulled together a curated list of materials to help you prepare - whether you work in oils, acrylics, watercolour, printmaking, or drawing.

Sharing your work

We’d love to see your artwork from the event! Share your work via our Plein Air Facebook Group or Instagram using the hashtag #jacksonspleinairday.

Wet weather contingency

We’ll be going ahead whatever the weather, but shelter can be found in the gallery or cafe if it rains.

Caring for Hestercombe Gardens

This event is being organised to bring artists together and to highlight the beauty found throughout the UK. Please respect the area throughout the event and take all your litter home with you or dispose of it in the bins on site. All dirty water and solvents should be taken home and disposed of responsibly.

Please note

Film and photography will be taking place throughout the event to document the day, with a focus on artists at work and their materials. The content may be used for promotional purposes. If you prefer not to be filmed or photographed, please let the photographer know.