Hestercombe Gardens
Latest Reviews
HESTERCOMBE HOUSE AND GARDENS
Situated just outside my home town of Taunton, this is well worth a visit.
The original gardens were later influenced by Gertrude Jekyll, who laid out the Victoria Terrace, and by Edwin Lutyens who both designed parts of the garden and the orangery.
A lot of the history is on display in the house with an introductory film.
There is a book shop and plants for sake and the cafe using local produce has a covered seating area.
Free to Historic Houses member.
Situated just outside my home town of Taunton, this is well worth a visit.
The original gardens were later influenced by Gertrude Jekyll, who laid out the Victoria Terrace, and by Edwin Lutyens who both designed parts of the garden and the orangery.
A lot of the history is on display in the house with an introductory film.
There is a book shop and plants for sake and the cafe using local produce has a covered seating area.
Free to Historic Houses member.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I've known about Hestercombe since restoration started but this was my first visit. Despite it currently being in administration, there was no sign of neglect at all. Volunteers and staff all lovely. The gardens must be at their best in June. Very highly recommended.
Source: google.com
From reading reviews I wasn't sure what to expect but was very pleasantly surprised. On arriving we were made to feel very welcome and given a great explanation of the garden. We started with the army barracks before going up the Georgian landscape garden which had a peaceful feel to it. After a picnic at the mill pond we saw the watermill, watched the video of the garden revival and then saw the formal area which for us was the highlight of the day. The Dutch garden and Orangery area was picturesque with Mexican daisies softening all the cracks in the paving and steps. The formal terraces across the different levels with the views out to the countryside were amazing, yes they could do with a bit of TLC (deadheading and weeding) but it didn't spoil our enjoyment of them. The roses up the pergola were beautiful and smelt heavenly. Inside the house was full of amazing photos, videos and history and well worth a visit. We looked in the well stocked bookshop and at the plants and overall had a very lovely day out.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The staff are friendly and welcoming and very informative and helpful. The admission fee is reasonable. We spent a couple of hours wandering round the well kept tranquil gardens and then had a lovely lunch in the cafe. The menu is varied and the food is very tasty. A trip round the house in the afternoon was interesting.
We all had a very pleasant day and the weather was glorious
We all had a very pleasant day and the weather was glorious
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Things have definitely improved at Hestercombe. We walk regularly in the lovely gardens and always enjoy a coffee and cake in the restaurant/cafe. The service in the cafe is much better than it used to be. The food is excellent and the staff are very friendly and helpful. I am also so very happy that the lovely female manager does not allow dogs inside. This is much better as I for one do not wish to have a dog near me, inside a cafe barking and sniffing around. Some customers with dogs look most offended when they are shuffled to the outside sitting area. But that suits me fine. Keep up the good work.
Source: google.com
Great place to explore with children. Still well worth a visit, and the cafe has seriously upped their game!
Source: google.com
Lovely gardens as always, havent been for years so was very to happy to see everything looking so lush and healthy!
Source: google.com
10 mins from motorway but through some narrow Somerset lanes.
Upmarket restaurant no simple hotpots.
Wonderful historic gardens. Well maintained. A 18th century woodland garden with eye catchers contrasts with a Gertrude Jekyll / Edward Lutchens garden. There’s a mansion to visit as well but it’s the gardens which are the real attraction.. 3/4+ hrs.
Upmarket restaurant no simple hotpots.
Wonderful historic gardens. Well maintained. A 18th century woodland garden with eye catchers contrasts with a Gertrude Jekyll / Edward Lutchens garden. There’s a mansion to visit as well but it’s the gardens which are the real attraction.. 3/4+ hrs.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Very nice gardens very nice place to wander around. Relaxing chilled. Nice
Source: google.com
Wunderschön angelegter Garten mit unbewohnten Herrenhaus. Wir waren im Rahmen einer Rundreise dort.
Source: google.com
The last time we visited it was just after Covid lockdown and never been back since. But today we revisited and remember it just a it was. Just beautiful and timeless. Wander the gardens and surprises are at every turn. We picniced beside a field of daisies and rolling fields. Just so lovely to relax in. Thank you Hestercombe.
Source: google.com
Beautiful house and garden. Friendly and knowledgeable staff. Perfect for a nice day out!
Source: google.com
Very good cafe staff were excellent.
Source: google.com
Great place to visit at a very reasonable annual membership..
Source: google.com
Lovely 'Historic House'. Very knowledgeable attendants at the house. I had a connection with the Fire Service so especially interesting for me. Great restaurant, Book shop & gardens. Would go again in a heart beat 😁
Source: google.com
Beautiful day out visiting the house & gardens and very helpful staff
Source: google.com
I cannot thank Courtney and her team enough at The Stables Hospitality who run the weddings at Hestercombe House. From start to finish she showed interest, professionalism and humanness it’s not just a business it feels like a family. The food was amazing and who can argue with the thrill of all of our guests! The beef was delicious and your flexibility and thought for those with dietary requirements went a long way to make sure all of our guest felt welcome and looked after, thank you! The evening ploughman’s was equally as tasty for those guests who arrived for the evening to enjoy too! Despite the rain that arrived as soon as I did, (which is meant to bring good luck I hear) :) you had alternative options for drinks after the ceremony and photos than what would otherwise have been challenging open air on the lawn. You all did a great job and Hestercombe House are lucky to have you and your team delivering such events. You really made our day special and had my dad still been with us he would have loved it! ❤️
Source: google.com
Amazing place great scenery and walks
Source: google.com
Well worth a visit.
Source: google.com
I walk my dogs here twice a week as it’s a safe space for me and my dogs . My dog was bitten by a snake and I managed to get a picture before I rushed stright to the vets .It shocked my dog who even messed herself and I was in shock I won’t be bringing my dogs back here so if u have dogs even small kids please Becarefull
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Having visited here previously for mammoth walks in the grounds, recently went here for a wedding and while it wasn't the weather we would have booked ☔⛈️ I cannot fault the venue. It was beautifully done, the food was absolutely amazing and the staff attentive without being overbearing. The day went super smoothly and I would definitely recommend this beautiful venue for anyone who's looking for a romantic yet chilled venue
Source: google.com
Fantastic and well kept house and gardens. Really picturesque and varied landscape. Lots of cars in the carpark but so big we barely saw anyone. Beautiful views and the formal gardens by the house are spectacular. The wisteria was out and gorgeous, and they have the biggest clematis I've ever seen. The house had lots of interesting photos and info too.
The only thing stopping me from giving 5* is the very expensive food and drink and the added service charge you are not told about, plus the way they don't like you going in to look at what the cakes are like so you can choose. . The staff in the shop and the ticket desk were very friendly and helpful though.
The only thing stopping me from giving 5* is the very expensive food and drink and the added service charge you are not told about, plus the way they don't like you going in to look at what the cakes are like so you can choose. . The staff in the shop and the ticket desk were very friendly and helpful though.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Lovely grounds to walk round
Cafe pleasant staff friendly
Cafe pleasant staff friendly
Source: google.com
Fabulous garden, mixing classic Lutyens and landscape designs with a good choice of planting in the formal gardens which are well maintained. We visited in early May so we caught the end of the bluebells and wisteria in full bloom while roses, geum and other summer flowers were already starting to appear. Should be great in summer.
Source: google.com
Gorgeous house and gardens. House is unfurnished but still stunning and the garden walk is filled with interesting little places to find and water features. Lovely day out!
Source: google.com
