Hestercombe Gardens

4.6/5 based on 2436 reviews
Latest Reviews
If you're into gardens, woods and history this is the place for you. For the more energetic there is a walk through the woods where you'll come across a witch's house, Gothic alcove and a few other curious buildings. Less energetic? Walks for all abilities around the ponds, Octagon summer house and other curiosities. And for all the lovely gardens. We didn't have much time to poke around the house itself, but did manage to see some photographs on the ground floor which reminded me of Downton abbey. Nice cafe. The food looked good, although we had tea, coffee and chocolate cake which was Gluten free. I got the impression they catered for those who have restricted diets. On the whole a good day out.
google.com
Source: google.com
A really well laid out garden reflecting many styles of layout from formal to herbaceous to rambling walks to folly buildings to bluebell walks and amazing waterfalls. Could not have been more varied. Well worth the visit. A good garden diagram supplied on entry too.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This a very special, historic garden. Really two gardens in one, with a beautiful extensive 18th century landscape with a waterfall, a series of ponds and man-made structures and a formal section attributed to Lutyens. It's fallen on hard times due to poor visitor numbers. Well worth a visit, despite the high admission fee. Those who expect little of the shabby, rather ugly house, will not be disappointed.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We loved our visit to Hestercombe today, the gardens were looking fabulous and the bluebell walk is shady, peaceful and beautiful.
We enjoyed a very nice lunch and the staff we met were polite and friendly. Well worth a visit, and the membership is really good value if you live in the area.
I visit most weeks and never get tired of going there.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a gem! Not sure why I haven't been before. So much to explore and plenty to keep an active child interested. Informative boards and well signed paths. Could have spent many more hours in the formal gardens, but we had dallied too long in the bluebells!
Fantastic staff too!

We will be back!
google.com
Source: google.com
Uns hat es gut gefallen, besonders der Garten
google.com
Source: google.com
Interesting and attractive Jekyll/Lutyens garden with a worthwhile long-ish walk around the estate.

RHS patterned garden, hence free for members.
Also free for HHA members.
google.com
Source: google.com
We visited this fascinating house and gardens today. Hand held maps are clear and easy to follow. The paths are winding through the wooded grounds and gardens. Much of this area appears natural with trees, shrubs, ponds and bluebells scattered through the woods. Various structures punctuate the walk--often with views to other aspects of the grounds and gardens. The gardens at the main house are set out in a very formal style but very appealing to the eye. There is an on-site museum and information and displays of water powered equpment and the development of gas and electric power to the house and workshops. The house is also very interesting with more history, furniture and paintings and other artwork on display. We spent 2 1/2 hours here but it could easily have been longer. Recommended. Some paths may not be suitable for people who have walking difficulties.
google.com
Source: google.com
A lovely garden with a good restaurant.
google.com
Source: google.com
A fantastic little spot!
google.com
Source: google.com
Great walks, lovely gardens and ponds.
Restaurant superb
google.com
Source: google.com
Great visit today
Had a great Easter egg hunt with my grandsons around the gardens and they enjoyed the activity room with all the creative items to make .
google.com
Source: google.com
The house is rather nice, giving a glimpse of what life was like for country estate communities before the Great War. It also hosts art exhibitions and installations that only enhance the beauty of the place. I loved the birds' nests installation, which I thought utterly unexpected, in a really good way. But the real gem for me were the Gertrude Jeckyll designed gardens. This is a vast place, yet every bit of it is crammed full of interesting plants, which combine to give views of painterly quality at every turn. The engineer in me also loved the water mill and all the quirky devices it powered. If you love art, history, gardens and old technology, you will have a great time here; allow three hours for the whole visit.
google.com
Source: google.com
We had a lovely visit today, the bluebells are just coming out and look stunning. Don't miss seeing them.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Beautiful gardens & scenery.

Annie who greeted us was a credit to Hestercombe as she was very friendly and knowledgeable. She really made our visit special.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Beautiful big garden walks & waterfalls. Dog friendly. It wasn't our first visit and we will be back again in the summer! 🌞🌺🌸🌼🐶
google.com
Source: google.com
Nice Mothers' Day walk around the grounds of Hestercombe with a lovely roast dinner in the Stables. Only problem was that when we wanted to go back into the gardens after we'd eaten, it was impossible - even though they are open until 5pm! Ticket office was closed and there was no other way of returning to the garden. A disappointing end to the visit, considering the price paid for a group of four people.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Interesting house and garden with several lakes and quite extensive paths. Some a bit steep or rough for a mobility scooter or the Tramper scooter we hired.
google.com
Source: google.com
Visited today with a friend and had a wonderful day in the sunshine. The valley was awash with daffodils and the cascade was in full flow.
The lakes were tranquil with a solitary swan and several pairs of ducks.
We enjoyed a delicious lunch in the Stables restaurant, and enjoyed the exhibition in the house. All the staff were friendly and helpful. I would recommend you visit Hestercombe for a happy day out.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Lovely gardens. Top notch cafe
google.com
Source: google.com
A lovely sunny spring day with the daffodils all out. A quality lunch at the cafe (sit and order) followed by a 3 hour walk around the gardens. Not sure what to expect but it was wonderful.
Paths tricky if you have mobility issues but plenty of short walks around formal gardens and lower ponds.
Only time for a quick house visit but very informative an̈d simple.
google.com
Source: google.com
We had a delicious lunch at The Stablesrestaurant, then a walk, and then came back for afternoon tea. All served with a smile in very pleasant surroundings.
google.com
Source: google.com
I loved it as a kid you really need to explore both ends to get the most out of it

shame it’s expensive

the cafe is a bit hit or miss
I loved my Camembert
but they used to have vegan sandwiches that were really overpriced I think if you missed lunch they were the only option near the gift shop

try and find the witches hut!
google.com
Source: google.com
I have photographed many weddings here, the orangery and grounds are lovely :) If you are looking for a photographer who knows Hestercombe very well please drop me a message. WHOISBENJAMIN PHOTOGRAPHER - Taunton
google.com
Source: google.com
Beautiful Italian style gardens and parkland to walk in. Excellent cafe/restaurant too
google.com
Source: google.com
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Latest News & Updates

Get a ‘Life is Sweet’ greeting from Hestercombe
17/11/2013

Up and coming Somerset illustrator Angie Spurgeon has secured a deal to have a range of her products stocked by a popular garden attraction in the county from this month onwards (November, 2013). Read article