Lovely gardens and great value on gardeners world 2 for 1. Nice scones but service a bit slow

Relaxing , rural but sculptured in parts .facilities brilliant, lovely selection of plants to purchase a most enjoyable day, shame its so costly , you need to be there for the day to feel you've had value for money. I think for locals that go more than an annual visit a slight reduction could be the way to go.

Very peaceful gardens with great views over somerset

I first visited Hestercombe Gardens many years ago for a wander and would love to return to the gardens again at some point. For our last visit though in December 2021, my husband, 5-year-old daughter and I came to see 'Illuminate' - a special Christmas event which I believe was new.

Hestercombe Gardens is approximately 40 minutes drive from where we live. We booked for an early evening slot and when we arrived parking was easy in the large car park.

We were greeted by a friendly lady at reception and off we went. 'Illuminate' was not quite what we were expecting. It started off with pink, purple and blue lit shrubs and trees - I loved this section. Then we were directed left up a hill by a member of staff - here the lights were more spread out with some colourful lit up trees and a red and yellow wall. It was particularly dark in places. Luckily we had brought a torch with us, but it could have been quite tricky without. I did particularly enjoy the long pathway of shrubs that were covered in hundreds, if not thousands of warm twinkly lights! We took some pretty photos here. After this we found ourselves in front of the house which had blue/purple lights shining at it and lots of cool colourful ground lights on the lawn that changed colour and sequence.

But that was it! That was the end of 'Illuminate!' At first we couldn't quite believe it - it had only taken us approximately 10 minutes to walk around it all! With this realisation we made our way to the cafe which had covered outdoor seating and a huge pretty firepit in the centre. My daughter and I enjoyed hot chocolate drinks before making our way back to the car.

Overall we had a pleasant festive evening out at 'Illuminate' and I was happy to be out and about again at Christmas. However, given the size of 'Illuminate' and the 40 minutes drive to get to Hestercombe Gardens, this isn't something we would do again - nor would I recommend it to family. I know it didn't cost as much as light trails by others, such as National Trust, but we did expect a bit more than what we got. It could be fantastic - but Hestercombe Gardens need to make it bigger!

Good relaxing walks with the dog, brilliant views, helpful staff with a great seated picnic area.

Absolutely fabulous would strongly recommend it to anyone who loves fantastic days out in beautiful surroundings. And there is a plant sales area with lots of reasonably priced plants run by a very nice lady . I can't wait to get my little corydalis plants and variegated Jacobs ladder back home . Well done to everyone who works at Hestercombe.

A wonderful visit with our family to Hestercombe. There was plenty to keep the grandchildren amused and interested. The little play area at the entrance was perfect for young children (3 and 5); they enjoyed the follies and seeing ducklings and fish in the lower pool. The highlight was the fountain in the formal area where they played with the water spouts. We adults loved the magnificent trees, waterfall, water mill, stunning orangery and formal gardens. We had a delicious lunch in The Stables Restaurant (see separate review) and enjoyed coffee and ice creams. We visited the main house for the gift shop and the well organised second hand book shop. The children loved climbing the magnificent staircase. Finally I loved all the variety of colours and especially the stunning rhododendrons and tree blossom. Overall a great day out. Thanks to al staff concerned.

Excellent afternoon tea! The cakes in particular were incredible. Great staff and lovely atmosphere.

Update: Finally visited the gardens after 5 years of living just down the road. They are an amazing mix of formal gardens, woodland, lakes and rills, and architecture. I gave Hestercombe a 5* review based on the cafe alone, but cannot give amy more. The price of admisssion is well worth it. Great for families and lots of the routes are wheelchair and pushchair accessible.

Old review: A nice change from the usual "meet for a coffee" places and a great place to cycle to. Millionaire shortbread is recommended!

This was a truly beautiful place. We went a week ago with the dog, and the gardens were gorgeous. We visited the little cafe and had THE BEST cream tea of my life.

Sadly, there was a wedding going on, so it did feel a little like 'we shouldn't be here.' If we had known there was a wedding we would have visited a different day. OTHERWISE, it was brilliant.

Also - the book store was adorable

Excellent afternoon out. Well maintained paths, which are easy to follow with the map supplied. Delious cakes and tea to end our walk. Will definitely be returning.

Beautiful, will definitely be returning.

Think this is are third visit here and as always not disappointed, early in the year this time for us, so plenty of new plants to see, with seemingly different views, bluebells out all over with the bluebell walk a real treat, had a nice snack at the cafe this time which was lovely and fresh. The house had a very interesting exhibition about the house and estate with items found in and around during renovations. Spent the best part of the day here, which gave us plenty of time to wonder around and find places we had missed before, the on going renovations and different plants. Friendly helpful staff.

Thanks to Monty Don we went to these gardens and were not disappointed. The pathways are well cared for and the map is easy to follow, which we did and didn't get lost!

Lovingly saved before it was lost to history.

Always is a nice place to visit, walking around the gardens then a nice cuppa tea after , so many nice places to visit in Somerset, we take it for granted,

Put yr walking boots in and enjoy. Beautiful scenery water falls cafe play areas. Fantastic for a family day out. Dogs need to be on leads and no eating in the grounds so no picnics. Cafe area bit pricey but lovely.

Had two visits to Hestercombe during the Easter holidays,one to a wedding and another for a birthday outing both very enjoyable.The wedding was very well organised with lovely places to take photographs( l was the photographer) and the wedding went very smoothly.The second visit went equally as well with my daughter, and my sister a treat for her birthday the cream tea was beautifully laid out and so much we had to take some of the cakes home in boxes the staff provided.The staff were very attentive and nothing was too much trouble highly recommended

had a lovely walk around Hestercombe with the dog. Relaxing even with lots of people around. Finished off with a cream tea.....which was scrumptious.

We had a late breakfast/brunch in the Stables restaurant at Hestercombe House. I opted for the house equivalent of a "full English" and it was beautifully cooked and delicious. The service was prompt, friendly and not rushed. After this we toured the gardens which are delightful. We've saved the house for another day.

Absolutely loved it! Worth seeing in any season. The photos simply don't do justice to such heritage.

Lots to explore and great food in the restaurant... There is also a cafe...

Lovely walk in the gardens amongst the daffodils. Tea and cakes sold in the courtyard and we even met her Ladyship.

Absolutely stunning gardens and thoroughly kind, helpful and knowledgeable staff, with delicious food and drink to be enjoyed, well earnt after are Easter Egg hunt!
Once again, I heartily recommend this fabulous place 🙂

Beautiful day out and lovely grounds. Children got to enjoy an Easter egg hunt! Lunch was also very enjoyable and lots of choices to choose from.