Hestercombe Gardens

4.6/5 based on 2438 reviews
Latest Reviews
my partner was not happy that there was no concessions for oaps, the gardens were nice and very interresting to walk around, the waterwheel was very good, had a coffee in the cafe a little expensive ( but no different than other places like this)
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Went there for a few hours with the wife to marvel at the beautiful gardens, lovely gardens well kept, had a coffee in the cafe, not expensive, always something different to see, helps if the sun is shining
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We didn't get to see all the gardens as it started to tip down with rain. I gave it 5 based on what we saw which was excellent. The restaurant for lunch was outstanding and then to walk in the gardens and come back to the restaurant for a real cup of tea was wonderful. The watermill was very interesting and the bookshop inside was well stocked and had knowledgeable staff. We will be back to see more in better weather. It is expensive to get in but there is a lot there. Even our four legged friends were welcome.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We are members and frequent visitors. Hestercombe has something to offer through the year for all ages. Regular special, seasonal events help to keep everyone's interest while creating a sense of anticipation! Grounds are wonderful and food, especially in the Stable Cafe, is to be recommended.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We have been visiting Hestercombe gardens for many years and alway enjoy the varied walks around he formal and woodland gardens. Spring and Autumn are good for the woodland gardens, with spring bulbs, snowdrops, daffodils and bluebells and golden leaves in the Autumn. In the summer you can enjoy shaded walks through the woods and paddle in the stream and the formal garden is stunning set amongst the Lutyens architecture.

Much work has been done to the gardens over the years and continues to the day. The house has recently opened, but is not particularly note worthy.

There is a nice cafe and formal tea room and gift shop and plant sales area. Parking is free.

Membership is reasonable especially if you live close by and make regular visits.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a lovely garden. I had visited before and been distracted by the fabulous formal garden, this time of year is less spectacular so we decided to look at the informal part.
The lady where you pay is so friendly (consistent with last visit), but we didn't quite believe the '2hrs to get around' - amateurs that we are!!
You could do a circuit much quicker if short of time but it really is worth finding all of the buildings and their views. There is a wonderful cafe/restaurant and shop selling gifts & plants on site as well as a beauty salon (as yet untried).
The house was disappointing as the art gallery was shut for changeover of artist and it can best be described as a work in progress although there is a formal restaurant with magnificent views and they hold weddings there.
Loads of space for children to run around and plenty of picnic areas when the weather picks up.
We all need to support this independent and historic house (but mostly garden!!)
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
It is nice here but very over-priced unless you are a member. The tearooms are okay but they could probably do more with it and I thought it was also slightly overpriced.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Great walks, gardens, shop and refreshments
google.com
Source: google.com
Fairly local to this place and been many times. The gardens are a wonderful space but this time we went to see the house and the art exhibition, what a disappointment ! The house has some fantastic features and could be fabulous if they had the money to restore the place properly, but the art ? Well, total rubbish in our view and completely out of context in its environment. Contemporary art is an acquired taste I realise but this stuff is nonsense ! I am sure there are better local artists could would exhibit here which are more in keeping with the surroundings firstly, and secondly, not likened to a poorly put together primary school collection.... Very poor, the second hand book shop however is great !
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Lovely walks and gardens as promised in the guide. Visited the art exhibition which was in the lovely old house but wished there was some way of restoring the house to its former glory as it has some stunning features - the art wasn't it for me but each to their own. The cafe served lovely food at reasonable prices and lots of gluten free options so very happy husband. Well worth a visit and next time we will go in the summer with a picnic as such lovely grounds to roam.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Popped in for Sunday lunch in the stable lovely roast and able to walk it off Afterwards in pleasant surroundings
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A very nice venue to relax with friends and family. Lovely gardens to walk around and the restaurant serves tasty food
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I have been a member for 3 years and visit fortnightly with family/friends and dog. There is always something different in flower to notice and a walk around the lakes never fails to please. The cafe is dog friendly inside and out all year round and the menu changes regularly I find it good value with generous portions. The membership is also good value
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Having been given a season ticket we visited for the first time on a cold but sunny day in January and we were not disappointed.
Lovely views and pleasant cafe.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Have been to Hestercombe a few times, it's a great place to blow the cobwebs away by walking around the beautiful grounds and gardens and there's also a choice of places for lunch. Great food, helpful, friendly staff. Second hand books are also for sale in the house. The volunteers help in the garden and the house. Well done to them all.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Always a great place to relax Good food nice atmosphere
Good for couples or families Great walks good staff
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
2016 Xmas fayre was interesting and topped off with tasty home-made soup and roll.
Only 4 miles outside of Taunton with gorgeous views. Suitable for all mixed groups but could be slightly difficult for disabled.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Hestercombe Gardens are like stepping back in time! From the moment you arrive there are amazing views, architecture, and gardens. The lovely walks around the ponds will lead you through a woodland where you will discover cascading waterfalls, follies and shelters as you stroll along the paths. Hestercombe House is not to be missed with it's vibrant art installations that invite visitors to stop and stare and perhaps afterwards enjoy a cream tea in its beautiful restaurant.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Good cafe, great gardens and membership is excellent value
google.com
Source: google.com
Very lovely place, shame the weather was bad but imagine great for a picnic in summer
google.com
Source: google.com
Lovely place and did take lots of photos as is my hobby. Different seasons have different looks. Just a little pricey on entry if want to go several times. Would like to go in every season.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Fab gardens. Great cafe and its all dog friendly too.
google.com
Source: google.com
Beautiful parkland for walking and historic formal gardens. A slope of snowdrops is lovely just now.
google.com
Source: google.com
Took my 5yr old boy here for an easter hunt and we loved it. Entrance prices are quite expensive, as is the food, but we had a good morning out and the activities for the kids were well planned and catered for.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Lovely gardens, lovely staff, great coffee shop, parking easy and dog friendly. Bargain to become a yearly member. Well worth a visit, even over the winter period.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Displaying page 73 of 98
Latest Reviews
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