Hestercombe Gardens
Latest Reviews
First time here today. Fabulous gardens and a beautiful walk. So many interesting outer buildings and follies. Fascinating history. Well worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We have always passed by this garden and never thought to go in it until we saw it on gardeners world .What a wonderful garden and grounds it takes your breathe away.There is a play area for small children and a picnic area as well as a cafe .If you are to walk the grounds wear good shoes as it is a 56 acre garden with pools and lakes with follies as well as the beautiful formal gardens and orangery.Paths are disabled friendly and pushchair friendly.Dogs are welcome on leads .The house has a artist in residence and her works are on show.The house is empty of furniture but has a restaurant as well as a second hand book shop.toilets are disabled and child friendly .Car park and coach park.Afterwards ? you will be too tired to any more ,
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We bar costed Hestercombe so many times and each time we have a wonderful time.
The views and the gardens are spectacular and we love stomping round to explore. The cafe and tea room are delightful and all the food is fresh and (I am guessing) local. It certainly seems it!
The addition of a BBQ over the recent bank holiday weekend was a brilliant idea and we really enjoyed tucking into it after our walking.
The views and the gardens are spectacular and we love stomping round to explore. The cafe and tea room are delightful and all the food is fresh and (I am guessing) local. It certainly seems it!
The addition of a BBQ over the recent bank holiday weekend was a brilliant idea and we really enjoyed tucking into it after our walking.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Hestercombe has a great deal to offer both adults and children. Four aspects justify mention.
The formal gardens, were designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens with planting based on schemes from Gertrude Jekyll. Walls on three sides surround the garden, which is laid-out in a rectangular pattern, with rills of water between rows of planting. To the south is an open view over the Vale of Taunton Deane to the Blackdown Hills. The semi-amphitheatre setting and the view to the south make for a special atmosphere. The range of plants is worthy of study.
The Orangery and Shrubbery, and the plants within them, also contribute to Hestercombe being a special place to visit.
Hestercombe covers some 40 acres containing the very special woodland walk. Laid-out in a valley, the walk contains a stream, several ponds, with associated planting, and the Grand Cascade, a waterfall issuing from a leat built into the hillside. On the hillside, set amongst the planted trees, there are a number of follies, including temples, urns and observation points, which add to the romantic atmosphere.
The cafe/restaurant in the converted stables, provides more than adequate refreshment, suitable for all ages, and the shop is well-stocked for gifts and souvenirs to purchase and take away.
Hestercombe is therefore a romantic and attractive venue for a relaxing and stimulating visit. it is only a short distance from the M5 motorway, and worth any detour to break-up any journey.
The formal gardens, were designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens with planting based on schemes from Gertrude Jekyll. Walls on three sides surround the garden, which is laid-out in a rectangular pattern, with rills of water between rows of planting. To the south is an open view over the Vale of Taunton Deane to the Blackdown Hills. The semi-amphitheatre setting and the view to the south make for a special atmosphere. The range of plants is worthy of study.
The Orangery and Shrubbery, and the plants within them, also contribute to Hestercombe being a special place to visit.
Hestercombe covers some 40 acres containing the very special woodland walk. Laid-out in a valley, the walk contains a stream, several ponds, with associated planting, and the Grand Cascade, a waterfall issuing from a leat built into the hillside. On the hillside, set amongst the planted trees, there are a number of follies, including temples, urns and observation points, which add to the romantic atmosphere.
The cafe/restaurant in the converted stables, provides more than adequate refreshment, suitable for all ages, and the shop is well-stocked for gifts and souvenirs to purchase and take away.
Hestercombe is therefore a romantic and attractive venue for a relaxing and stimulating visit. it is only a short distance from the M5 motorway, and worth any detour to break-up any journey.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Arrived on a hot Tuesday afternoon during the school holidays and found out that there were children's activities each Tuesday during the holidays. It looked really good and all the children were enjoying themselves. The gardens were remarkable and very visitor friendly with regard to access. Went in the house but did not go to the Art exhibition but went into the secondhand book sale. It was too hot to be indoors so went out and explored the gardens a little more before finishing off with a cream tea in the courtyard café. We did not have as much time there as we would have liked so will return and stay longer.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We spent over two hours here, walking around the gardens, which are really beautiful. The video detailing the history of the gardens and their restoration is very well done and well worth seeing. The second hand bookshop had some real bargains. Neither my wife nor I enjoyed the current (end August) art exhibition, but we are not avid fans of modern art. The staff were very friendly, and we would go again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Beautiful gardens for a romantic Sunday walk. Finished nicely with a coffee and cake in the café. Will be back with the kids
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Recently visited on a hot sunny day in the summer holidays. Although there were a lot of parked cars in adequate areas the garden was surprisingly uncrowded There was an art installation in the main house, it was very modern however a delightful guide helped us to understand the artist a little better.The gardens were glorious, in full summer bloom. Well worth exploring using the map. Enjoy the vistas, a lot of thought went into this design. Short films are available throughout and very helpful. Children loved the waterfall and challenges. Some areas maybe difficult for the disabled.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited this garden during a rainy day. It is relaxing but we expected more of the informal garden (but we're not garden specialists). The formal gardens close to the house however, are truly beautiful. Takes about 2 h for the place to visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Was at vivary park for a concert so didn't get to look around too much but what I did see looked beautiful, will come back to explore the whole park
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a beautiful place to visit, wonderful formal gardens and then complete contrast with lovely walks with a more informal beauty. Great for children to run around in safety and all the dogs we saw also loved it.
To walk around would take 2 to 3 hours at a leisurely pace. Good tea room area to eat and drink.
Gardens open at 10 am which is a very good time to get there if you can as you can then enjoy the tranquility of the place.
To walk around would take 2 to 3 hours at a leisurely pace. Good tea room area to eat and drink.
Gardens open at 10 am which is a very good time to get there if you can as you can then enjoy the tranquility of the place.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I have been to Hestercombe Gardens many times and I have never been disappointed by the variety of plants the layout of the gardens and the peace and beauty of the gardens especially as you walk away from the buildings towards the pond and up to the top. I recently had Afternoon tea in the Column Room which was very enjoyable with sandwiches, scones with cream and Jam, cake. a lemon posset, and accompanied by a pot of tea - delicious.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A real rarity for garden aficionados and a real pleasure for those looking for a gentle stroll through beautiful gardens.
Hestercombe gives you access to a gardens from the 1700s, 1800s and 1900s. The rare, highlight are the gardens architected by Lutyens with the planting designed by Jekyll in 1903. This formal part of the garden is stunning with amazing planting and colour schemes across different layers of garden.
The walks through the 18th century landscape is lengthy enough to feel that tea and cake has been well earned. With beautiful views across the ccounty and the akes of the garden.
The tea room serves a good range of fairly simple dishes and delicious cakes. We didn't try the restaurant.
Note for dog owners - you will be very welcome in all parts of the site except the house itself.
Hestercombe gives you access to a gardens from the 1700s, 1800s and 1900s. The rare, highlight are the gardens architected by Lutyens with the planting designed by Jekyll in 1903. This formal part of the garden is stunning with amazing planting and colour schemes across different layers of garden.
The walks through the 18th century landscape is lengthy enough to feel that tea and cake has been well earned. With beautiful views across the ccounty and the akes of the garden.
The tea room serves a good range of fairly simple dishes and delicious cakes. We didn't try the restaurant.
Note for dog owners - you will be very welcome in all parts of the site except the house itself.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Hestercombe is a lovely day out. Nestled at the edge of the Quantock Hills, A fully restored landscape garden awaits, both a formal and a fully landscaped huge area. Great food too, and a shop; you can easily spend all day here with the kids - plenty for them to do too!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
i was really looking forward to hestercombe and there were things about it I really liked but I did feel the borders were sadly lacking in colour ( a few dahlia bulbs or summer annuals would have made a big difference) the garden shop had dahlias and bright yellow rudbeckias so not sure why the garden borders had none of them in. the architecture and layout of the garden is enchanting with lily ponds but I did feel areas needed some love and care, there is a lovely woodland walk but all in all overpriced at £11 each
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited Hestercombe Gardens after they were recommended to us by a number of people. So glad we did. Beautiful formal gardens, landscaped grounds, water features, lake and waterfall all combine with amazing views across Somerset. We enjoyed it so much that we took out an annual membership so that we can visit throughout the year and see it through the changing seasons. Didn't have time to visit the House so still have that to look forward to.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We live locally but had not visited recently. This was an excellent visit. Sunny day and the garden still colourful given that this was August. The formal garden was memorable. The House visit took in an interesting modern art exhibition. Helpful staff at the entrance and in the Stables cafe. Very dog friendly and water bowls available. Will try not to have so long a gap before our next visit!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The two for one Gardeners World offer is accepted here. The Gardens have distinct areas with formal gardens to the front of the property including the interesting Dutch garden. The rest is set out in a series of vistas as you wonder through the woods and around the various ponds/lakes including a waterfall (more of a dribble in summer!). All in all a very pleasant walk through the woods and around the gardens. Good cafe as well to round off the day.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Hestercombe Gardens are a wonder to behold.
I have been visiting for several years and still enjoy every visit.
The formal gardens are beautifully laid out and the colours change from one season to another.
The main garden is lovely to stroll through, with many paths taking you past ponds, streams, irrigation channels, a wonderful selection of follies/buildings, as well as a beautiful selection of flowers, shrubs and trees. I can also thoroughly recommend the cafe/restaurant and the House and Orangery are well worth a visit
I have been visiting for several years and still enjoy every visit.
The formal gardens are beautifully laid out and the colours change from one season to another.
The main garden is lovely to stroll through, with many paths taking you past ponds, streams, irrigation channels, a wonderful selection of follies/buildings, as well as a beautiful selection of flowers, shrubs and trees. I can also thoroughly recommend the cafe/restaurant and the House and Orangery are well worth a visit
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
At least 2 hrs of fun for the kids running wild around the landscaping. Reasonably safe but be careful by the lake, no barriers. Otherwise you'll have a job keeping up with them.
Top tip.
When you get to the formal gardens if you block off all but one of the jets on the fountain the water goes a long long way. Enjoy.
Top tip.
When you get to the formal gardens if you block off all but one of the jets on the fountain the water goes a long long way. Enjoy.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a wonderful garden/estate to walk around! The grounds are great with a nature trail for kids to enjoy. They have lakes, streams, waterfalls and some lovely architectural buildings. We were lucky the weather was great and this made the walk and the surrounding even better. The walking routes are a little strenuous in places and can be fairly steep, but they cater for the less enthusiastic walkers with an easy route on flatter pathways. The formal gardens up around the house are beautiful. Full of symmetry and lazy water features. We had lunch in the cafe and I must say the food was excellent. Not the cheapest, but a good varied menu of home cooked food which went down a treat. They also have the obligatory shop where you can buy a whole host of gifts. We did not venture into the house unfortunately, but it looked fantastic.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Superb day out, garden well laid out and plenty of planting schemes, pagola very colourful. We particularly enjoyed the circular walk around the lake easy walking and not too steep. The tea room very welcoming with very pleasant staff,a visit to the shop, very well stocked.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Lovely place to visit each season or more often, especially worth buying an annual membership. Grandchildren love running around, walking in stream and feeding the ducks. Wonderful views for Nannie to enjoy, win win!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The gardens range from relaxed to the formal. Great place to walk the dog, or to allow the children to run off energy. They are great for all including disabled. The cafe is really good value and relaxed. The shop is also interesting for all. Evan the car park is free.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A Gertrude Jeckel garden in front of the mansion, previously the home of the Portman Family. There is a shop, plant nursery and a snack area at the back of the house and a Restaurant and art gallery inside the main house.
The walk in the grounds behind the house includes waterfall, lakes, streams and follies, and is well worth the trp.
The walk in the grounds behind the house includes waterfall, lakes, streams and follies, and is well worth the trp.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
