Hestercombe Gardens
Latest Reviews
We last visited Hestercombe about 20 years ago when it was the HQ of Somerset Fire Service and the restoration of the gardens was underway. Today it is simply stunning. Work around the lakes is still ongoing. The rest of the garden has been restored to a very high standard. It is now possible to access the house, which houses a lovely restaurant. The house is unfurnished but in some way it allows the architecture to be enjoyed more. We could not sample the menu as the restaurant is not open every day. However the shop and cafe do not let the garden down. It is well worth travelling some distance to visit Hestercombe. I cannot imagine anyone being disappointed.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Friends,who make an effort to travel over twenty miles to visit regularly,are season ticket holders and we sometimes visit when staying with them.
The gardens are delightful,from the walks up the hill in the woods,to the more formal gardens near the house. The formal gardens planting is spectacular and extremely well maintained.
We missed seeing the resident kingfisher on the lake this time and assume he was on his holidays!
The cafe is better than most similar venues (good quality at reasonable prices). The shop could do with a little less cheap 'rubbish'.
Well worth a visit!
The gardens are delightful,from the walks up the hill in the woods,to the more formal gardens near the house. The formal gardens planting is spectacular and extremely well maintained.
We missed seeing the resident kingfisher on the lake this time and assume he was on his holidays!
The cafe is better than most similar venues (good quality at reasonable prices). The shop could do with a little less cheap 'rubbish'.
Well worth a visit!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
For a year we became members which is well worth it. Lovely gardens for everyone. Oldies, children and even disabled people , we saw someone on a buggy. Lovely coffee shop and restaurant..
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
It has been a few years since I have been around the gardens at Hestercombe and I have to say they did not disappoint, they are even more beautiful than I remember, such a relaxing and peaceful place to spend a day, it was good to see so many different generations enjoying the beauty of these unique gardens, and what a bonus to be able to still walk your dog around the gardens. There are two excellent areas to eat offering a wonderful choice of food. Loved it will return soon.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August you certainly see a garden at it's prime. Gorgeous planting and lots to explore if you have time. We walked for ages around the spacious grounds. The children enjoyed spotting the various sculptures and follies en route. Thoroughly enjoyable afternoon out.
Super plant sale at the exit too.
Super plant sale at the exit too.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Having lived in Taunton since 1960 I am amazed that this was my first visit to the Gardens but it was. My wife and I visited yesterday and it has to be said that the weather was outstanding which helped greatly. The whole of the site was beautiful, restful and well maintained. During school holidays they have a series of children's activities every Tuesday. The fact that there were lots and lots of children on the site did not detract from the enjoyment because one hardly heard them at all and when one did it was just the enjoyment noise that one would expect. The staff at reception were so helpful and explained, not in a condescending way, the best route for my wife's mobility scooter. We were not disappointed at all with the visit. As with everything one can find criticism if one looks deeply enough. For instance there is little shelter in the gardens if the weather should take a turn for the worse and the food in the Stable Café was a little on the expensive side. Having said that, the baguettes we consumed were absolutely marvellous and the chocolate cookies are to die for (don't tell my diabetic nurse!). You are welcome to take your own food and there are ample picnics available in a couple of places. Overall a smashing visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We went here to introduce my fiancé to his new in-laws and it was a lovely sunny day. The scones were bloody massive and the amount of clotted cream and strawberry jam they had in a pot was criminal, there was LOADS! The scones weren't overpriced and other than that (as a Coeliac me) I had some crisps and a coke. Good nosh. :)
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The person who picked the horrible lime green chairs for the café should have gone to Specsavers.They are totally out of keeping with the surroundings.
Gardens are fantastic and a credit to the lady gardeners.
Shame about the house which is crying out to a- turn the downstairs rooms into a large gift shop selling quality gifts instead of the cheap tat in the present shop b- turn the house into a antique / art / craft centre with individual rooms rented out to different traders c- furnish the downstairs with period furniture....I would personally visit regularly if option b were chosen.
Gardens are fantastic and a credit to the lady gardeners.
Shame about the house which is crying out to a- turn the downstairs rooms into a large gift shop selling quality gifts instead of the cheap tat in the present shop b- turn the house into a antique / art / craft centre with individual rooms rented out to different traders c- furnish the downstairs with period furniture....I would personally visit regularly if option b were chosen.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Beautiful gardens and an interesting house. The explanation of how the gardens were renovated brought it all to life. Cafe is also good for a roast or Guinness cake!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Beautiful and peaceful lovely environment. Walks there are amazing lakes, splashing water fall is fun to splash about in, unique buildings, beatiful. The trails are brilliant. The restraunt is relaxing and food is good
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I recently enjoyed a sunny summers' day at Hestercombe- we had a lovely walk arounf=d the gardens- which are looking stunning in their full herbaceous beauty and then we enjoyed a superb lunch in the Colonnade Restaurant. The service was superb and the beef cheeks main course -outstanding. After lunch we sat in the garden and soaked up the peace and quiet before heading home feeling refreshed, a perfect tonic for a busy life!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
There are super terraced gardens with lovely views and wooded garden walks. Some of the paths are quite steep but fine if you take it slow. There is a nice shop and cafe.
There was a wedding taking place when we visited on Saturday afternoon in the orangery but this does not stop you going in the gardens nearby.
There was a wedding taking place when we visited on Saturday afternoon in the orangery but this does not stop you going in the gardens nearby.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited Hestercombe last weekend. You need a whole afternoon to do the gardens justice. The site covers 50 acres! Highly recommended.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Amazing place great wedding venue or just a walk around the grounds. Lovely views in all weather's.
Source: google.com
I have visited Hestercombe on several occasions in different seasons and found the
formal Gardens to be of exceptional quality. The informal grounds are less eye catching,
So much more could be made of this stunning site, more information on trees and shrubs a simple sign giving the visitor the botanical name would be a bonus.
Also for a reasonable sum of money the water cascade could be increased the result
would be well worth the cost. This lovely walk needing a reasonable amount of energy
could be enhanced and the footfall would would be greatly increased.
I now look at the catering and retail side of the attraction. The catering is adequate and the staff friendly and obliging. The shop has a attractive range of merchandise and a great deal of thought has gone into the book section, I was delighted to see Shire Books
And other books dealing with Country matters shown, very refreshing. In all the buyers
have worked hard to produce a first class range of merchandise.
The Garden section again stocked interesting plants at affordable prices. I am sure this
Would be reflected in good sales figures.
Lastly I come to the house. I feel that there must be some reason for the complete lack
of taste and neglect that you feel if you enter the house. What an opportunity lost,I am
sure you do not me to try to point out what has not been ACHEIVED .
However I came to see the Gardens not the house
formal Gardens to be of exceptional quality. The informal grounds are less eye catching,
So much more could be made of this stunning site, more information on trees and shrubs a simple sign giving the visitor the botanical name would be a bonus.
Also for a reasonable sum of money the water cascade could be increased the result
would be well worth the cost. This lovely walk needing a reasonable amount of energy
could be enhanced and the footfall would would be greatly increased.
I now look at the catering and retail side of the attraction. The catering is adequate and the staff friendly and obliging. The shop has a attractive range of merchandise and a great deal of thought has gone into the book section, I was delighted to see Shire Books
And other books dealing with Country matters shown, very refreshing. In all the buyers
have worked hard to produce a first class range of merchandise.
The Garden section again stocked interesting plants at affordable prices. I am sure this
Would be reflected in good sales figures.
Lastly I come to the house. I feel that there must be some reason for the complete lack
of taste and neglect that you feel if you enter the house. What an opportunity lost,I am
sure you do not me to try to point out what has not been ACHEIVED .
However I came to see the Gardens not the house
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited with family & had lovely wander in the gardens followed by drinks & cakes in cafe.
The gardens were large & well laid out although a little more information about the plants as you walk around would be welcomed.
The house lets the whole experience down. I would have expected the rooms to be furnished in keeping with the Edwardian period. The restaurant looks nice but as the rest of the building is empty it seems a little odd. There is a resident artist whose work takes up the top floor. However her work was not to my liking & again something more in keeping with an Edwardian country manor would be more appropriate.
The gardens were large & well laid out although a little more information about the plants as you walk around would be welcomed.
The house lets the whole experience down. I would have expected the rooms to be furnished in keeping with the Edwardian period. The restaurant looks nice but as the rest of the building is empty it seems a little odd. There is a resident artist whose work takes up the top floor. However her work was not to my liking & again something more in keeping with an Edwardian country manor would be more appropriate.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited Hestercombe with a friend. We wanted a stroll that wouldn't be too taxing and some cake!
We found super friendly staff, incredible gardens and an art exhibition which changes every 3 months.
Food was hard to choose due to the selection but chose a cream tea which didn't disappoint.
There is a longer walk that I will return to complete and the plants on sale require another inspection.
Great day out - thank you. 😊
We found super friendly staff, incredible gardens and an art exhibition which changes every 3 months.
Food was hard to choose due to the selection but chose a cream tea which didn't disappoint.
There is a longer walk that I will return to complete and the plants on sale require another inspection.
Great day out - thank you. 😊
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Our Grandson got married here to his beautiful girl, the setting was magical, the reception in the Orangery was superb, food and staff were excellent, just a perfect day. The grounds are magnificent and would love to visit again to explore them further.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We are members here, so no surprise we love it. Expensive entry (£11 each) if you're not members.
Our boys of 3 and 5 love it. Particular favourite is playing in the stream and waterfall.
Dogs must be kept on leads, which suits us as our Beagle would disappear otherwise!
It is beautiful and very picturesque, especially in the sunshine. Cold clear winter days are my personal favourite.
You are not allowed picnics within the gardens, but there are a handful of picnic benches before the entrance.
Car parking is free. They have charging for electric vehicles.
Our boys of 3 and 5 love it. Particular favourite is playing in the stream and waterfall.
Dogs must be kept on leads, which suits us as our Beagle would disappear otherwise!
It is beautiful and very picturesque, especially in the sunshine. Cold clear winter days are my personal favourite.
You are not allowed picnics within the gardens, but there are a handful of picnic benches before the entrance.
Car parking is free. They have charging for electric vehicles.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Had a lovely stroll around the grounds this afternoon with the wife, the last time we visited our sons were boys, We didn't climb the highest routes as wife found it to challenging. Nevertheless it was a lovely afternoon out, We bought some plants which were a reasonable price if not cheaper than a garden centre. Only critism was the prices in the stable cafe were a little steep, £2-30 for the smallest bottle of coke I have ever seen, although tea and coffee did seen reasonable
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A lovely location with beautiful walks and far reaching views. Something for everyone here and after a lovely walk visit the restaurant for drinks and a light lunch, wonderful and very reasonable membership rates so we can do it again and again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a truly picturesque setting for a fairy tale wedding. They chose their venue well. Staff were very good, food was delicious. I fully recommend Hestercombe Gardens if you were looking for a wedding venue, even if you just want to look around the grounds it is a worthwhile day out too. We will certainly revisit .
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I hadn't been here for years - over 15 - so wasn't sure what to expect. A lot has been done to it in that time. The gardens are lovely and the walk up to the lake is beautiful. There is a lovely waterfall and so much to see. It is also dog friendly. Dogs can go anywhere except in the house which is great. The house itself is empty except for a second hand bookstall and some art space. They plan to exhibit art and open it up for gallery space. But you can see what the house would have been like - amazing views out to Taunton. We had lunch in the café which was great. Staff were really friendly and the food was delicious. I would highly recommend visiting.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We came here today (27/07/16) because we missed last Wednesday's trip here. We travelled via West Somerset Steam Railway because it provides value for money - at a total cost of £24 this includes the train journey, a vintage bus to the destination from Bishops Lydeard, and admission to Hestercombe (normally £11 per adult). The vintage bus journey was fun because we were sat on the open top deck and were subject to occasional drizzly rain and overhanging branches and shrubs. When we got there, we were given a small easy to use map of the area. The trails and gardens were well maintained, even those off the beaten track. The gardens by Hestercombe House were very symmetrical and colourful and it was a pleasure to see such a masterpiece. There were also water features such as waterfalls and ponds. I bought some duck and fish food earlier (60p per bag) which they loved. There was a resident swan that was very territorial and hungry so it pecked my foot! We briefly popped into the House for a spot of lunch, only to find the food was very expensive, so we decided to have lunch at the tea room by the entrance to the grounds (ham salad brown baguettes including crisps and side salad at £6.25 per person washed down with tea). We noticed there was a gallery and book shop at the house but didn't have time to visit. By the tea room there was a large shop with a separate garden shop so we had plenty of time to look around. By 1530hrs we had to make our way back to the vintage bus to Bishops Lydeard and onward to Minehead via train
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a beautiful setting upon the Quantock hill. Lovely gardens, pretty tea room. Me and my wife enjoyed the elegant walks through it all. Definitely worth a visit!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
