Hestercombe Gardens
Latest Reviews
The formal gardens by the house are very interesting and worth a close look - beautiful show of roses and burginia and sedums. Otherwise the rest of the gardens is very much a work in progress. The walks within the combe and the various 'temples', statuary etc are interesting, but overall it failed to meet our expectations.
The house is open to the public but is currently used as a gallery of modern art of debatable quality, which certainly didn't float our boat. The best 'original' room is the dining room which holds portraiture relating to previous owners of the estate.
We wouldn't wish to re-visit in the near future.
The house is open to the public but is currently used as a gallery of modern art of debatable quality, which certainly didn't float our boat. The best 'original' room is the dining room which holds portraiture relating to previous owners of the estate.
We wouldn't wish to re-visit in the near future.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Hestercombe Gardens are stunning, always something different to see throughout the year. Great facilities as well. Highly recommend a visit.
Source: google.com
Brilliant place to visit for all the family.
Source: google.com
Wonderful gardens to wander around. Variety of trees and plants to admire set in beautiful countryside.
Used the 2-4-1 Gardener's World card.
Used the 2-4-1 Gardener's World card.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Popped I before walking around the grounds. No breakfast offerings as such which was disappointing but they did have a secret stash of teacakes behind the counter when we asked. Lovely courtyard seating area and lunch looked super.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
These gardens have featured in top 20 lists of UK gardens to see, so we had been looking forward to the visit with high expectations. We were actually quite disappointed.
The more formal gardens were untidy and weed infestation rife. Even in the Edwardian garden designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and Gertrude Jekyll, we gained the impression they were losing the battle in managing the garden efficiently. The wider landscaping structure was impressive but the tree selection was a fairly narrow with little in the way of differing colours and shapes. Most of the wooded areas were dominated by laurel with little in the way of Rhododendrons (apart from one small area) so the colour form was quite plain.
Later that day we day we visited Stourhead, which we felt was far superior.
The more formal gardens were untidy and weed infestation rife. Even in the Edwardian garden designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and Gertrude Jekyll, we gained the impression they were losing the battle in managing the garden efficiently. The wider landscaping structure was impressive but the tree selection was a fairly narrow with little in the way of differing colours and shapes. Most of the wooded areas were dominated by laurel with little in the way of Rhododendrons (apart from one small area) so the colour form was quite plain.
Later that day we day we visited Stourhead, which we felt was far superior.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
There is a predictability about the National Trust Properties that we came to rely on. There will be a skimpy, poorly designed web site that's almost comically stingy with information. There will be toilets reliably located at strategic points and dependably clean. There will be a gift shop. Always a gift shop.
Hestercombe is stubbornly resistant to those trends. The web site is splendid and information-rich, eager to persuade you to plan your wedding there. The toilets are harder to find. Of course, there is a gift shop.
The "three gardens" aspect of Hestercombe was interesting. For me, the most engaging was a long walk around the estate, with beautiful views of the manor house from several remote points. The water wheel was a big disappointment.
We were eager to see the last remaining baracks where American soldiers had lived when they were stationed at Hestercombe during World War II. It too was a bit of a disappointment: the information presented there was confined to a few readerboards, and there was forest debris littering the floor.
Hestercombe is stubbornly resistant to those trends. The web site is splendid and information-rich, eager to persuade you to plan your wedding there. The toilets are harder to find. Of course, there is a gift shop.
The "three gardens" aspect of Hestercombe was interesting. For me, the most engaging was a long walk around the estate, with beautiful views of the manor house from several remote points. The water wheel was a big disappointment.
We were eager to see the last remaining baracks where American soldiers had lived when they were stationed at Hestercombe during World War II. It too was a bit of a disappointment: the information presented there was confined to a few readerboards, and there was forest debris littering the floor.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Lovely set of gardens set in a really pretty valley. We started by walking around gardens in the valley. It’s full of lots of paths to take but what you start to realise is that it’s all been planted and designed to highlight a specific view from a specific place. Once you realise that you really get a sense of how much time and thought went into the overall design and how effective is it. I loved the waterfall view from across the other side of the valley most.
Once we had finished walking we stopped by the plant shop to buy some very healthy looking plants then had lunch in the courtyard café – I had the falafel burger for lunch which was great. The courtyard is covered but open so a lovely place to sit. Staff we all great and good value too.
Once we had finished walking we stopped by the plant shop to buy some very healthy looking plants then had lunch in the courtyard café – I had the falafel burger for lunch which was great. The courtyard is covered but open so a lovely place to sit. Staff we all great and good value too.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We went with our grandchildren and their parents to see the transformation of the combe which we used to know many years ago. What a fabulous place it has become - a real haven to refresh the spirits - away from the busy world. The planting and the landscaping are wonderful. The restaurant and the shop are a notch above the usual and it was entirely suitable for all ages. There are even many areas accessible to wheel-chairs/push-chairs.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
nice gardens to walk around but seen better at lower prices. a good example of Lutyens and Jeckyl working together
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Extremely beautiful and peaceful gardens. We went with a couple of friends and decided to have a child free day, which was possibly was a good idea as I think we would of struggled pushing the push chair around.
There is a beautiful waterfall and woodland area. We also went into the house which was full of very 'interesting' art.
There is a beautiful waterfall and woodland area. We also went into the house which was full of very 'interesting' art.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We came here at a bank holiday week end but the woodland walk area & gardens are so big we didn't come across to many people, even the cafe was ok. Do get a free map when you arrive so you can find your way around the gardens, beautiful waterfall in the woodland area but if you have a child's buggy or a wheelchair you will struggle, uneven footpaths & very hilly in places and not many benches. If you do a full circuit could take the best part of an hour.
The formal gardens at the front of the house are beautiful with lots of Wisteria & daisies in the brickwork and quite a few benches around so you can sit and admire the views,
We did go in the house as we are HHA members so it didn't cost us any more but the house is empty except for some strange questionable art work.
The formal gardens at the front of the house are beautiful with lots of Wisteria & daisies in the brickwork and quite a few benches around so you can sit and admire the views,
We did go in the house as we are HHA members so it didn't cost us any more but the house is empty except for some strange questionable art work.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Second time at Hestercombe and again bowled over by the utter beauty of the formal garden with its architecture, water features, trees and plants. A delight for anyone who is a fan of Gertrude Jekyll gardens. The park offers a variety of walks, with some readily accessible for those with mobility issues. Friendly, helpful staff.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We live quite close to this garden, so took out an annual subscription. We love the gardens, views and my daughter gets quizzes to do, while you are going around. We both liked going last year. They put a lot of events on, like a spooky walk at Halloween, father Christmas in a grotto, they had ice rink and craft fairs. All set in this beautiful setting. Take a camara, there is some lovely vantage points to get good photos
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Spent a morning walking around the grounds . Well maintained and a lot of colour. Fantastic views from high vantage points. Lovely bluebell walk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The gardens here are lovely, as was the weather for our visit. I found it all rather expensive: entrance for two adults with lunch (quite nice) came to £43 - and this was in the first fifteen minutes. Nonetheless, the long walk is very good and the Jekyll planting in the more formal gardens is exquisite. My four year old grandaughter found lots of running spaces and lots of newts at which to marvel. The volunteers are working wonders at the weeding - bravo!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Today my husband and I visited Hestercombe for the first time. It was a glorious bank holiday Monday and the weather was certainly on our side. Having never visited we found the lady on reception really helpful, showing us the various areas on the map and helping to guide our visit.
We arrived at lunchtime and started with the cafe (I think it was called the stables). It was busy, but then it was a bank holiday! The food was delicious, very fresh tasting and arrived quickly. I had the quiche of the day (goats cheese and asparagus), which was beautiful and a much larger portion than I expected. My husband had the beef brisket and onion baguette which was also very tasty.
After lunch we spent a good few hours exploring the grounds and soaking in the beautiful views. We were there a total of 3 hours, but we could have easily stayed longer. Will definitely be back to visit again.
We arrived at lunchtime and started with the cafe (I think it was called the stables). It was busy, but then it was a bank holiday! The food was delicious, very fresh tasting and arrived quickly. I had the quiche of the day (goats cheese and asparagus), which was beautiful and a much larger portion than I expected. My husband had the beef brisket and onion baguette which was also very tasty.
After lunch we spent a good few hours exploring the grounds and soaking in the beautiful views. We were there a total of 3 hours, but we could have easily stayed longer. Will definitely be back to visit again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We literally stumbled on this place, whilst camping just outside of Taunton and searching Tripadvisor for things to do..... So glad we did. We absolutely loved it. Beautiful doesn't begin to cover it. Nature cross man made to perfection. Brilliant day out for walkers, families, doggie people, couples or anyone who wants to have a beautiful relaxing day out.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Had an amazing pamper morning at THE LAVENDER ROOMS for my daughters wedding ... She had an amazing day and looked soo beautiful ...
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Always something new to see at hestocombe. Beautiful formal gardens in front of the house then and real contrast in the wooded valley. Relaxing walk with my dog and family. Lovely benches for a picnic or have a light lunch in the cafe. What a wonderful setting for a wedding, we watched the guests arrive then the beautiful bride. This was the best day of the whole summer. Need to buy a year ticket to watch the seasons change throughout the year . Definitely worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a lovely setting at hestercombe. Beautiful gardens. And a lovely little restaurant which served delicious cream teas. Worth a visit just for that!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We chose Hestercombe over the National Trust Killerton property as dogs were allowed in the grounds, formal gardens and inside the Stables cafe and we were glad we did. It's a lovely place, we enjoyed our walk round the extensive wooded grounds which took us just over an hour and a hour at a fairly quick pace and we then enjoyed a pleasant lunch in the cafe followed by a visit to the formal gardens which we particularly liked. All of the staff were very friendly and helpful. I see that other reviwers think that the £11 entrance fee is expensive but this is an independent charity and there must be quite substantial upkeep costs. Would recommend Hestercombe for a day out if in the area - it's well worth it.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Lovley grounds. Setting beautuful. Ideal on a sunny to give best impression of this place.
Funny place to find as u feel like ur out in middle of now where and feel like ur lost but worth it in end.
Funny place to find as u feel like ur out in middle of now where and feel like ur lost but worth it in end.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Pretty gardens in various sections. One part is formal with terraces. Another is part is landscape garden laid out around a lake. Good tearooms in the stable block. Also a house but it is mainly a modern art gallery which is not my preference. Good for a nice walk and a cup of tea. Free if you have HHA membership.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a beautiful, relaxing place to visit, lovingly cared for whilst retaining a semi-wild sense to it. With nice cafe and restaurant it should suit any visitor and how ncie to find a dog-ftriendly location as well. We were so pleased we signed up for an annual pass and got 25% off for using direct debit, making this excellent value for money
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
