Hestercombe Gardens
Latest Reviews
Very enjoyable experience, and the formal gardens are stunning. We we a little shocked at the £10.50 entry fee per person though . .
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Hestercombe is fantastic, its a slice of heaven, i wandered around and found myself very relaxed, all the staff were very welcoming from the entrance hall to the gardeners, the food is very good in the cafe. Why did i wait this long to visit ?
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Well worth a visit to the gardens, the house let it down even though there was a art display but the gardens more than made up for it.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
It is several years since we have been here but we found it was disappointing as I could only access a small amount of the gardens in my mobility scooter which I have to use now. I could not see very much of the Edwardian and Victorian Garden at all and only a small bit of the landscaped Gardens. There was also a wedding party in the gardens which made us feel as though we were intruding when they were taking photos and I'm sure the guests did not want random members of the public wandering through. I understand the gardens are listed and therefore can not be altered for disabled access but this should be pointed out on your website that very little is accessible and I even had rang up for advice. I understand it is run by a charity and why you need to make money with weddings but I think you need to rethink how the wedding guests can be separate from the paying public. I was also very disappointed by the lack of flowers on show. Alot more could be done. Also the paths that were available for mobility scooters and wheelchairs was covered in large plants in several areas. I suggest someone uses a scooter themselves to check the paths regularly and you need more signs to show where they can go as it is not always clear.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Interesting gardens with fabulous views. There are several guided routes depending on how far you want to walk. The formal gardens in front of the house are stunning.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We spent a very relaxing day meandering around the gardens and grounds here.
There were lots of landmarks to find to keep us entertained (although we didn't really get the "Turkish" tent, which was a mucky bit of canvas on a hill).
We did have a couple of niggles - the cafe is very expensive for what you get.
We wished we would have waited and eaten properly at the column restaurant, which was of a very high standard, with great views and a lovely waiter.
The other thing was the admission - I always choose to gift aid but this should be a choice not an assumption and all admission choices should be advertised.
All in all a lovely day.
There were lots of landmarks to find to keep us entertained (although we didn't really get the "Turkish" tent, which was a mucky bit of canvas on a hill).
We did have a couple of niggles - the cafe is very expensive for what you get.
We wished we would have waited and eaten properly at the column restaurant, which was of a very high standard, with great views and a lovely waiter.
The other thing was the admission - I always choose to gift aid but this should be a choice not an assumption and all admission choices should be advertised.
All in all a lovely day.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I really enjoyed our visit so much that we brought a season ticket, the food was good enjoyed the gardens and the walks and the art exhibition was an added bonus. Dog freindly too.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We came here as our friends and family recommended for to go there for a walk as it was a beautiful place... and they were right!
The flowers were beautiful and it was a nice sunny day. It really relaxed but our youngest was really bored unfortunately!
I would recommend these gardens to anyone who wants a nice, relaxing and stunning walk but I would recommend it to people who have young kids
The flowers were beautiful and it was a nice sunny day. It really relaxed but our youngest was really bored unfortunately!
I would recommend these gardens to anyone who wants a nice, relaxing and stunning walk but I would recommend it to people who have young kids
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This a beautiful place and you should not miss it next time you are in Taunton. It is peaceful and great for picnic. the kids had a great time running and playing around. and the cafe/restaurant had a good selection of cakes, teas and coffees. all source locally and very tasty too.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A 2nd visit and it is still as lovely as we remembered. The formal gardens were full of plants. More so than u have seen in other gardens. It informal look so natural, with lakes and a waterfall. We took a wander round stopping and looking here and there. Found we spent 2 hours in the formal gardens alone. Very dog friendly.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Excellent gardens and some lovely walks, different levels of effort so good for all. Watch out for the water as green so doggy just stepped in, was ok but wet.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Beautiful well kept gardens, dogs welcome in the gardens and in the restaurant. Excellent food available, good choice and reasonable prices. Lots of planned events on throughout the year, so check their website for details.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
An excellent stopping of place and very dog friendly. When gardens of this quality welcome our four legged friends it demonstrates that other gardens are often just being difficult.
The formal gardens are brilliantly designed and perfectly structured whilst the long woodland walk opens up to a range of surprise views and fascinating little follies to rest awhile.
The formal gardens are brilliantly designed and perfectly structured whilst the long woodland walk opens up to a range of surprise views and fascinating little follies to rest awhile.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Assuming you enjoy garden visits, I cannot think you will be disappointed. Has similarities to the better known Heligan Gardens in Cornwall, being a garden rediscovery - although for us this was even more enjoyable. Many different areas ; large landscaped garden and lakes, woodland walks and viewpoints, formal gardens, and small intimate gardens and borders. The house is interesting to look in, but little remains apart from a good-looking restaurant that was sadly closed when we visited. The main courtyard restaurant was excellent and would be a favourite for simple lunches if we lived locally. Photographers will also find considerable to inspire them here. Spent 5 hours here, so good value.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Amazing grounds and building, especially the formal gardens with the views. The trails through the rest of the grounds are relaxing and peaceful.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We were given year passes to the garden as Christmas presents & have been many times, this time we were able to access Hestercombe House which was lovely where inside is still "work in progress". The cafe has lots of very nice food, a little expensive, but on a nice day we usually take a picnic. Every time we visit we find different areas of interest with in the gardens as changing season bring an abundance of colour & scent from a fantastic range of plants,trees & flowering fauna. The waterfalls are wonderful & the sound of running water whilst having some quiet time is very tranquil. We will return again & again & again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Lovely views, lovely walks through different landscaped gardens, things for children to do ,along with a shop and restaurant.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A wonderful garden restoration which has resulted in some beautiful formal gardens and grounds being restored to their former glories, excellent shop, garden shop, restaurant and large second hand book shop
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Well laid out gardens, the parkland part I must say lacked somewhat in colour as the blooms had all gone and there appeared to be no succession to follow. Also the great cascade alas resembled a mere piddle of a waterfall. The formal part triumphs here, great terracing and hoards of colour all softened by small plants growing between the paving and from walls. I liked the water features as well. Moving on to the house, here there is a lot of untapped potential for the site, its early days yet but the house needs to be utilized properly. Liked the cafeteria and enjoyed our soup and rolls. Well worth a visit for formal garden lovers.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We were on our way home from holiday in Devon and stopped off here for tea-and-cake-and-shopping. The cafe offers some very good food to be enjoyed inside or in the courtyard. I particularly liked the apple and walnut crumble cake.
The shop is small but offers some interesting choices - I smiled at the packet of 'Suffolk Herbs' seeds that are being sold in Somerset and are actually produced in Essex!
The shop garden had some interesting and well-cared for plants for sale.
I admit we didn't look at the gardens as it looked a little expensive and we were running short of time. But as a way of breaking a journey then this place is very welcome.
The shop is small but offers some interesting choices - I smiled at the packet of 'Suffolk Herbs' seeds that are being sold in Somerset and are actually produced in Essex!
The shop garden had some interesting and well-cared for plants for sale.
I admit we didn't look at the gardens as it looked a little expensive and we were running short of time. But as a way of breaking a journey then this place is very welcome.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Spent a pleasant August afternoon walking around the nicely set out gardens but the house has little appeal to this visitor.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Lovely gardens, ideal for a stroll but if you have children, play area needs improving. Also food for adults good but the sandwiches provided for children were too chunky.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A lovely quiet garden, easy to spend a lot of time wandering round. The café is nice too, and very friendly.
Note the carpark and paths are NOT really suitable for wheelchairs to get around, as some paths are gravel and fairly steep.
Note the carpark and paths are NOT really suitable for wheelchairs to get around, as some paths are gravel and fairly steep.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Wonderful secret little gem, the gardens are beautiful and well maintained. The food is fantastic, staff friendly and all in all makes a lovely day out, even the little book shop is great!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Lots to see and good place for a walk. half a day wasn't quite long enough. Good garden centre in shop
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
