Hestercombe Gardens
Latest Reviews
This is a real jewel of a garden. A great walk around the woodlands up to the pond (don't miss the rill feeding the waterfall) and then back round into these wonderfully designed and planted gardens. The views across the Taunton vale are fabulous, there are some hidden gems, and the hard architecture is truly inspiring as it forms a great frame for all the plants. The coffee shop is worth a visit too.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Beautiful Gardens,lovely country settings,wonderful walks,great kanteen ,inspiring to a amateurs ,refreshing to professional gardeners.the garden architecture is amazing.well worth a visit .the history is great to !!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Hestercombe isn't very easy to find, (you have to make your way down some little lanes), but it's really worth the effort. Note that it is not a National Trust property.
First have a stroll around the woodland garden, stopping in the quirky follies to admire the landscapes. Then enjoy the formal but relaxed-feeling gardens, crammed with beautiful roses and other perennials.
The plants on sale were not only unusual, but bursting with health.
There was a modern art exhibition in the house itself, which unfortunately we hadn't left enough time to look at properly.
First have a stroll around the woodland garden, stopping in the quirky follies to admire the landscapes. Then enjoy the formal but relaxed-feeling gardens, crammed with beautiful roses and other perennials.
The plants on sale were not only unusual, but bursting with health.
There was a modern art exhibition in the house itself, which unfortunately we hadn't left enough time to look at properly.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Had a pleasant day by all,beautiful views of the vale of Taunton. Always something different through the year to see and a super coffee shop with home made cakes and lunches.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Usually use their stable coffee shop a few times a week as it makes a nice change from town centre places. Always pleasant service and a nice atmosphere. Only thing that can be annoying is they run out of tea cakes especially when a coach appears. As it is a big seller it seems strange that they can't cater for this when the know that coaches are booked in. Surely you would have enough stock! These can be put through the toaster frozen so why run out of a big seller ! However lovely place and a favourite There is a fee to gain access to the grounds but anyone can use the coffee shop at the front of the premises avoiding the fee.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We enjoyed a thoroughly delightful stroll throughout Hestercombe Gardens and took the path through the woodland area, past the ponds with their ducks and swans and came across various "follies" and seats where we could stop and take in the views of the surrounding countryside and the gardens. Hestercombe Gardens are extremely obliging of well behaved dogs, in fact seem to encourage it and this made our day all the more enjoyable - even being able to stop for a cuppa and slice of cake in the Stables Café where our dogs were allowed a bowl of water! There is a small Gift Shop and plant shop which was good to have a walk round. The House is open to visitors and has an ongoing exhibition of paintings and sculptures, plus some other interesting exhibits! We thoroughly enjoyed walking through this beautifully kept, natural garden and will most probably visit again as the surroundings are sure to be ever changing with the seasons.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We came here for a little day out and we are glad we did.
The gardens are well set out with lots of choices of path to follow depending on how far you really want to walk. We did the full walk and did find some areas steep so bear this in mind when choosing your route.
There are lots of valleys, sitting points and look out areas for you to enjoy the gardens in their fullest and the ponds they hold.
Once you have completed the walk you can then enjoy the walled gardens and their fountains which were well kept and good for a nice walk around.
The house is also now open for cream teas overlooking the gardens although we chose to go in the cafe afterwards by the shop. There is also an exhibition in the house at the moment and this looks to continue.
This was nice but I would really like to see picture or photos of the gardens of how they were previously throughout the ages.
Had a nice few hours here.
The gardens are well set out with lots of choices of path to follow depending on how far you really want to walk. We did the full walk and did find some areas steep so bear this in mind when choosing your route.
There are lots of valleys, sitting points and look out areas for you to enjoy the gardens in their fullest and the ponds they hold.
Once you have completed the walk you can then enjoy the walled gardens and their fountains which were well kept and good for a nice walk around.
The house is also now open for cream teas overlooking the gardens although we chose to go in the cafe afterwards by the shop. There is also an exhibition in the house at the moment and this looks to continue.
This was nice but I would really like to see picture or photos of the gardens of how they were previously throughout the ages.
Had a nice few hours here.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited with my family and in laws along with small children. The walk suited all and gave all a very pleasant day out in glorious surroundings.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Very enjoyable day out followed by a meal at the Lethbridge Arms, (already reviewed).All in all a very pleasant day
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Not the easiest place to find - our satnav seemed to struggle but we followed the brown signs... The landscaped garden was deigned to offer a variety of views - which it does perfectly. The walk is a little steep but worth it for the contrasts in perspective. In contrast the Lutyens/Jeykell formal garden provides a riot of planting and colour in a very exuberant but planned way. We liked the films setting the scene and explaining how the gardens came to be planted. We liked seeing the house too - currently in use as a gallery but until recently the offices of the fire brigade. Nice cafe, and a variety of plants on sale.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This was a nice way to spend the morning. We walked the grounds with our coffee and tea. Very peaceful. The grounds were beautiful. The house is being restored I believe. There was some art exhibit on the second floor which was interesting. I mostly enjoyed the outside. I wanted to have afternoon tea there, but we did not have time.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We call in every time we use the M5. It makes a great stop. Grown ups, the dog & oh yes children. All love breaking out off the car & heading into the gardens. The kids can run & tire themselves out & the older folk marvel as the garden is restored. 2out off 3 kids want to live in the restored garden house. It's lovely as the kids don't impinge on other visitors, this can be so annoying. The cafe is yummy & does a great choice off food and great coffee. Maybe one day I'll get too have a pamper session in the beauty parlour.
Ooh yes we also have to check the shop & plants out. Great place for that something special. Do I like Hestercombe. YES I DO :-)
Ooh yes we also have to check the shop & plants out. Great place for that something special. Do I like Hestercombe. YES I DO :-)
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Went here for a conference as we do every year and food is very good. The hall fro the conferences is OK a bit too long and narrow but that's just for our type of conference.
The Gardens are very nice however I do think the cost of entrance is a little too high
The Gardens are very nice however I do think the cost of entrance is a little too high
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
On a warm and sunny day we visited Hestercombe, acres of interesting gardens to roam. Some lovely formal gardens.The house was a disappointment, architecturally poor and institutionalised by the Somerset Fire service, and full of uninteresting modern sculptures and art. Followed by a good cream tea !
The Gardens are a member of the Historic Houses Association, thus free if you are a member.
The Gardens are a member of the Historic Houses Association, thus free if you are a member.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I love these gardens, there are formal ones designed by Gertrude Jekyll and natural landscaped ones. My favourite are the natural landscaped ones, with beautiful views across Taunton from the temple and fun secret houses which includes a witches house, great fun for kids. Also a lovely waterfall. Theres a cafe and shop selling plants and gifts.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A lovely way to spend an afternoon walking the gardens and enjoying the stunning views of Taunton and beyond. Suitable for all ages and plenty of places to sit and rest your feet. Once you've done the walk there is a lovely cafe/ resturant to treat yourselves.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Well we really enjoyed the gardens here today lots to see and such a fabulous designed garden we had nice weather which helps :) enjoyed the walk in the woods and am not sure about the buildings you come across ?
I felt the materials were to modern on some , the charm was not there which was a shame but overall we liked what we saw .
Now for the bad point 'the house' we were disgusted with what has been done to this amazing building the heart has been ripped out and they have made it into a gallery which is full of weird art which I know some people like but this stuff was inappropriate for children and not a warning in sight .
Shame on you owners of hestercombe I hope the national Trust buy this place and tastefully return this gem to its former glory as clearly you do not care about the history of this once beautiful home .
I felt the materials were to modern on some , the charm was not there which was a shame but overall we liked what we saw .
Now for the bad point 'the house' we were disgusted with what has been done to this amazing building the heart has been ripped out and they have made it into a gallery which is full of weird art which I know some people like but this stuff was inappropriate for children and not a warning in sight .
Shame on you owners of hestercombe I hope the national Trust buy this place and tastefully return this gem to its former glory as clearly you do not care about the history of this once beautiful home .
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Not particularly cheap,but still great value. Beautiful gardens and superb sandwiches! Looking forward to visiting the art gallery next...
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Really interesting gardens, wonderful landscape gardening, lots to explore from formal to informal, lakes, grottos, waterfall, paths and nice plant centre. The house was a bit disappointing, but we spent 5 hours exploring the grounds, so a great day out.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I love taking the kids here, it is a great place to bring them as they can run and explore and we can make up fairy tales as we walk around. It is beautiful and the perfect length of walk. We just keep returning and each time have a lovely time.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A wonderful and tranquil place for anyone. Dog friendly, so long as they are on the lead, And a wonderful wedding venue too.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Well worth trying - not cheap but very good lunch and ingredients are fresh - certainly recommend the pulled pork baguette
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Hestercombe is a 'must visit' garden. Never disappointing and always interesting and beautiful. Our most recent visit, in early spring, provided the opportunity to walk in woods carpeted in bluebells and other wildflowers, and view butterflies in the valley of the old landscaped gardens. It was also good to enjoy the structure of the formal Jekyll/Lutyens garden, even though there were few flowers in bloom. The views from the gardens to the Vale of Taunton are superb as always. A highly recommended visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Overall the grounds are well kept, some exhibitions are rather weak with limited access to the house. Very commercial and expensive visitor/tourist shop
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Since the house opened as an art gallery last year Hestercombe is starting to make its mark as an art venue in the South West. It's a pity that one can't just get entry to the house alone without paying for the gardens but their ambition is strong and we will see what the future holds. The current exhibition in the house 'A personal Passion', works from the Ingram Collection of Modern British and Contemporary Art, runs until 5 July. Well worth visiting.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
