Hestercombe Gardens
Latest Reviews
We have a membership here and we love it. The kids love walking around, even our daughter who uses a kaye walker can make it around most parts of the main walk. They always have trails for kids to do. We enjoyed their Easter trails last year and their Fun Fridays during the school holidays. Thoroughly recommend!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This has the finest Lutyens/Jekyll garden that's open to the public, and yet the emphasis is all on the older landscape gardens - the map even shows the visitor route bypassing the Lutyens part altogether, and the original gate from old to new is no longer used. Why they feel the need to "enhance" a fine set of Lutyens steps with cheap half-barrel planters is beyond me, and the children's trail ended with an unsightly piece of paper hanging from the centrepiece of the garden. Entrance charge a little on the high side. Shop sells usual smelly tat - no scholarly books on garden design.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Not sure I really want to share this great place, don't want it to become Too popular! It has two different great gardens both with interesting history - 18thC wilderness walk in a beautiful combe with an array of garden buildings to rest in, plus, probably the best example of a Gertrude Jekyll & Edwin Lutyens garden - impeccably maintained. Plus - working steam engines, art exhibitions, an excellent 2nd hand bookshop and good food. You really can spend a whole day here - and come back again each season. Go - just not when I'm there!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
It would take us about 90 minutes to get to the gardens so we had to plan with the weather forecast. It didn't disappoint, a clear winter's day, it lit up the landscapes of the gardens. The snowdrops in drifts, bright yellow aconites, primroses and pulmonaria just some of the plants
below the tall well lit trees that take your glance up to the sky. Six buzzards were flying low, swirling into the sky and calling. We also spotted treecreeper, chaffinch, blackbird, robin, coal tit and heard song thrush singing. The lakes gave way to great reflections of the trees all interspersed with cascading waterfalls shining in the sun. In front of the house are the formal gardens in complete contrast to the relaxed landscapes of the rest of the gardens. The walks around the gardens were muddy in places so it's advisable to wear walking boots.
After the invigorating walk what could be better than a good meal, and you don't have to go far to find it here.Housed in the old stable block our meals were very tasty and not too expensive.
The house was next visited, we were given some literature upon arrival to read later I guess. It's best, if you can to talk to a guide, we spoke with a lady who told us some things about the house we would not normally have found out.
There are picnic tables near the entrance to the gardens should you want to take your own food. Also in the grounds there is a shop and a small area where plants can be purchased.
But don't forget while your walking around to view the wonderful landscapes beyond the gardens boundaries.
below the tall well lit trees that take your glance up to the sky. Six buzzards were flying low, swirling into the sky and calling. We also spotted treecreeper, chaffinch, blackbird, robin, coal tit and heard song thrush singing. The lakes gave way to great reflections of the trees all interspersed with cascading waterfalls shining in the sun. In front of the house are the formal gardens in complete contrast to the relaxed landscapes of the rest of the gardens. The walks around the gardens were muddy in places so it's advisable to wear walking boots.
After the invigorating walk what could be better than a good meal, and you don't have to go far to find it here.Housed in the old stable block our meals were very tasty and not too expensive.
The house was next visited, we were given some literature upon arrival to read later I guess. It's best, if you can to talk to a guide, we spoke with a lady who told us some things about the house we would not normally have found out.
There are picnic tables near the entrance to the gardens should you want to take your own food. Also in the grounds there is a shop and a small area where plants can be purchased.
But don't forget while your walking around to view the wonderful landscapes beyond the gardens boundaries.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Spent an enjoyable February Sunday morning wandering around. If Hestercombe is this nice on a grey winter day, it must be amazing in summer. We loved it and would definitely come back again; lots of nice little details ranging from the formality of Gertrude Jekyll's designs to the impressive landscapes of the valley and lakes. Most enjoyable!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Gardens are stunning but found the whole day very tricky with a double buggy in tow. Access is very bad & signposting of suitable routes non-existent. Shame as it's probably put us off going again!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Hestercombe Gardens are what it says on the tin - gardens - and as such are very good, but it leavers you thinking there is so much more to this place that you are being denied. I mean, no access to what might be interesting.
The restaurant area is dire, a nice courtyard but with steel girders everywhere holding up a roof which wasn't allowed to touch the building. Badly contrived.
The gardens are nice, but there's so much more there - you can see their hydro electric systems but absolutely no information, like what do they produce. Much more in the same vain. I enjoyed the visit, but left more frustrated than when I arrived.
The restaurant area is dire, a nice courtyard but with steel girders everywhere holding up a roof which wasn't allowed to touch the building. Badly contrived.
The gardens are nice, but there's so much more there - you can see their hydro electric systems but absolutely no information, like what do they produce. Much more in the same vain. I enjoyed the visit, but left more frustrated than when I arrived.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We have been here a few times. It is nice to spend an hour or two wandering around the lakes and woodland with numerous paths to choose from with benches and an eclectic variety of little grottos/summerhouses to sit in and enjoy the views. Nice colours in the autumn.
The formal gardens are beautiful, and relaxing.
There is a very nice tea room in the old stables I think. Comfy sofas and good food.
They put on lots of events which are very popular so check out the website. We went to the Christmas fair with lots of local sellers. We keep on meaning to go to their winter light show which looks great, not sure if they did it this year though.
Well worth a visit.
The formal gardens are beautiful, and relaxing.
There is a very nice tea room in the old stables I think. Comfy sofas and good food.
They put on lots of events which are very popular so check out the website. We went to the Christmas fair with lots of local sellers. We keep on meaning to go to their winter light show which looks great, not sure if they did it this year though.
Well worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Lovely place for a stroll, there are different levels of walk so that there is something for everyone.
Our grandchildren love feeding the ducks and playing in the stream
Our grandchildren love feeding the ducks and playing in the stream
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I would defenetly recomend this place if you appreciate nature at its best. The gardens are well laid out and the children enjoyed their time exploring them.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We had our wedding at Hestercombe in august 2014. We chose it because it is obviously a beautiful venue, but also having spoken to a number of other venues, we found Julie and all those at Hestercombe totally committed to giving us the day we wanted rather than forcing us into various packages. They accommodated our requests and whims with such patience and friendly professionalism that it was actually a pleasure to plan the big day. On the day itself, everything was so smooth, and we felt relaxed and totally at ease, confident that Richard would ensure everyone had a good time - and everybody did!
Our friends could not stop talking about how delicious the food was, how well organised yet perfectly calm the day was - and how stunning the house and gardens were. All of this is an enormous testament to the incredibly hard work of Julie, Richard and all of the wonderful staff who made the day perfect. It was exactly how we always pictured it, and for that, we must extend a huge thanks to all those at Hestercombe.
Whether you want a grand formal affair or a relaxed fun day, Hestercombe can make it happen, and we cannot recommend it highly enough.
Kai and Kirsty
Married 29 August 2014
Our friends could not stop talking about how delicious the food was, how well organised yet perfectly calm the day was - and how stunning the house and gardens were. All of this is an enormous testament to the incredibly hard work of Julie, Richard and all of the wonderful staff who made the day perfect. It was exactly how we always pictured it, and for that, we must extend a huge thanks to all those at Hestercombe.
Whether you want a grand formal affair or a relaxed fun day, Hestercombe can make it happen, and we cannot recommend it highly enough.
Kai and Kirsty
Married 29 August 2014
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
As a family we enjoyed a great Christmas Eve at Hestercombe. Skating, winter wonderland illuminated sculpture trail and hot chocolate at the stables cafe. A real festive treat.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I love this place! Beautiful gardens and a great place to eat. The history of it is interesting as well.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
These gardens just keep getting better. There is always something to see at Hestercombe and the place is getting better every visit.
Today I took family members and my Chocolate Labrador for a walk around the gardens which are just wonderful The family and dog weren't bad either!. No walk at Hestercombe could be complete without Tea and Cake which was served with a smile by the catering staff.
Walking in late afternoon was good so that I could see the Blackdown Quantocks and Brendon hills from the top of the gardens as the sun sets.
Bonus today as the Skating Rink was in action.
Great place to keep coming back to.
Today I took family members and my Chocolate Labrador for a walk around the gardens which are just wonderful The family and dog weren't bad either!. No walk at Hestercombe could be complete without Tea and Cake which was served with a smile by the catering staff.
Walking in late afternoon was good so that I could see the Blackdown Quantocks and Brendon hills from the top of the gardens as the sun sets.
Bonus today as the Skating Rink was in action.
Great place to keep coming back to.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Hestercombe is a hidden diamond in Taunton being only a few minutes drive its tranquil and serine with a timeless appeal
The walls and walkways make it a mixture of formal and informal gardens and woodlands which are a treat anytime of the year. with toilets and refreshments its the ideal family walk especially for those not so sure footed
The walls and walkways make it a mixture of formal and informal gardens and woodlands which are a treat anytime of the year. with toilets and refreshments its the ideal family walk especially for those not so sure footed
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a great example of a Victorian Manor's garden with great walksand many interesting features. FAB in Spring too.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I Visted hestercombe with my partner, mother, sister, daughter and friend. I thought it was fantastic wonderland for all the family to enjoy! My daughter loved all the lite up trees and the fact Santa waved at us from his magical grotto. The art work was fantastic I especially enjoyed the Christmas wall with the lights shining through the glass, a beautiful installation all in all a wonderful evening! It would be lovely if next year there was more art installations on the trail round other than that a perfect family Christmas event!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We came on the Saturday before Christmas to walk around the gardens, and it was magical. There are delicately-lit trees and a 'secret pathway' of sculptures by local artists. Behind the gorgeous illuminated wall, which had gold leaf and images of angels and other characters, was a swan, swimming on the lake, its body illuminated by the colourful lights, and the journey along the path was similarly dream-like, little moments of warmth and colour amongst the dark winter evening. Afterwards we had a hot chocolate in the ice-skating tent, cosy and warming! Father Christmas waved at us from his window on the hill, and I felt like a child again! I think it's an absolutely lovely idea, and they should extend the idea next year, and have more artists' installations involved. This is not London's Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, this is deep dark winter magic!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Lovely płace to relax but hardly entertaining if you have children. Please do something about it.
Source: google.com
We visited in the late afternoon with our two boys to combine Father Christmas with the lit up garden. The whole Father Christmas experience was a bit underwhelming as we had to wait under a plain gazebo until the 'elf' came to collect us. There was much walkie talkie communication which knocked the magic a bit. The little building he was in was quite cute with a real fire, but it was a shame that the children had to pick their own presents out of the boxes - this always seems a rather cold way to do it.
While waiting for it to get dark we had tea and cake. The cakes are very good with quite decent portions, but it does seem a bit pricy, although we were lucky enough to get a warm place to sit.
The lit garden was pretty, but a bit lacking in drama. They should light up some bigger trees and distant vistas rather than just individual bushes.
We probably wouldn't come here for a festive event again as it was all a bit lacking in atmosphere - shame, because it's lovely in the summer.
While waiting for it to get dark we had tea and cake. The cakes are very good with quite decent portions, but it does seem a bit pricy, although we were lucky enough to get a warm place to sit.
The lit garden was pretty, but a bit lacking in drama. They should light up some bigger trees and distant vistas rather than just individual bushes.
We probably wouldn't come here for a festive event again as it was all a bit lacking in atmosphere - shame, because it's lovely in the summer.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Great place to go, walk explore, splendid and varied gardens but cafe cold and drayghty and overpriced. Particularly enjoyed a Son et Lumière evening a year ago but again The Great Hall was cold despite wearing outdoor clothing.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A really good place to visit any time of day, the restaurant is good value and well priced. Food mostly home produced and good quality.
Entry price is good value if you make it a longer stay and enjoy all the house and gardens
Entry price is good value if you make it a longer stay and enjoy all the house and gardens
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Lovely place to visit! Have been around 5 times and enjoyed every visit. Staff are always welcoming and willing to help. Although sometimes it can be busy once you are walking around you never seem to bump in to many people. There are always events on like the Halloween quest that has been on in previous years which is great for the children of the family, and also ice skating and different events at Christmas. It is great to see in all seasons as things change. Throughly recommend a visit, you won't be disappointed.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Hestercombe Gardens is a wonderful place to visit throughout the year. I first visited early in the year with the spring bulbs all in flower. Set in large, impressive grounds with streams, waterfalls and lakes along woodland walks, formal and terrace gardens, they look different each season. There are also lovely views to enjoy across Taunton Vale. Hestercombe House with it's stunning ceilings and decor is home to an art gallery, tea room and HCYM (Hestercombe Centre For Young Musicians). Near to the house is a watermill and exhibition, shop and restaurant. On our recent visit a few days ago, there was a Christmas Market taking place with some of the best local food and gifts on offer. We enjoyed a lunch in the restaurant with good food at a reasonable price. With an outdoor play area, everyone can enjoy the day with events taking place all year round.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We have visited Hestercombe Gardens a couple of times and were very impressed on both occasions. The gardens and surrounding grounds are beautiful with such lovely views, worth seeing in every season. We had a two course Sunday lunch in the cafe on one visit and it was very nice. Would indefinitely repeat the experience!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
