Hestercombe Gardens
Latest Reviews
Lovely gardens but was quite expensive! It was a relaxing day out and enjoyed very much. Would recommend it if you love gardens
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Considering I have lived near here for ages I have not visited before, and last weekend I decided to visit. I took my little boy (2) and I have to say we had a lovely walk taking in all the scenery. Will defiantly be visiting again soon.
Source: google.com
Do visit this house and gardens. You could easily spend the whole day here. Much to see outside in the gardens and the exhibitions in the house.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is the title they give to the beautiful gardens at Hestercombe. It is a delightful mix of informal woodland walks and the formal gardens of the house. Walk high into the hillside woods past the various ponds, cascades and hidden interesting shelters like the witches house. Experience sudden and stunning views of Taunton Vale and follow pathways that lead down to the mill and cafeteria. Treat yourself to delicious coffee and homemade cake, or a tasty hot meal if you wish. The shop is well stocked for souvenirs and lots of plants for the gardeners but don't expect too much from the house. It was only acquired by the Trust last year and only opened to the public this season with a contemporary art exhibition. Not expensive to get in and the price includes a voluntary donation to the Trust. There is plenty of educational value and interest for the children including a live batcam showing the horseshoe bats in the roof. Well worth the visit!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Got married in July 2013 and the staff and service was great, we have been back many times since. We are planning on taking our 8 week old daughter there quite often in the future.
Source: google.com
We were lucky to have a warm sunny day so walking through the gardens both formal and natural was a magical experience, beautiful views of Somerset countryside from the top. Wheelchair access paths and fun and games for the kids. Suits all ages of visitor. Well done Hestercombe. Also very good restaurant and gift shop.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A wonderful relaxing end to a walk around beautiful gardens. Great selection of good quality food. Highly recommended for lunch or afternoon tea. Lovely cheerful staff.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My wife and I were members here for one year very nice peacefull place for short walks with nice cafe for snacks and coffee but like another review we found charges very expensive compared to the National trust where we get a concession and far more places to see we think they would do far better if they made prices for membership more affordable.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a truly breath taking location, which enables you to wonder aimlessly through numerous habitats, escaping the noise and bustle of a typical day. I spent most time on the bluebell walk, which was stunning.
There is a combination of well tended and designed gardens, as well as wild woodland. This place made me wish that I had a dog to walk here; particularly as dog walkers are made to feel very welcome.
My only criticism is that it is quite expensive; both in terms of an entrance fee, and in the cafe although I can imagine that upkeep of such large grounds isn't cheap! (Also, bathroom facilities are difficult to find in the grounds themselves - I couldn't find them anywhere, and had to leave earlier than planned to use the ones in the cafe area).
There is a combination of well tended and designed gardens, as well as wild woodland. This place made me wish that I had a dog to walk here; particularly as dog walkers are made to feel very welcome.
My only criticism is that it is quite expensive; both in terms of an entrance fee, and in the cafe although I can imagine that upkeep of such large grounds isn't cheap! (Also, bathroom facilities are difficult to find in the grounds themselves - I couldn't find them anywhere, and had to leave earlier than planned to use the ones in the cafe area).
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I love it here beautiful walks around the gardens and beyond, the restaurant,rant do superb meals and snacks the coffee is excellent and the staff friendly
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My wife and I arrived and asked for the seniors concessionary price, only to be told that there wasn't one. When I pointed out that the leaflet I had showed it, I was told that had now changed and prices were higher 'to cover work done in opening the house'. But the house doesn't open till later on this month! OK, we're probably only talking about a couple of pounds or so, but they lost my goodwill right there. I heard someone else complaining about the charges afterwards, so I don't think I'm being unreasonable.
Also, as has been mentioned on this site, the entrance fees include a so-called 'voluntary donation' (I would have thought paying the entrance fee was the donation!) and you have to specifically ask if you want it removed. And then they have the cheek to offer a tour for even more extra money!
So, not a good start. The gardens themselves turned out to be very pretty, though I got the impression of a family with too much money 100 years ago hiring a top architect who felt he had to give them their money's worth. So there are all kinds of very artificial additions to the scenery which give the place a sort of theme-park feel at times. Also the guide map is significantly inaccurate in places, making following it difficult at times - does no one check these things? And the door to the Dutch garden was inexplicably locked, making that whole area a dead end with an entrance but no exit.
The cafe was OK though expensive, and I would have thought it would be too small on busy days. Their card machine was not working so I had to pay in cash.
All in all, it was a place worth visiting once but I will not be returning.
Also, as has been mentioned on this site, the entrance fees include a so-called 'voluntary donation' (I would have thought paying the entrance fee was the donation!) and you have to specifically ask if you want it removed. And then they have the cheek to offer a tour for even more extra money!
So, not a good start. The gardens themselves turned out to be very pretty, though I got the impression of a family with too much money 100 years ago hiring a top architect who felt he had to give them their money's worth. So there are all kinds of very artificial additions to the scenery which give the place a sort of theme-park feel at times. Also the guide map is significantly inaccurate in places, making following it difficult at times - does no one check these things? And the door to the Dutch garden was inexplicably locked, making that whole area a dead end with an entrance but no exit.
The cafe was OK though expensive, and I would have thought it would be too small on busy days. Their card machine was not working so I had to pay in cash.
All in all, it was a place worth visiting once but I will not be returning.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Taking a group of Scouts in never easy. But our group loved Hestercombe Ice Rink. We hired privately in late evening, over Christmas and we had a great time! The prices were good and fantastic for our money. Just to ourselves with plenty of space to skate, it was magical! The team had set up the rink so Beautifully! With Deer and Snow and a Sleigh it was amazing. There was even a mini Snack hut with warm drinks and snacks.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A lovely setting, very good information and guide map. Friendly staff. Restaurant/cafe excellent quality and good value. National Trust look and learn, this is how it should be done
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We loved this garden with it's mixture of the formal and informal. The bluebell wood was something very special and we wiled away a wonderful morning and early afternoon wandering through the gardens. With an excellent tea room for refreshment, we sampled the carrot cake (9/10) and pear and ginger cake (8/10).....with very nice coffee. So if you like a truly lovely garden, with some light walking..(1-2 miles we reckon).then well worth a visit..there were also families enjoying the sunny weather. Also note a very health discount for Caravan Club Members.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited the "Stables Kitchen" first to have some lunch, had a quiche with salad which seemed ok (£6.55) but strangely it was served with crisps instead of potatoes (i don't like crisps much but i guess some do). I also ordered a "home made lemon meringue pie" (£4.75) as it's one of my fave deserts BUT what was served simply seemed like a joke - it was a small circular thing about 3" in diameter NOTHING like what I had expected - the curd was runny and acidic and the meringue was runny as well - obviously frozen rather than homemade.
OK I did not primarily visit for the food, it's the gardens which I have visited many times living locally, and I'm lucky to have this "on my doorstep" - I primarily visit for the "informal" part of the gardens which has nice woodland tracks based around a deep wooded valley with a string of lakes at the base. There are nice diversions out of the main wooded valley such as a "folly" ovelooking the vale of Taunton and a separate "bluebell wood". There are probably a good 3 miles of wooded tracks if you followed them all so I generally spend a couple of hours walking round.
Finally grabbed a cup of cofee before leaving and can vouch that they do a good coffee (had a large americano) - they have a proper espresso machine and grind the coffee themselves - I'm very fussy about my coffee and it seemed good.
I will also just mention something to watch out for when paying for entry - they have a "dual price" system with the option to pay a higher price including a 10% donation BUT unless you ask for the standard admission price they will TAKE the 10% "donation" regardless - in my book a "donation" should be offered rather than taken by default.
OK I did not primarily visit for the food, it's the gardens which I have visited many times living locally, and I'm lucky to have this "on my doorstep" - I primarily visit for the "informal" part of the gardens which has nice woodland tracks based around a deep wooded valley with a string of lakes at the base. There are nice diversions out of the main wooded valley such as a "folly" ovelooking the vale of Taunton and a separate "bluebell wood". There are probably a good 3 miles of wooded tracks if you followed them all so I generally spend a couple of hours walking round.
Finally grabbed a cup of cofee before leaving and can vouch that they do a good coffee (had a large americano) - they have a proper espresso machine and grind the coffee themselves - I'm very fussy about my coffee and it seemed good.
I will also just mention something to watch out for when paying for entry - they have a "dual price" system with the option to pay a higher price including a 10% donation BUT unless you ask for the standard admission price they will TAKE the 10% "donation" regardless - in my book a "donation" should be offered rather than taken by default.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The day I visited it was deserted, and I walked round for over an hour before meeting anyone. The gardens are in a valley with steep sides, and make for a decent walk. There is a shop, a good cafe/restaurant where I had a lovely piece of victorian sandwich cake. A good day out.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The value we've had from our membership is unbelievable! We visit at least twice a month & take our dog who is made welcome, the restaurant quality is great with kids options too. Easter trails & other events are included free with membership so there is always something new to do.. Staff are great & to get married there must be axing as it is so beautiful. For real value membership is a must
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The gardens, which have been undergoing major improvements over the years, are amazing for unlocking the imaginations of both adults and children alike. There is enough here to occupy a family for a good two to three hours. There is a wonderful walk which takes you through woods, past a man-made lake and a waterfall, a few follies, ducks and a swan and back down to the formal garden of the house, which is an absolute rose-filled delight in mid-summer. As you walk round, you get occasional, terrific views of the Blackdown Hills and the countryside around Taunton. We did the bluebell walk, which is an enchanting circuit around one side of the estate. The cafe, offering a range of freshly cooked food and cakes, is excellent There are a number of tables in a courtyard setting and a shop selling National Trust-type goodies and plants. The woodland walk would be challenging for wheel-chair users, but the formal gardens are accessible and wonderful to sit in. A wonderful place to take a book and relax.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
You won't be disappointed with this venue. It has everything a day out should have. Amazing views and gardens, something for the children, amazing indoor and outdoor eating spaces with fabulous varied menus. The gift shop has some quirky gifts, especially great around the Christmas season.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The gardens are a great place all ages. They have a play area for children and some really nice walks around the gardens. There is also a café situated there so that you can relax with a beverage and relax before gong off and looking round again. The staff are all very friendly and helpful.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We went here before our Christmas dinner evening out and did a spot of ice skating, great fun and nice mulled wine! The Winter Gardens were lit up and looking gorgeous. Hestercombe is a great place to visit, lots of history and a wonderfully restored lake, Gertrude Jekyll borders and sunken garden with excellent planting schematics and delightful rhylls, fountains and ponds. Good café with a nice selection of food and drinks.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Great place for the kids to have a run around within the grounds and to learn few things about fauna too.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A beautiful place if you simply enjoy a long walk through delightful woodland and gardens. A very good cafe is available.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We recently bought a family membership for a year for £39 pounds if bought using direct debit. I thought this was excellent value as we have already made our money back g. Its a lovely place to visit with the children who can feed the swans, paddle at the bottom of the cascade or tear around and let off steam! That said the entrance fee is very steep without this but the water features and gardens are lovely.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My wife and I went mifd February when the snowdrops were fully out. The gardens were very quiet and that suited us. It is a lovely stroll round the various ponds, and we have made a mental note to visit in the summer. I take the point about the cost but we had the senior's conession so it was slightly cheaper. The restaurant again is pricey but top quality food. We both had a lovely mushroom soup and crusty bread after touring the gardens and it was the best we had ever tasted. You do get what you pay for.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
