Hestercombe Gardens
Latest Reviews
I had the opportunity to visit Hestercombe gardens with my daughter and young family last year.There are three centuries of hard work and vision lovingly maintained in some 50 acres.
designed by Sir Edward Lutyens a famous Edwardian architect, this is his one and only garden design. And what a triumph. The noteable features are spacious acres of natural ponds, cascades, tranquil woodland. The formal victorian terrace and shrubery, the restored 17 century water mill, the sheer blaze of colour and inventive planting in a georgian landscape. The magnificent stone walling, and steps, arches, and pergolas...I just marvelled. What a wonderful day out, and my compliments to all the dedicated staff that work for this worthy trust.
designed by Sir Edward Lutyens a famous Edwardian architect, this is his one and only garden design. And what a triumph. The noteable features are spacious acres of natural ponds, cascades, tranquil woodland. The formal victorian terrace and shrubery, the restored 17 century water mill, the sheer blaze of colour and inventive planting in a georgian landscape. The magnificent stone walling, and steps, arches, and pergolas...I just marvelled. What a wonderful day out, and my compliments to all the dedicated staff that work for this worthy trust.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Lots of space for the kids to run about, good food and cakes, perfect location to meet up with friends and family!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Hestercombe is one of my families favourite places in Taunton. My husband and I even got married there 2 years ago. I do think it is a little over priced, but if you become a member it works out much better value, especially as we go there every week. Lovely cafe and gorgeous scenery, well worth a visit, especially down to the orangery.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Lovely gardens and ponds. Quicky little buildings hidden around corners and along wooded tracks. Some friends of mine got married in one of them, apparently it was quite expensive but worth it if you want something small and unusual.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
One of the definitive English gardens. A must for all RHS members and especially for foreign guests.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Stunning place with the added plus dogs on leads are allowed. Thank you Hestercombe Trust as it is a wonderful place to walk all year around for humans and their canine friends. The drawback is don't bother with the restaurant; overpriced unappealling food with indifferent service.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
First time here not too bad Very Expensive not sure if Value for money, Cafe not great dont think we will be Back.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The lady we went to meet here did everything she could to put us off having our wedding at Hestercombe gardens and kept us waiting for over half an hour for our scheduled appointment. Everywhere else we went to, did what ever they could to persuade us. I thought this was extremely unprofessional! The coffee shop and the grounds are gorgeous. better staff=better customer service!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We live locally, have a season ticket and come here regularly throughout the year. We bring family and friends and have found it an invaluable reource for a bracing walk when so much of the countryside has been a quagmire this year.
We prefer the woodland walks to the formal garden which is overlooked by the incredibly ugly house. It has been a pleasure to see the gradual transformation of the woodland area as some of the worst aspects of its former management by the forestry commission are eradicated and the original 18th century pavilions and views are restored or replaced.
Our three year old grandson loves it here, sometimes it is difficult to get him further than the little children' play area!
Only objection was to the very ghoulish and unnecessary Halloween displays which were frightening to young children and detracted from other people's pleasure in the natural environment.
We prefer the woodland walks to the formal garden which is overlooked by the incredibly ugly house. It has been a pleasure to see the gradual transformation of the woodland area as some of the worst aspects of its former management by the forestry commission are eradicated and the original 18th century pavilions and views are restored or replaced.
Our three year old grandson loves it here, sometimes it is difficult to get him further than the little children' play area!
Only objection was to the very ghoulish and unnecessary Halloween displays which were frightening to young children and detracted from other people's pleasure in the natural environment.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Love it here, tranquil, just a beautiful place to behold. We walked around and looked at may flowers and saw quite a lot of wildlife also, excellent day out
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We went on a bright sunny winter day and while this is not ideal for a garden of this sort were impressed by the sheer scale of it all. There was plenty of water in the lakes and cascades and we were able to walk most of the paths - some closed because of recent heavy rain and flooding. There was colour from berries and the spindles contrasting against the frosty ground!
The only downside was that there was no one at the ticket sale point and we could have simply walked in without paying. We were directed to go to the shop to buy the tickets which - of course - we did. I was a few steps in front of my companion and was gruffly told to "shut the door" by the sales person. The shop was not busy but she was serving and it took some while to buy our tickets. To be fair she did thaw out a bit and told us about the garden. If the door needs shutting the site should fix the spring! My companion got in free and I got a discounted on-line ticket which made it good value. If it really is £9/10 per head as reported elsewhere I would have hesitated to have paid that!
The toilet facilities are exxcellent!
The restaurant area and food was good with a very outgoing server. See separate review.
The only downside was that there was no one at the ticket sale point and we could have simply walked in without paying. We were directed to go to the shop to buy the tickets which - of course - we did. I was a few steps in front of my companion and was gruffly told to "shut the door" by the sales person. The shop was not busy but she was serving and it took some while to buy our tickets. To be fair she did thaw out a bit and told us about the garden. If the door needs shutting the site should fix the spring! My companion got in free and I got a discounted on-line ticket which made it good value. If it really is £9/10 per head as reported elsewhere I would have hesitated to have paid that!
The toilet facilities are exxcellent!
The restaurant area and food was good with a very outgoing server. See separate review.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I used to work in the house when Somerset Fire and Rescue Service used it as their HQ before we were taken over by Devon FRS and I used to walk the gardens every day at lunchtime. The gardens are spectacular for most of the year and a relaxing walk around the ponds is well worth the effort.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Our daughters wedding was made very special on Sunday 4th of November by all the staff involved, The settings are truly magnificent. The venue is perfect and we couldnt have wished for any better service its a credit to everyone who works at Hestecombe Gardens. Thank You.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Got married here in November. Everything was perfect from the entrance of the bride, food and staff (both on the day and before in preparation for the big day). We would thoroughtly recommend you to have your wedding here in the Orangery but also to visit the fabulous gardens.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Beautiful gardens and great events throughout the year. Pleasant restaurant with excellent home cooked meals.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Despite visiting following torrential rain, these gardens still managed to retain their beauty at the beginning of Autumn! Plenty of winding paths for children to explore and beautiful views aplenty. There is a lovely cafe serving superb and very reasonably priced homemade food. All the staff were friendly, welcoming and knowledegable which always makes a huge difference. All in all a facinating day out for adults and children alike, not to mention dogs, which are welcome in all areas of the garden and with a covered seating area outside the cafe, they can even join you for coffee!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
If you like gardens you will like this one. Quite large and well worth a visit. Go and see the restoration that has taken place, set in the heart of the Somerset countryside.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We chose a damp day to visit but that didn't distract from the beauty of everything. Slightly disappointed that we were obviously too early for the autumn colours despite it being halfway through October.
Lovingly restored gardens were a delight to walk around with the added bonus of being able to bring the family dog with us - top marks for making us feel welcome with him, thank you.
A very tasty lunch was had in the cafe but I would have like to have had a toasted sandwich without the obligatory salad and serving of rice (my husband ate those two offerings for me), but this meant that I'd paid about £6 just for a toasted sandwich. So maybe a simpler menu please?
Lovingly restored gardens were a delight to walk around with the added bonus of being able to bring the family dog with us - top marks for making us feel welcome with him, thank you.
A very tasty lunch was had in the cafe but I would have like to have had a toasted sandwich without the obligatory salad and serving of rice (my husband ate those two offerings for me), but this meant that I'd paid about £6 just for a toasted sandwich. So maybe a simpler menu please?
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My husband and I have wanted to visit the Gardens for ages but decided we would make time on this trip to the West Country. It did not disappoint. Fabulous views and plenty of interest in the Autumn Gardens.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Truly stunning scenery. Beautiful formal gardens and if you are looking for peace and quiet just wander into the woods and either amble along or take a seat and enjoy the views from numerous hidden spots along the way. I loved it so much I have been back 3 times in the last week. And as an extra treat don't miss the cakes in the cafe.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Went on a cloudy dry day. Enjoyed sections of the gardens and the interesting watermill. Nothing realy of interest and no activities for the children. We enjoyed coffee and lunch time baguettes and panins. Entrance fee aprox £10 depending on age.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I'm a student so I got in for £5/6 which is good value. WOuldnn't want to spend anymore. Nice gardens, plenty to see. Watermill is nice and the feel of the place is good.
Free electric car charge point if anyone is interested.
Free electric car charge point if anyone is interested.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We decided to break a journey to Cornwall after seeing Hestercombe on 'Gardeners' World' and we were so glad we did. This is a truly beautiful garden of several different styles, from the formal to the picturesque. The Plat, with its runnels and ponds, is particularly lovely and the pergola is breathtaking. There is a surprise around every corner and wonderful views from the upper gardens. The staff are all friendly and welcoming and when I left my camera behind in the restaurant, a member of staff handed it in and it was kept safe till our return journey. Having to go back was no hardship as it allowed us to have a second super meal in the restaurant and to buy a second lot of unusual and well-priced plants from the shop. We will be breaking our journeys to visit family in Cornwall at Hestercombe from now on.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Much of the garden has been left rustic, enjoyed the formal garden and am looking forward to the garden maturing..the cafe food was bought in not homemade (had the quiche) although staff are very friendly and helpful..they went out of their way to find me local B & B numbers
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Superb. Very high quality food - Sunday roast best in Taunton area. In the former stable block the architecture is lovely.
Source: google.com
