Hestercombe Gardens
Latest Reviews
Lovely place with lots to see, need good weather to get the most out of it.
Source: google.com
Lunch here was superb I had the tuna and cheese pannine and my husband had the ham bagette the gardens were a little pricey at ten pounds
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Well kept grounds but not much colour as yet so we didn't see the estate at its best. Potentially very nice indeed but it is probably not as uniquely beautiful as it claims. Two good informative video loops. Entrance to grounds a little expensive. Cafe disappointing. The 'freshly baked scones' were stodgy and the coffees came with only a suspicion of flavouring. Left with the impression that it might just need to up its game to compete with the many other garden/stately pile attractions in the area.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A found the steps and stairs in this garden as there were no handrails. Because of the late Spring, little was in flour and the main beds in front fo the house were unplanted. Perhaps we were unlucky but I was a little disappointed.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
So peaceful, and interesting. Loved the feel of the gardens. The walks could be rated according to your ability, the staff were helpful and also knew a lot about the place.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The imaginative reconstruction of this iconic garden never fails to please. Whether it is walking in the grounds or admiring the formal areas it is a delight to enjoy.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
One of our favourite places to spend the day, its worth every penny and is great value, as it is a whole day out if you include a lunch break in the restaurant which is all home made. the grounds themselves are simpley beautiful with so much to take your breath away.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit here. Really well maintained gardens and some lovely walks which we all enjoyed. Would definitely come again!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My in laws had a Golden Wedding Anniversary lunch on Saturday, the food was delicious, the service very good & unobtrusive. Not a bad price either. There were 36 of us & we were made to feel special. We put up photos & a cd link of photos on the computer, there was a huge drop down screen already there. The gardens were included in the price so everyone could go and experience them in between lunch and Coffee & cake. It helped that the weather was sublime so lovely & warm. Would recommend for weddings etc as well as surroundings are beautiful.Thank you so much to the staff for making the day extra special.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I have two young kids and a dog who need somewhere they can let of steam but my wife and I want a nice attraction too. Hestercombe gardens fulfilled this and so much more. The cafe is good too although you could take a picnic if you want and enjoy it in the gardens.
The views are breath taking and the gardens are beutiful. There is useualy a childrens trail thing on to get them looking at the plants etc.
Get a membership and use it.
The views are breath taking and the gardens are beutiful. There is useualy a childrens trail thing on to get them looking at the plants etc.
Get a membership and use it.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
superbly designed and maintained gardens - formal and woodland - with lots of different points of interest a great day out any time of the year for any age group. A little expensive but feels worth it after the visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I recently visited Hestercombe and simply loved that this is a very short drive from the town centre, but you are in the middle of no where, the scenery is simply stunning, we had tea and cake in the conservatory which on a day full of sunshine was the perfect setting. Its a great place to take children as there are lots of walks and areas to run around. i cannot wait to go back and try more of the walks, theres a gift shop, a little expensive but these are one off pieces, so you know what you buy is unique. well worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
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
