Local Reviews
In December 2022, Annie said about Hestercombe Gardens
The experience was alot quicker than expected. The elf welcomed us where the children made reindeer food and did some word searches and wrote letters to Santa to post in the box. It would have been good to have some general colouring or Christmas card making/sticking for smaller children who are not able to do word searches yet. The children enjoyed Santa and loved their presents.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In December 2022, Angie L said about Hestercombe Gardens
I treated my husband for a birthday present to see the illuminations. Wow! We were not disappointed, they were amazing. Such a beautiful evening, so many to see. We walked around the lake with lights all around. Thank you to Hestercombe for all their hard work.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In February 2023, trescomania said about Hestercombe Gardens
Loved the gardens / very quirky with unusual buildings dotted about. Snowdrops were stunning. Fantastic licensed cafe. Make great cheese scones served with cream cheese and chutney
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In April 2023, Helen T said about Hestercombe Gardens
Visited during the Easter holidays. We didn't think the house was anything special, nothing much in it and other than an exhibition of boards to read not worth bothering. The grounds and gardens were a delight though, plenty of paths, follies, lakes, views and great for getting out and about in nature.
Very slow service in the cafe, not enough staff and clearly couldn't cope.
Very slow service in the cafe, not enough staff and clearly couldn't cope.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2023, louiseholistic said about Hestercombe Gardens
We really enjoyed our first ever visit here. Surprised that there is no reduction for seniors, we paid £29 for two adults without Gift Aid. The architectural art exhibition upstairs in the house was baffling, but the house itself was obviously stunning in its day and it was lovely to have access, admire the views and the elaborate plasterwork. The gardens were truly magnificent, we especially loved the Edwardian collaboration between Gertrude Jekyll and Edwin Lutyens, it felt very secluded and well thought out, with far reaching views across the countryside. The borders were well kept and weed free. The gift shops were well stocked with high quality, local crafts and locally grown plants in the plant centre. We can’t comment on the cafe as we brought a picnic with us. Plenty of seating throughout the gardens. We plan to return at a different time of year to appreciate the planting and have lunch.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2023, Evanitamushroom said about Hestercombe Gardens
Gardens are beautiful and a great mix of formal and informal , super friendly staff and amazingly delicious cakes in the tea room.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2023, Peter R said about Hestercombe Gardens
We came here on 19th May 2023, via Taunton where we had been staying. It was a lovely warm late spring day, so good weather for a classic country House garden. We arrived shortly after opening at 10.00 and had coffee at the little restaurant. The gardens and grounds are not on a colossal scale and we were able to comfortably tour most of the property in about 2 hours. The landscaped areas were very good. The formal gardens are smaller than one might imagine, and my wife expressed a slight disappointment at the plantings, but I thought them charming. Obviously, one needs to come spring, summer and autumn to see the changing palettes of colour and form, but as we live in Birmingham, this is not an option! The house itself is a shadow of its former grandeur, having been kicked around during the war and after, and there is little to see except for a gallery of contemporary art, a gift shop (did not look especially interesting), and a 'second-hand' bookshop. This latter excited my imagination, but it was rather disappointing. True, there were some 'pre-owned' stuff, but quite a bit of the shelves were occupied by what looked like 'remaindered' items.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2023, robfear2012 said about Hestercombe Gardens
First time visit and what a lovely surprise. Beautiful formal gardens, combined with pretty woodland walk. Delicious sausage roll from the cafe and a well stocked plant shop. However, staff were overprotective of any area being used for a wedding in the afternoon, which took the edge off of what otherwise would have been a memorable visit. We will go again but, only after checking there aren’t any weddings that day.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2023, marilyn a said about Hestercombe Gardens
Beautiful gardens a lovely mix of wild and formal settings.
However for disabled visitors it is not so easy. The entrance via the cafe is dependent upon a member of staff being available to open a gate. One disabled lady was at first denied entry via the gate, staff said it wasn’t allowed!! There is a notice saying disabled access so clearly some staff training is needed. Only after 30 minutes was she finally allowed through. This isn’t good enough .
However for disabled visitors it is not so easy. The entrance via the cafe is dependent upon a member of staff being available to open a gate. One disabled lady was at first denied entry via the gate, staff said it wasn’t allowed!! There is a notice saying disabled access so clearly some staff training is needed. Only after 30 minutes was she finally allowed through. This isn’t good enough .
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2023, eric t said about Hestercombe Gardens
Hestercombe is more than the fabulous Edwin Lutyens/Gertrude Jekyll designed formal garden abutting a magnificent south terrace - a lot more. Hestercombe owes
as much to Coplestone Warre Bampfylde who originally architected the site most of which is situated in a steep-sided valley. This provided the opportunity for ponds, waterfalls and winding paths through dense woodland, with viewing points cut through the trees to focus on a variety of follies and rolling landscapes
In addition all the staff we met were both helpful and knowledgable.
Don't forget to visit the House and llearn about its history.
It is definately worth a half day visit.
as much to Coplestone Warre Bampfylde who originally architected the site most of which is situated in a steep-sided valley. This provided the opportunity for ponds, waterfalls and winding paths through dense woodland, with viewing points cut through the trees to focus on a variety of follies and rolling landscapes
In addition all the staff we met were both helpful and knowledgable.
Don't forget to visit the House and llearn about its history.
It is definately worth a half day visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk