Local Reviews
In June 2016, Lee B said about Hestercombe Gardens
There is a predictability about the National Trust Properties that we came to rely on. There will be a skimpy, poorly designed web site that's almost comically stingy with information. There will be toilets reliably located at strategic points and dependably clean. There will be a gift shop. Always a gift shop.
Hestercombe is stubbornly resistant to those trends. The web site is splendid and information-rich, eager to persuade you to plan your wedding there. The toilets are harder to find. Of course, there is a gift shop.
The "three gardens" aspect of Hestercombe was interesting. For me, the most engaging was a long walk around the estate, with beautiful views of the manor house from several remote points. The water wheel was a big disappointment.
We were eager to see the last remaining baracks where American soldiers had lived when they were stationed at Hestercombe during World War II. It too was a bit of a disappointment: the information presented there was confined to a few readerboards, and there was forest debris littering the floor.
Hestercombe is stubbornly resistant to those trends. The web site is splendid and information-rich, eager to persuade you to plan your wedding there. The toilets are harder to find. Of course, there is a gift shop.
The "three gardens" aspect of Hestercombe was interesting. For me, the most engaging was a long walk around the estate, with beautiful views of the manor house from several remote points. The water wheel was a big disappointment.
We were eager to see the last remaining baracks where American soldiers had lived when they were stationed at Hestercombe during World War II. It too was a bit of a disappointment: the information presented there was confined to a few readerboards, and there was forest debris littering the floor.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2016, T-SGlobetrotters said about Hestercombe Gardens
These gardens have featured in top 20 lists of UK gardens to see, so we had been looking forward to the visit with high expectations. We were actually quite disappointed.
The more formal gardens were untidy and weed infestation rife. Even in the Edwardian garden designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and Gertrude Jekyll, we gained the impression they were losing the battle in managing the garden efficiently. The wider landscaping structure was impressive but the tree selection was a fairly narrow with little in the way of differing colours and shapes. Most of the wooded areas were dominated by laurel with little in the way of Rhododendrons (apart from one small area) so the colour form was quite plain.
Later that day we day we visited Stourhead, which we felt was far superior.
The more formal gardens were untidy and weed infestation rife. Even in the Edwardian garden designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and Gertrude Jekyll, we gained the impression they were losing the battle in managing the garden efficiently. The wider landscaping structure was impressive but the tree selection was a fairly narrow with little in the way of differing colours and shapes. Most of the wooded areas were dominated by laurel with little in the way of Rhododendrons (apart from one small area) so the colour form was quite plain.
Later that day we day we visited Stourhead, which we felt was far superior.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2016, TforTaunton said about Hestercombe Gardens
Popped I before walking around the grounds. No breakfast offerings as such which was disappointing but they did have a secret stash of teacakes behind the counter when we asked. Lovely courtyard seating area and lunch looked super.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2016, fishypioneer said about Hestercombe Gardens
Wonderful gardens to wander around. Variety of trees and plants to admire set in beautiful countryside.
Used the 2-4-1 Gardener's World card.
Used the 2-4-1 Gardener's World card.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2016, Barrie and Deir... T said about Hestercombe Gardens
The formal gardens by the house are very interesting and worth a close look - beautiful show of roses and burginia and sedums. Otherwise the rest of the gardens is very much a work in progress. The walks within the combe and the various 'temples', statuary etc are interesting, but overall it failed to meet our expectations.
The house is open to the public but is currently used as a gallery of modern art of debatable quality, which certainly didn't float our boat. The best 'original' room is the dining room which holds portraiture relating to previous owners of the estate.
We wouldn't wish to re-visit in the near future.
The house is open to the public but is currently used as a gallery of modern art of debatable quality, which certainly didn't float our boat. The best 'original' room is the dining room which holds portraiture relating to previous owners of the estate.
We wouldn't wish to re-visit in the near future.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2016, Moorpool said about Hestercombe Gardens
Some parts are excellent but others were a bit disappointing. It's not made clear that you don't have to pay the higher Gift Aid price and may feel awkward just offering the lower price.
You are given a very good map/guide which has all the paths and is easy to follow. Some of these paths behind the house in the Georgian Landscape Garden are steep and being gravelly can be slippery. You do though, gave a choice of routes to take - long or short. Several of us came 11 years and thought it now more overgrown and lacking in interest.
The Watermill was new to us. It would have been helpful to have some notices explaining what all the exhibits were.
The Edwardian Formal Garden was looking a bit tired with a drab colour scheme but the Pergola was as good as ever. The rills were filled with a rampant lily, they used to be clear of plants and just had water which made them stand out more.
The house still has an institutional feel, not surprising given its long history as the Somerset Fire Service HQ but there are some grand rooms on the ground floor. The current art exhibition was not to our taste but the second hand bookshop was a real gem and many of us bought books.
The other gem was the Stables Kitchen Cafe. Lots of seats, inside or out, but under cover. The food is delicious and anyone who can resist their array of cakes deserves a medal. The lunches were very good and were highly recommended.
I get the impression that the Trust is working as hard as it can with the resources it has. They have a mammoth task, 50 acres of ground and a huge house to maintain. It is worth supporting so do go.
You are given a very good map/guide which has all the paths and is easy to follow. Some of these paths behind the house in the Georgian Landscape Garden are steep and being gravelly can be slippery. You do though, gave a choice of routes to take - long or short. Several of us came 11 years and thought it now more overgrown and lacking in interest.
The Watermill was new to us. It would have been helpful to have some notices explaining what all the exhibits were.
The Edwardian Formal Garden was looking a bit tired with a drab colour scheme but the Pergola was as good as ever. The rills were filled with a rampant lily, they used to be clear of plants and just had water which made them stand out more.
The house still has an institutional feel, not surprising given its long history as the Somerset Fire Service HQ but there are some grand rooms on the ground floor. The current art exhibition was not to our taste but the second hand bookshop was a real gem and many of us bought books.
The other gem was the Stables Kitchen Cafe. Lots of seats, inside or out, but under cover. The food is delicious and anyone who can resist their array of cakes deserves a medal. The lunches were very good and were highly recommended.
I get the impression that the Trust is working as hard as it can with the resources it has. They have a mammoth task, 50 acres of ground and a huge house to maintain. It is worth supporting so do go.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2016, roger w said about Hestercombe Gardens
Really beautiful garden with a good variety of interesting scenery and features including lakes and a high waterfall. Some formal gardens as well and an excellent cafe, gift shop and plant sales. It's a bit steep in places but plenty to see on the flat and mobility scooters areavilable fo hire apparently. Extra treat was a seeing wedding reception. NB They they no longer take the Tesco days out vouchers - since December 2015 so maybe a bit expensive for .a quick visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2016, Hullabaloo said about Hestercombe Gardens
Hestercombe is one of the loveliest of gardens I've visited. My three year old loved the water all over the place - ponds, little streams, the occasional puddle - and the flowers were stunning. The house isn't fantastic, but that's not why you go to Hestercombe, you go for the gardens, and they were stunning. Handy that they're a member of the HHA so, as Friends of the HHA, our entry was free.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2016, Rosie J said about Hestercombe Gardens
I enjoy coming here with my four year old son. The views across the surrounding countryside are outstanding. The landscaping of the gardens with the valley and pond are so beautiful. It's worth having an annual membership to enjoy the gardens throughout the seasons.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2016, Tim C said about Hestercombe Gardens
We were looking for an open garden with pleasant walks and nice house. The Gardens were a real pleasure being both open woodland and formal garden.
The slight let down is the house, which after being used by the fire service is in a poor state of repair. If you are into Modern Art you will enjoy the artwork on display throughout the house. Sorry this was not quite my cup of tea so cannot give a fair review on this artwork.
The slight let down is the house, which after being used by the fire service is in a poor state of repair. If you are into Modern Art you will enjoy the artwork on display throughout the house. Sorry this was not quite my cup of tea so cannot give a fair review on this artwork.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk