Local Reviews
In October 2016, leinlondon said about Hestercombe Gardens
These gardens were our private playground when I was a child - they were completely overgrown and left to ruin, and my brother and I and other local children would sneak in when the grounds belonged to the fire service, build dens, fish in the lakes and generally enjoy our own little secret paradise from the time we were pushed out of the door of a morning during the summer holidays until it got dark or until we got hungry, whichever came first.
So it was with some trepidation that I returned with my own young family twenty years later, not wanting the shine to fade from my rose-tinted memories. The place has changed beyond recognition, but it was enchanting to discover as if for the first time the sweeping formal gardens that had been lying hidden during all the years we spent running through them, and which we had never seen through the masses of undergrowth. The work that must have gone into restoring them to their former Victorian splendour must have been enormous. The addition and restoration of various follies around the grounds makes for interesting walks. The bluebells in Spring are fabulous and the view from the Mausoleum my favourite - my daughter loves the Witch's House and the waterfall, she also loves feeding the ducks and there is a sweet little play area at the entrance. I don't know whether I'm biased by my happy memories but I love the place, and I'm so pleased it is being well looked after for others to now enjoy the way I did when I was a child - I bought a family membership a few years ago as I hope it can continue to be cared for and enjoyed for many years to come.
So it was with some trepidation that I returned with my own young family twenty years later, not wanting the shine to fade from my rose-tinted memories. The place has changed beyond recognition, but it was enchanting to discover as if for the first time the sweeping formal gardens that had been lying hidden during all the years we spent running through them, and which we had never seen through the masses of undergrowth. The work that must have gone into restoring them to their former Victorian splendour must have been enormous. The addition and restoration of various follies around the grounds makes for interesting walks. The bluebells in Spring are fabulous and the view from the Mausoleum my favourite - my daughter loves the Witch's House and the waterfall, she also loves feeding the ducks and there is a sweet little play area at the entrance. I don't know whether I'm biased by my happy memories but I love the place, and I'm so pleased it is being well looked after for others to now enjoy the way I did when I was a child - I bought a family membership a few years ago as I hope it can continue to be cared for and enjoyed for many years to come.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2016, Ian S said about Hestercombe Gardens
Had a great day in these amazing gardens. Fantastic views of the surrounding countryside. Cafe good great cakes and food.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2016, Yatesmabo said about Hestercombe Gardens
A stunning set of gardens and trees in a beautiful setting. Several lovely walks to explore various follies and ponds. Worth a visit but a tad pricey
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2016, David P said about Hestercombe Gardens
This is a lovely place to wander around, and I highly recommend this activity. If you live nearby, or are visiting nearby, drive out there and take a look. You can walk around the house, and/or formal gardens, and/or the lakeside footpaths. Much of the experience is (in my opinion) accessible to those who are disabled. However, I do not recommend the cafe/restaurant, since the crockery and cutlery have never been clean enough for my liking. Maybe I am too fussy. Maybe not.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2016, Diane Heesom studia2016 said about Hestercombe Gardens
Early review complains that it's expensive at £9.50, today's visit it was £11.00 per person, Very over priced, house not worth visiting and garden takes maybe 1.30 mins. Restaurant also very expensive. Surely at least winter should be cheaper. Very few people there, not surprised at that price.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2016, Nicola B said about Hestercombe Gardens
Hestercombe Gardens are an oasis of tranquility and well worth a visit. Living locally I have become a member and am always pleased to take visitors there as I know they will thoroughly enjoy the experience. Dogs are welcome too and I took friends who were staying with us and their dog and they commented how lucky I was to live so close to such beautiful gardens. We had a great walk followed by delicious cake and coffee in the Hestercombe cafe where dog bowls were provided for our thirsty dogs. Also there's a lovely shop selling gifts and plants etc. During the summer they had special activity days for children which looked very well supported.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2016, Lynda B said about Hestercombe Gardens
Very lovely gardens with several separate areas. We enjoyed looking at the water mill. Very good shop with plants and interesting gifts. Disappointing cafe. The coffee should be avoided.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2016, Footprints383 said about Hestercombe Gardens
We were there 2 hours, looked at it all. Not as pretty as i thought it may be. Well kept. Wouldn't have thought it really worth the £11 each to get in though.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2016, CarrieS122 said about Hestercombe Gardens
I've had several memberships to Hestercombe, but always take a packed lunch. I visited with my partner and our children this weekend, who are all 6 and under. We each had one drink and one modest meal (3 children's meals and 2 baguettes - except they actually gave us sandwiches), and it came in at £40!! We will definitely never make the mistake of forgetting the packed lunch again! Lovely day out otherwise.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2016, jim17255 said about Hestercombe Gardens
A most relaxing and beautiful place to spend a couple of hours and enjoy a decent walk. It's well worth becoming a member as you only need to visit 2/3 times to make it financially sensible. The tea room is very good however the house, which hasn't been open long, is a little disappointing
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk