Local Reviews
In September 2013, TravellingLincs said about Hestercombe Gardens
We visited Hestercome in August having been made aware of it through our RHS membership. Unfortunately we did not qualify for any discount at this time of year and thought the entry fee quite expensive at £8.80 each - we did not gift aid. Although we appreciate that the entry fee helps to finance restoration work if was more expensive than our visit to the RHS gardens at Rosemoor.
The garden was interesting with it's formal parts and then the walk through the grounds with some steep inclines and funny little buildings some hidden away. It felt like a journey of discovery.
Very good tea shop with wonderful looking cakes.
The garden was interesting with it's formal parts and then the walk through the grounds with some steep inclines and funny little buildings some hidden away. It felt like a journey of discovery.
Very good tea shop with wonderful looking cakes.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In September 2013, Lily S said about Hestercombe Gardens
My partner and I went here and although I'm not a huge fan of gardens, this one sure takes your breath away.
We have chosen this location as our wedding venue for next year as there is so much space and the garden is stunning giving lots of amazing photo opportunities.
The thought of going down the steps into the beautiful organgery to get married brought a tear to my eye.
I can't wait to come back with various family members and bridesmaid to share my excitement with them. This is definitely worth a visit!
We have chosen this location as our wedding venue for next year as there is so much space and the garden is stunning giving lots of amazing photo opportunities.
The thought of going down the steps into the beautiful organgery to get married brought a tear to my eye.
I can't wait to come back with various family members and bridesmaid to share my excitement with them. This is definitely worth a visit!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In September 2013, Greatexpectation123 said about Hestercombe Gardens
I have been a member of Hestercombe gardens for a few months now.
It's a lovely place for a walk but I constantly feel ripped off.
The cafe is very over priced and with exception of 1 cake offer no food for people with dietary requirements.
We went to the Illuminata last night. Very disappointed. £27 for a family of 3. It took us 30 minutes to walk around and with exception of the floating 3D fish we were very underwhelmed. If it has been marketed as Hestercombe at night and the ticket fee was £2 each that would have been reasonable.
I have contacted Hestercombe requesting a refund.
It's a lovely place for a walk but I constantly feel ripped off.
The cafe is very over priced and with exception of 1 cake offer no food for people with dietary requirements.
We went to the Illuminata last night. Very disappointed. £27 for a family of 3. It took us 30 minutes to walk around and with exception of the floating 3D fish we were very underwhelmed. If it has been marketed as Hestercombe at night and the ticket fee was £2 each that would have been reasonable.
I have contacted Hestercombe requesting a refund.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In September 2013, freddie679 said about Hestercombe Gardens
Hestercombe Gardens are really lovely with a gentle stroll all along by the lakes. there is a waterfall hidden small buildings and a lovely cafe and shop. they have themed events at Christmas Halloween and Easter. The flowers and shrubs are mature and plentiful. there are swans and ducks on the lakes and plenty of little seats to enjoy the views.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In September 2013, Thenod said about Hestercombe Gardens
Thoroughly enjoyed my visit to this historic garden made by Edwin Lutyens. We were lucky with the weather. Check the forecast before you go. Wandering around in the rain wold spoil the experience. It's run by a charitable trust so it really needs support to keep this jewel open.
Well worth half a day if your in the area.
Well worth half a day if your in the area.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In September 2013, 508Tracey said about Hestercombe Gardens
I am biased in my love of this place because I grew up playing in the gardens so I have seen the before & after. But oh my goodness the after is so peaceful & astoundingly beautiful that I think I can be forgiven. This garden has been restored carefully & lovingly & the layers gently peeled back to slowly reveal it's history. Each visit opens up new areas that have been discovered & gives more insight into the past of the Hestercombe Estate. It is peaceful, tranquil & quite magical.
The formal gardens are a wonderful blaze of colour & scent & a great contrast to the pleasure gardens. As a place to spend a peaceful few hours it is beautiful, but that is the kind of thing I love doing & as a member it is cheaper for me to visit over the year. The shop is lovely but my one complaint is that since the old original restaurant went & they opened their current restaurant it is too expensive for us to eat there & we do not enjoy the menu, so tend to take a picnic or eat elsewhere, which is a shame. On the whole though that is a small matter compared to the overall pleasure we have there & many attractions are let down by their catering so not uncommon.
The formal gardens are a wonderful blaze of colour & scent & a great contrast to the pleasure gardens. As a place to spend a peaceful few hours it is beautiful, but that is the kind of thing I love doing & as a member it is cheaper for me to visit over the year. The shop is lovely but my one complaint is that since the old original restaurant went & they opened their current restaurant it is too expensive for us to eat there & we do not enjoy the menu, so tend to take a picnic or eat elsewhere, which is a shame. On the whole though that is a small matter compared to the overall pleasure we have there & many attractions are let down by their catering so not uncommon.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In September 2013, GFester said about Hestercombe Gardens
We arrived too late to visit the gardens so went straight to the cafe which was situated in a stunning courtyard and had home-made scones and tea which were absolutely delicious. There was also a gift shop selling plants from the estate.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In September 2013, Lizzie T said about Hestercombe Gardens
Loved it! The kids had a fabulous time exploring in the dark and were mesmerised by the lights - especially the music display on the lawn. We were there for 2 hours and had a wonderful time! Thank you Hestercombe.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In September 2013, Steven S said about Hestercombe Gardens
Really worth the visit. We had been before but many years ago. As we had friends visiting I thought it would be nice. I'm sure it's become more impressive since my last visit! Even the tea rooms are still good.
A very pleasant day was had by all.
A very pleasant day was had by all.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2013, PaulTTaunton said about Hestercombe Gardens
Great gardens for walks, nice cafe, if a little limite, fabric of buildings and facilities getting a bit tired now
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk