Local Reviews
In October 2021, 858disgruntled said about Hestercombe Gardens
High expectations, but disappointed. Towards the end of October there was no colour. A Wedding was going on, so unable to visit the Orangerie. There are dozens of N.T. Gardens or Open Garden Schemes much better than this. Over £11 each. Restaurant was overpriced. Cappachinos poor. The house was a sad, neglected place. The second hand bookshop was well stocked and well run. Even if we lived nearby (we don’t) we would be loathe to bother visiting again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2021, Ellyxox said about Hestercombe Gardens
We didn’t really intend to book Hestercombe as our wedding venue, we’d been to a couple of venues and were disappointed that they didn’t blow us away. We went to Hestercombe for the wedding fair/open day without really knowing they actually held weddings. We suddenly fell in love, and knew it was where we wanted to get married!
Throughout the planning of the wedding, Julie had been an absolute star, helping us understand all the different things we needed to organise, and being such a calming influence! Also being so incredible helpful and understanding with us having to postpone our wedding several times due to Covid!
On the day, Cazz was on hand to make sure everything went smoothly, and I cannot tell you how impressed we are! The whole day was an absolute dream, everything was perfect, and we didn’t even notice the staff running around in the background. They even had to deal with someone not turning up in the morning and rearranging an entire table that had been laid and decorated.
All of our guests commented on how lovely the venue was, even our evening guests kept commenting on how pretty and nice it was, and they didn’t even get to see the gardens and orangery.
We’re so grateful to Hestercombe and all their wonderful staff for making our wedding the best day ever.
Throughout the planning of the wedding, Julie had been an absolute star, helping us understand all the different things we needed to organise, and being such a calming influence! Also being so incredible helpful and understanding with us having to postpone our wedding several times due to Covid!
On the day, Cazz was on hand to make sure everything went smoothly, and I cannot tell you how impressed we are! The whole day was an absolute dream, everything was perfect, and we didn’t even notice the staff running around in the background. They even had to deal with someone not turning up in the morning and rearranging an entire table that had been laid and decorated.
All of our guests commented on how lovely the venue was, even our evening guests kept commenting on how pretty and nice it was, and they didn’t even get to see the gardens and orangery.
We’re so grateful to Hestercombe and all their wonderful staff for making our wedding the best day ever.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2021, nickrashtead said about Hestercombe Gardens
The gardens are magnificent. It clearly is a brave challenge to take on the gardens and the house (which remains work in progress) and it will be some time before the house is restored. Outside is a delight and much work has taken place and there is lots of information about what has happened. All in all it’s a great place.
The catering lets the place down. We arrived at 1pm and bought some sandwiches and there was just one guy behind the counter. 3 hours later we came back for a drink and he was still there on his own with a queue!
We will bring our own food next time.
The catering lets the place down. We arrived at 1pm and bought some sandwiches and there was just one guy behind the counter. 3 hours later we came back for a drink and he was still there on his own with a queue!
We will bring our own food next time.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In December 2021, Paul F said about Hestercombe Gardens
The best Father Christmas ever congratulations. A 3 year old sometimes scared of animals or people invading his personal space He was at ease with Father Christmas, whose setting was in his own woodland hideaway with his Elves, engaged and relaxed out grandson. A really special occasion. Congratulations to all.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In March 2022, rapide13 said about Hestercombe Gardens
I came to hestercombe gardens yesterday and was amazed at how beautiful this place really is. I came with a friend and 2 dogs and it’s extremely pet friendly. Well worth a visit I will definitely be returning!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In April 2022, June H said about Hestercombe Gardens
Had two visits to Hestercombe during the Easter holidays,one to a wedding and another for a birthday outing both very enjoyable.The wedding was very well organised with lovely places to take photographs( l was the photographer) and the wedding went very smoothly.The second visit went equally as well with my daughter, and my sister a treat for her birthday the cream tea was beautifully laid out and so much we had to take some of the cakes home in boxes the staff provided.The staff were very attentive and nothing was too much trouble highly recommended
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In April 2022, Stuart B said about Hestercombe Gardens
Thanks to Monty Don we went to these gardens and were not disappointed. The pathways are well cared for and the map is easy to follow, which we did and didn't get lost!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2022, Lucy N said about Hestercombe Gardens
This was a truly beautiful place. We went a week ago with the dog, and the gardens were gorgeous. We visited the little cafe and had THE BEST cream tea of my life.
Sadly, there was a wedding going on, so it did feel a little like 'we shouldn't be here.' If we had known there was a wedding we would have visited a different day. OTHERWISE, it was brilliant.
Also - the book store was adorable
Sadly, there was a wedding going on, so it did feel a little like 'we shouldn't be here.' If we had known there was a wedding we would have visited a different day. OTHERWISE, it was brilliant.
Also - the book store was adorable
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2022, LauraBray said about Hestercombe Gardens
A wonderful visit with our family to Hestercombe. There was plenty to keep the grandchildren amused and interested. The little play area at the entrance was perfect for young children (3 and 5); they enjoyed the follies and seeing ducklings and fish in the lower pool. The highlight was the fountain in the formal area where they played with the water spouts. We adults loved the magnificent trees, waterfall, water mill, stunning orangery and formal gardens. We had a delicious lunch in The Stables Restaurant (see separate review) and enjoyed coffee and ice creams. We visited the main house for the gift shop and the well organised second hand book shop. The children loved climbing the magnificent staircase. Finally I loved all the variety of colours and especially the stunning rhododendrons and tree blossom. Overall a great day out. Thanks to al staff concerned.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2022, Wanderlust Hols said about Hestercombe Gardens
I first visited Hestercombe Gardens many years ago for a wander and would love to return to the gardens again at some point. For our last visit though in December 2021, my husband, 5-year-old daughter and I came to see 'Illuminate' - a special Christmas event which I believe was new.
Hestercombe Gardens is approximately 40 minutes drive from where we live. We booked for an early evening slot and when we arrived parking was easy in the large car park.
We were greeted by a friendly lady at reception and off we went. 'Illuminate' was not quite what we were expecting. It started off with pink, purple and blue lit shrubs and trees - I loved this section. Then we were directed left up a hill by a member of staff - here the lights were more spread out with some colourful lit up trees and a red and yellow wall. It was particularly dark in places. Luckily we had brought a torch with us, but it could have been quite tricky without. I did particularly enjoy the long pathway of shrubs that were covered in hundreds, if not thousands of warm twinkly lights! We took some pretty photos here. After this we found ourselves in front of the house which had blue/purple lights shining at it and lots of cool colourful ground lights on the lawn that changed colour and sequence.
But that was it! That was the end of 'Illuminate!' At first we couldn't quite believe it - it had only taken us approximately 10 minutes to walk around it all! With this realisation we made our way to the cafe which had covered outdoor seating and a huge pretty firepit in the centre. My daughter and I enjoyed hot chocolate drinks before making our way back to the car.
Overall we had a pleasant festive evening out at 'Illuminate' and I was happy to be out and about again at Christmas. However, given the size of 'Illuminate' and the 40 minutes drive to get to Hestercombe Gardens, this isn't something we would do again - nor would I recommend it to family. I know it didn't cost as much as light trails by others, such as National Trust, but we did expect a bit more than what we got. It could be fantastic - but Hestercombe Gardens need to make it bigger!
Hestercombe Gardens is approximately 40 minutes drive from where we live. We booked for an early evening slot and when we arrived parking was easy in the large car park.
We were greeted by a friendly lady at reception and off we went. 'Illuminate' was not quite what we were expecting. It started off with pink, purple and blue lit shrubs and trees - I loved this section. Then we were directed left up a hill by a member of staff - here the lights were more spread out with some colourful lit up trees and a red and yellow wall. It was particularly dark in places. Luckily we had brought a torch with us, but it could have been quite tricky without. I did particularly enjoy the long pathway of shrubs that were covered in hundreds, if not thousands of warm twinkly lights! We took some pretty photos here. After this we found ourselves in front of the house which had blue/purple lights shining at it and lots of cool colourful ground lights on the lawn that changed colour and sequence.
But that was it! That was the end of 'Illuminate!' At first we couldn't quite believe it - it had only taken us approximately 10 minutes to walk around it all! With this realisation we made our way to the cafe which had covered outdoor seating and a huge pretty firepit in the centre. My daughter and I enjoyed hot chocolate drinks before making our way back to the car.
Overall we had a pleasant festive evening out at 'Illuminate' and I was happy to be out and about again at Christmas. However, given the size of 'Illuminate' and the 40 minutes drive to get to Hestercombe Gardens, this isn't something we would do again - nor would I recommend it to family. I know it didn't cost as much as light trails by others, such as National Trust, but we did expect a bit more than what we got. It could be fantastic - but Hestercombe Gardens need to make it bigger!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk