Local Reviews
In December 2025, NicoleO513 said about Hestercombe Gardens
We have been visiting on and off for years. The gardens have several aspects and will delight visitors. The walks on the wider estate are through a wooded valley and up to a glorious view point over the whole of Taunton vale. There are several paths, each offering different surprise vista points with views across to the cascade (waterfall) or to the various follies or right down to Taunton. The follies are all completely individual and all have brilliant character. The ducks and swans obviously enjoy the small lakes. It is often quiet up here and tranquil and it’s great to sit and enjoy the amazing birdsong. The formal gardens are a complete contrast, but brilliant in their own way, with straight lines, traditional planting schemes, fountains and more views over Taunton. The gardens are extremely well kept and dogs are allowed everywhere. The house is open but now has fewer exhibits than in years gone by. The staff in the ticket office are outstanding with a wealth of knowledge and always a big smile and friendly words. This garden is historic and great pains were undertaken to restore it. It is well worth supporting and in doing so you will have a lovely and rewarding day out!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In January 2026, S T said about Hestercombe Gardens
A lovely winter visit to the charmingly pastoral 18C Landscape garden and spectacular formal Lutyens/Jekyll garden. There was a frosting of snow. It is always worth a visit and we enjoyed our coffee in the Stables which is always very welcoming.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In March 2026, Francesjay said about Hestercombe Gardens
Visited today with a friend and had a wonderful day in the sunshine. The valley was awash with daffodils and the cascade was in full flow.
The lakes were tranquil with a solitary swan and several pairs of ducks.
We enjoyed a delicious lunch in the Stables restaurant, and enjoyed the exhibition in the house. All the staff were friendly and helpful. I would recommend you visit Hestercombe for a happy day out.
The lakes were tranquil with a solitary swan and several pairs of ducks.
We enjoyed a delicious lunch in the Stables restaurant, and enjoyed the exhibition in the house. All the staff were friendly and helpful. I would recommend you visit Hestercombe for a happy day out.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In March 2026, verchaixbob said about Hestercombe Gardens
Nice Mothers' Day walk around the grounds of Hestercombe with a lovely roast dinner in the Stables. Only problem was that when we wanted to go back into the gardens after we'd eaten, it was impossible - even though they are open until 5pm! Ticket office was closed and there was no other way of returning to the garden. A disappointing end to the visit, considering the price paid for a group of four people.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In March 2026, LexiJane said about Hestercombe Gardens
Beautiful gardens & scenery.
Annie who greeted us was a credit to Hestercombe as she was very friendly and knowledgeable. She really made our visit special.
Annie who greeted us was a credit to Hestercombe as she was very friendly and knowledgeable. She really made our visit special.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In April 2026, floss143 said about Hestercombe Gardens
We had a lovely visit today, the bluebells are just coming out and look stunning. Don't miss seeing them.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In April 2026, Jackie H said about Hestercombe Gardens
We loved our visit to Hestercombe today, the gardens were looking fabulous and the bluebell walk is shady, peaceful and beautiful.
We enjoyed a very nice lunch and the staff we met were polite and friendly. Well worth a visit, and the membership is really good value if you live in the area.
I visit most weeks and never get tired of going there.
We enjoyed a very nice lunch and the staff we met were polite and friendly. Well worth a visit, and the membership is really good value if you live in the area.
I visit most weeks and never get tired of going there.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In April 2026, andrew c said about Hestercombe Gardens
This a very special, historic garden. Really two gardens in one, with a beautiful extensive 18th century landscape with a waterfall, a series of ponds and man-made structures and a formal section attributed to Lutyens. It's fallen on hard times due to poor visitor numbers. Well worth a visit, despite the high admission fee. Those who expect little of the shabby, rather ugly house, will not be disappointed.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2026, ScotinEngland said about Hestercombe Gardens
A really well laid out garden reflecting many styles of layout from formal to herbaceous to rambling walks to folly buildings to bluebell walks and amazing waterfalls. Could not have been more varied. Well worth the visit. A good garden diagram supplied on entry too.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2026, victoroscar said about Hestercombe Gardens
Fantastic and well kept house and gardens. Really picturesque and varied landscape. Lots of cars in the carpark but so big we barely saw anyone. Beautiful views and the formal gardens by the house are spectacular. The wisteria was out and gorgeous, and they have the biggest clematis I've ever seen. The house had lots of interesting photos and info too.
The only thing stopping me from giving 5* is the very expensive food and drink and the added service charge you are not told about, plus the way they don't like you going in to look at what the cakes are like so you can choose. . The staff in the shop and the ticket desk were very friendly and helpful though.
The only thing stopping me from giving 5* is the very expensive food and drink and the added service charge you are not told about, plus the way they don't like you going in to look at what the cakes are like so you can choose. . The staff in the shop and the ticket desk were very friendly and helpful though.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk