Local Reviews
In July 2014, choosy24 said about Hestercombe Gardens
I took my mum to Hestercombe yesterday for our first visit we had both hoped to go for sometime however having been advised against paying for full price entry because of the size of the gardens had held back however having obtained free tickets we decided to go. Anyhow the weather was perfect and the formal gardens looked stunning (even with the odd flower starting to go over) the views towards Taunton and the Blackdown hills also lovely. Beyond the formal gardens the valley was pretty in a landscaped natural way (no apparent garden flower or shrub planting here which I found unusual) and the waterfall seemed idyllically pretty.
We had lunch in the cafe which was good quality and the price of the sandwiches and panini's was ok but the mains were a little pricey similiar to what you would pay for lunch in a independent restaurant. I am however glad we ate in the cafe as had we of brought a picnic we would not of been able to eat in the gardens as I don't think they allow picnics for some reason inside not sure why though, im guessing litter?! But there is a picnic area near the entrance if needed.
Also they have just aquired the house and were hosting their first exhibitions funded by the Arts Council. The work on display was modern with some pieces by well known artists including Tracy Emin. Personally I found this of interest despite most being relatively small in size as felt it was nice to see contemporary work of this nature in the area and I hope the gallery in time becomes a success.
To sum up I would visit again but not sure if I would want to pay the full entrance price. But with discounts available for online ticket purchase and with a Gardeners world discount card this can be overcome fairly easily.
Please note I am a adult visitor with my mum not a teenager, but there was no suitable category for this type of visit.
We had lunch in the cafe which was good quality and the price of the sandwiches and panini's was ok but the mains were a little pricey similiar to what you would pay for lunch in a independent restaurant. I am however glad we ate in the cafe as had we of brought a picnic we would not of been able to eat in the gardens as I don't think they allow picnics for some reason inside not sure why though, im guessing litter?! But there is a picnic area near the entrance if needed.
Also they have just aquired the house and were hosting their first exhibitions funded by the Arts Council. The work on display was modern with some pieces by well known artists including Tracy Emin. Personally I found this of interest despite most being relatively small in size as felt it was nice to see contemporary work of this nature in the area and I hope the gallery in time becomes a success.
To sum up I would visit again but not sure if I would want to pay the full entrance price. But with discounts available for online ticket purchase and with a Gardeners world discount card this can be overcome fairly easily.
Please note I am a adult visitor with my mum not a teenager, but there was no suitable category for this type of visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2014, Food_loving_lady said about Hestercombe Gardens
This little gem of a estate has had an interesting past but has lost a lot of the elements in the house that would make it of great significance. The gardens and tea rooms are good and the entry cost is worth it when you can spend time in the lovely gardens. The walks are a little challenging compared to some estates but will reward the fitter visitors with stunning views. The walks would be too long for many children; however, the guide shows visitors shorter walks which are just as rewarding. Having opened in May 2014, it is still looking very good after a major restoration. I was not impressed by the modern art exhibit in the house but it will appeal to some.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2014, LynnL2013 said about Hestercombe Gardens
Lovely walks not all flat. Restaurant a bit pricey. Has a shop and a small area where you can buy plants.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2014, 32ChrisA said about Hestercombe Gardens
I really enjoyed seeing the stunning gardens at Hestercombe and am rather surprised by some of the negative comments in earlier posts. The formal gardens are some of the loveliest I've ever seen, especially with the backdrop of beautiful countryside and my first sight of the lower terrace was breathtaking. This visit was on a sunny warm day in the height of summer but I would imagine it looks good at other times of year too. The paths round the lake and woodland areas were a pleasant place to wander and enjoy further views. Admittedly my friend and I used a 2 for 1 offer which made the entry price better value but I commented that it would still have been worth the full cost. Cafe prices may not be the cheapest but no worse than other similar venues and we both enjoyed a generous portion of chips priced at just £1.50, bargain. Prices for plants were also quite fair and so for any garden lover I would definitely recommend a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2014, Heather C said about Hestercombe Gardens
The gardens and walks were lovely with "unique" buildings dotted about. However, we thought the lake looked a bit stagnant and some of the roses were in need of "dead heading". Lovely walk around the grounds however, on easy to walk on paths.
As retired people we thought the £9.70 entrance fee was excessive for what was there. There is no concession for the over 60's which is very disappointing considering most of the visitors appeared to be over 60.
The house was very disappointing. Stark, bare floored rooms with just a few art exhibits and some weird items in the rooms - a stile and some farm implements.
Best thing about the house was the second hand bookshop.
Did not use the café as the prices were a little bit expensive.
There seems to be a lack of toilets too. The only ones we came across were before the entrance, and in the café. Did not seem to be any others in the grounds.
I would not go there again. Living locally, it is somewhere I had not been before but I don't think I would go again unless the admission price for over 60's was reduced to maybe around £7.50.
As retired people we thought the £9.70 entrance fee was excessive for what was there. There is no concession for the over 60's which is very disappointing considering most of the visitors appeared to be over 60.
The house was very disappointing. Stark, bare floored rooms with just a few art exhibits and some weird items in the rooms - a stile and some farm implements.
Best thing about the house was the second hand bookshop.
Did not use the café as the prices were a little bit expensive.
There seems to be a lack of toilets too. The only ones we came across were before the entrance, and in the café. Did not seem to be any others in the grounds.
I would not go there again. Living locally, it is somewhere I had not been before but I don't think I would go again unless the admission price for over 60's was reduced to maybe around £7.50.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2014, ambogirl said about Hestercombe Gardens
Was holidaying in taunton for the week, and this attraction was recommended by people on the caravan site .
So we decided to try it as it was a beautiful sunny day and only 25min by car from the campsite.
It is a beautiful place, they give you a map of the area and you walk around the gardens.
In different areas you find a different hut or water fall or WWII bunk house.
Lovely easy walk. spend about 2.5 hours walking aound .
we took our dogs with us and they enjoyed the walk and dipping into the pond ,on leads ,as it was so hot .
After we stayed at the cafe/tearoom and had a lovely cream tea .
Would go back again .
So we decided to try it as it was a beautiful sunny day and only 25min by car from the campsite.
It is a beautiful place, they give you a map of the area and you walk around the gardens.
In different areas you find a different hut or water fall or WWII bunk house.
Lovely easy walk. spend about 2.5 hours walking aound .
we took our dogs with us and they enjoyed the walk and dipping into the pond ,on leads ,as it was so hot .
After we stayed at the cafe/tearoom and had a lovely cream tea .
Would go back again .
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2014, Bruce E said about Hestercombe Gardens
Interesting to see this Lutyens/Jekyll garden (excellent film about its history in mill building) but £9.70 seems a bit steep for what there is to see. £9.70 does include a 90p donation for further development, and you can get 15% reduction if you book tickets on-line (which we found out afterwards!). In comparison Bodnant Garden (wonderful, extensive NT gardens in North Wales) costs non-members £9.50 without gift aid. Formal gardens at Hestercombe very pleasant but some of the planting is a bit dull (lots of Bergenias). Easy walk around the wilder part of the garden but not a lot to see (yet) apart from trees and nettles. The cafe was fine but we didn't visit the house. Weather was glorious on the day of our visit so trip would have been more disappointing on a dull or wet day.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2014, David S said about Hestercombe Gardens
The weather was excellent which helped make it a most enjoyable place to visit. The formal gardens are wonderfully looked after, and the lakeside walk really interesting with many interesting features. We had a light lunch in the cafe which was very good and Sunday lunches being served looked as good as or better than many I've been served up in local pubs. It was also good value.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2014, jrh8898 said about Hestercombe Gardens
Stunning walk and views, I visited here with my family which also involved young children, there are plenty of things to entertain them along the walk, we also stayed for lunch in which there were plenty light lunch options which was also very delicious.
Overall lovely day, and it also helped with the sun out aswell.
Overall lovely day, and it also helped with the sun out aswell.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2014, gezza79 said about Hestercombe Gardens
Lots of woodland walks if you are fit and free to do so lots of flowers and Large house with visitors centre history of the place can be found also
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk