Local Reviews
In September 2014, Anita J said about Hestercombe Gardens
The woodland walks are especially beautiful in springtime, with lovely views across Taunton from the folly at the top of the hill, which can be seen from Obridge Viaduct if you look up to the right. Plenty of places to sit and rest if needed and the formal gardens in front of the beautiful former fire brigade headquarters are beautiful when the roses are in bloom.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In September 2014, Pachydiplax said about Hestercombe Gardens
We visited Hestercombe to see the gardens. These were as good as expected, with a magnificent formal garden facing the house and extensive walks through woodland and less formal gardens.
We were then encouraged to see the art exhibition in the house; we were informed that a number of the artists were Turner Prize winners. Oh dear..... The only good thing was that there was no extra charge for rooms full of puzzling exhibits.
But don't let this review put you off visiting the gardens.
We were then encouraged to see the art exhibition in the house; we were informed that a number of the artists were Turner Prize winners. Oh dear..... The only good thing was that there was no extra charge for rooms full of puzzling exhibits.
But don't let this review put you off visiting the gardens.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In September 2014, Roger187047 said about Hestercombe Gardens
This National Trust supported venue has most things that Great Houses and historical gardens have to offer, That said it is most definately not as good as other National Trust Gardens and Historical Buildings. The gardens and walks are very pleasant and there is some great opportunities for 'Photo Shots' However, where this falls down is there is little or no information available to explain the history of the house and its gardens except for the video recording in the 'Mill House' that aside there is little or no snippets of information as you make your way way around except for the grounds layout map you receive on entrance payment.
The tea rooms are expensive and it maybe advisable to take your own food if you are a family visit with children. The upstairs gallery in the main house is presently closed for refurbishment so there is little or nothing to see inside the house. Compared to say Dunster Castle Gardens which is not too far from Hestercombe the venue takes a second place in value and informative details
Worth a visit but not a second visit for me as in many cases I do visit places of interest on several occiasions
The tea rooms are expensive and it maybe advisable to take your own food if you are a family visit with children. The upstairs gallery in the main house is presently closed for refurbishment so there is little or nothing to see inside the house. Compared to say Dunster Castle Gardens which is not too far from Hestercombe the venue takes a second place in value and informative details
Worth a visit but not a second visit for me as in many cases I do visit places of interest on several occiasions
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In September 2014, Jean F said about Hestercombe Gardens
We visited whilst on holiday and thought that the formal gardens at the front of the house were just marvellous. There are a number of different areas and terraces, gradually going downhill, the whole effect is beautiful. The planting was good with lots to see and many butterflies and other insects; the small 'daisies' filling many cracks in the steps and walls were lovely. We walked through a lot of the rest of the garden and there was plenty to see.
We had lunch when we arrived and, yes, it was rather expensive, although very tasty sandwiches, served with crisps and coleslaw. The shop and plant sales were good.
My one complaint is this - the boards displaying the entrance fee {not cheap} had a small note to say that prices include a 'voluntary' 10% contribution to the upkeep. We did not see this until after we had paid and no one drew our attention to this supposedly voluntary contribution - not a good arrangement, we would have liked to know this before we paid, how many of us study the small print on a board by the entrance?
However, in spite of this, the gardens are well worth a visit.
We had lunch when we arrived and, yes, it was rather expensive, although very tasty sandwiches, served with crisps and coleslaw. The shop and plant sales were good.
My one complaint is this - the boards displaying the entrance fee {not cheap} had a small note to say that prices include a 'voluntary' 10% contribution to the upkeep. We did not see this until after we had paid and no one drew our attention to this supposedly voluntary contribution - not a good arrangement, we would have liked to know this before we paid, how many of us study the small print on a board by the entrance?
However, in spite of this, the gardens are well worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In September 2014, rml43 said about Hestercombe Gardens
Hestercombe Gardens are NOT part of the National Trust. It is supported by a stand alone trust and over the past 30 odd years the trust has reclaimed the landscape garden and built Hestercombe into the visitor attraction it is today. Until very recently the house was owned by Somerset County Council and used as the HQ for the Fire Service. The Trust is now working to restore and develop the house.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In September 2014, markandelaina b said about Hestercombe Gardens
Lovely gardens lit up at night. The best thing though was the hot food in the restaurant - make sure you book in advance though!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2014, Malcolm C said about Hestercombe Gardens
Wonderful gardens which I never tire of visiting. A restful and relaxing walk around the grounds followed by a cream tea. Lovely. Don't forget your camera!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2014, VickyTapsell said about Hestercombe Gardens
I had gone to a wedding held at Hestercombe Gardens and it was beautiful!! There are two rooms that they have for weddings but keep the place still open to the public but this didn't effect the wedding. Stunning grounds, i only wish it was raining so we could get to see the whole grounds.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2014, sara4471 said about Hestercombe Gardens
Having phoned before visit, was very disappointed at the way we were treated. My husband partially sight but according, to hestercombe your only disabled if in wheelchair. That said we did have pleasant walk round gardens
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2014, rotiel321 said about Hestercombe Gardens
A walk around the wooded footpaths is a pleasant experience, and the small formal gardens are very nice....... There are numerous ponds but no sign of any fish..... People like looking at fish!
The house looks like a 19th century asylum with only a couple of bare stuffy rooms open to the public. There is a smart restaurant in the main house, but at £14.95 for a fancy high tea, it wasn't surprising that it was empty! The cafe in the old stable block is nice and a lot cheaper.
The owners, should open some rooms up to give visitors a taste of the estate's history...... The yanks were stationed there in the war, Eisenhower visited and a Junkers bomber crash landed on the drive.
Hestercombe is a nice place to visit, but it could be a whole lot more.
The house looks like a 19th century asylum with only a couple of bare stuffy rooms open to the public. There is a smart restaurant in the main house, but at £14.95 for a fancy high tea, it wasn't surprising that it was empty! The cafe in the old stable block is nice and a lot cheaper.
The owners, should open some rooms up to give visitors a taste of the estate's history...... The yanks were stationed there in the war, Eisenhower visited and a Junkers bomber crash landed on the drive.
Hestercombe is a nice place to visit, but it could be a whole lot more.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk