Local Reviews
In March 2015, rebeccafox said about Hestercombe Gardens
We have a membership here and we love it. The kids love walking around, even our daughter who uses a kaye walker can make it around most parts of the main walk. They always have trails for kids to do. We enjoyed their Easter trails last year and their Fun Fridays during the school holidays. Thoroughly recommend!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In March 2015, lavallins said about Hestercombe Gardens
Visited on a glorious sunny day so perhaps 'rose tinted glasses' but sure even on a dull day there would be colour in the gardens. Nothing much at all to see in the house but the displays change so perhaps we were just unlucky with the art exhibition.Cafe is a bit pricey for what is available.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In March 2015, F R said about Hestercombe Gardens
Interesting garden buildings and plenty space to run round. Pretty spring bulbs and views. House not worth looking round
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In March 2015, Vicky B said about Hestercombe Gardens
The story of the rediscovery and restoration of these magnificent gardens is heart warming and the result has created one of my favourite places to visit anywhere anytime.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In April 2015, Ellen F said about Hestercombe Gardens
My first time at Hestercombe, but hopefully not my last. This is not a huge garden, but has many lovely features. I particularly liked all the water: a huge variety of rills, ponds, waterfalls and other water courses. I should imagine the garden would be lovely in summer, but very pretty in early spring. A delicious lunch too.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In April 2015, lynne l said about Hestercombe Gardens
Brilliant day out for the family .Plenty of space for the children .The flower beds were so colourful just coming into their own shame the daffs had finished but the tulips were coming out in wonderful colours and such different types not always seen
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In April 2015, Peter G said about Hestercombe Gardens
Took my elderly 'in-laws' who said they enjoyed it, but I found it rather disappointing. Firstly I thought it was rather expensive to get in and no discount for OAP's. the woodland walks and lakes were good. But when we got to the formal gardens we decided to stop for coffee. We enquired in the house but was told it would probably be too formal for us and were directed to the stable cafeteria. Good coffee etc. was served here by very pleasant staff. But on leaving found we could not get back directly to where we had left our tour but instead had to climb stairs back up to reception and round the block back to more stairs leading down to the house which was not very good for my disabled mother-in-law.
The house itself had various art exhibitions in different rooms some of which were just not for me. I thought after the Fire Brigade had left the house would have been put back to its former glory, depicting its history rather than just a sheet of paper as you went in. The gardens were well laid our but due to the time of year somewhat lacking in colour and some of the water features could have had cleaner water in them and maybe some fish?
The house itself had various art exhibitions in different rooms some of which were just not for me. I thought after the Fire Brigade had left the house would have been put back to its former glory, depicting its history rather than just a sheet of paper as you went in. The gardens were well laid our but due to the time of year somewhat lacking in colour and some of the water features could have had cleaner water in them and maybe some fish?
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In April 2015, Church Cat said about Hestercombe Gardens
Really enjoyed exploring the gardens here on a lovely sunny spring day. Views over the surrounding countryside are wonderful. Sensible walking shoes a "must" for the pathways, some of which are steep.
Food at the cafe delicious, if slightly dear. On the day I visited, the cafe didn't seem to cope too well with a rush when a small coach party arrived, running out of coffee beans and table service really slow.
Food at the cafe delicious, if slightly dear. On the day I visited, the cafe didn't seem to cope too well with a rush when a small coach party arrived, running out of coffee beans and table service really slow.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In April 2015, Mike A said about Hestercombe Gardens
Had a lovely walk around these landscaped gardens (good tracks, a bit steep in one part at the back of the gardens). Saw the lakes and the waterfall. Everything looked great, thought there was evidence of on-going restoration.
Then we went into the formal gardens in front of the house. These are gorgeous, especially in the sun.
There is a cafe on site for when you need a rest!
Then we went into the formal gardens in front of the house. These are gorgeous, especially in the sun.
There is a cafe on site for when you need a rest!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In April 2015, trol1180 said about Hestercombe Gardens
Gardens themselves are varied. Formal flower displays, beautiful layout the gazebo type area. Further into the gardens are woodland walks withna lovely waterfall, walks, trees etc with many on sizeable pathways. Some irregular paths where pushchairs and wheelchairs not practical but still lots to see.
Warning re facilities. Staff don't inform of 'differences to the norm'. E.g. went on Monday this week. Three cafe facilities marked on map. Found one to be closed as a school party was around. Second cafe closed as not open on Monday's. Entrance staff didn't tell us, and other staff not 'sorry' for any inconvenience, nor helpful. Staff in the only cafe open were not very customer focused. Crockery was dirty and tea for two equates to only one and a half cups each, so not generous and almost £2 per person. No savoury offerings just cake, and more cake. Not even a sandwich out of the noon to 3pm window. National Trust catering is much better.
Would go again as gardens are worth it, but will take a flask of hot tea/coffee and a sandwich and not rely at all on the catering side.
Warning re facilities. Staff don't inform of 'differences to the norm'. E.g. went on Monday this week. Three cafe facilities marked on map. Found one to be closed as a school party was around. Second cafe closed as not open on Monday's. Entrance staff didn't tell us, and other staff not 'sorry' for any inconvenience, nor helpful. Staff in the only cafe open were not very customer focused. Crockery was dirty and tea for two equates to only one and a half cups each, so not generous and almost £2 per person. No savoury offerings just cake, and more cake. Not even a sandwich out of the noon to 3pm window. National Trust catering is much better.
Would go again as gardens are worth it, but will take a flask of hot tea/coffee and a sandwich and not rely at all on the catering side.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk