Local Reviews
In May 2012, Friendlypers0n said about Hestercombe Gardens
With over fifty acres of lakes, temples, cascades, woodland walks, formal terraces, vivid colours and views Hestercombe Gardens is a fab place for a day out. It is very hilly in parts so not for those without some degree of fitness. Kids love it as they can run to their heart's content. Lots of ducks to feed on the ponds. Lovely formal gardens near to the house.
Quality cafe with outside seating area which is pricey but nice for a treat. Nice gift shop selling unusual things with small plant area attached. 17th Century working watermill. Clean toilets.
There is a bat cam where you can watch bats roosting in the barns. There is a film all about Hestercombe being renovated.
There is a WW2 ruined hut showing the history of Hestercombe during WW2.
There are lots of events held at Hestercombe throughout the year. Dogs are welcome on a lead.
There is no public access to the house. Entrance prices are not cheap but you do see offers from time to time.
You can go to to the Stables Restaurant and Coffee Shop, The Gardens Shop and Plant Centre and there is a small, Children’s Play area for the under 7s. It is situated by the picnic area near the Ticket Office. Picnics are not permitted in the Gardens but there is an attractive picnic area with tables adjacent to the Ticket Office. You can use all of these things free without having to pay to get into the gardens proper.
Quality cafe with outside seating area which is pricey but nice for a treat. Nice gift shop selling unusual things with small plant area attached. 17th Century working watermill. Clean toilets.
There is a bat cam where you can watch bats roosting in the barns. There is a film all about Hestercombe being renovated.
There is a WW2 ruined hut showing the history of Hestercombe during WW2.
There are lots of events held at Hestercombe throughout the year. Dogs are welcome on a lead.
There is no public access to the house. Entrance prices are not cheap but you do see offers from time to time.
You can go to to the Stables Restaurant and Coffee Shop, The Gardens Shop and Plant Centre and there is a small, Children’s Play area for the under 7s. It is situated by the picnic area near the Ticket Office. Picnics are not permitted in the Gardens but there is an attractive picnic area with tables adjacent to the Ticket Office. You can use all of these things free without having to pay to get into the gardens proper.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2012, Pippadude said about Hestercombe Gardens
We visited here in May and I was very interested in seeing a garden designed by Lutyens and Jekyll. The hardscape provided by Lutyens and the plantings by Jekyll are one of England's most beautiful combinations. The rills, fountains, walkways, etc. were very interesting. We had a nice lunch and the gift shop was interesting.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2012, KLRBristol said about Hestercombe Gardens
Hestercombe gardens are a lovely day out for a walk and some great food whether for a couple or a family day out. You could spend anything from an hour to 3 or 4 hours here depending on how far you want to walk/if you'd also like to eat. The manicured flower beds look beautiful when in bloom, the bluebell woods are a must see when in season, the Orangery is a beautiful hamstone building, the woodlands are left quite wild and natural, the waterfall can be heavy flowing after heavy rainfall making a spectacular sight. There are films/little buildings/information points dotted around the grounds. Everyone is very friendly. The daily quiche is always yummy served with a good amount of salad, Sunday roasts are always available. Food is a little on the expensive side. Highchairs and wheelchair access available. Check out their website for events going on throughout the year - everything from childrens fun days (little play park now added for kids and they can run around freely to their heart's content), wedding fairs, mill demonstration days, butterfly walks, easter egg trails and knowledgeable speakers. I understand that the manor house is going to be developed and opened up to the public in the future also. You can buy a season ticket that also gives you free or discounted entry to other local attractions. The investment and development over the last 20 years or so has been more than worth it with great results. Go when you know the bits you want to see in bloom etc are in season otherwise you may be disappointed.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2012, Grant D said about Hestercombe Gardens
I liked everything....beautiful, tranquil setting. Great walks.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2012, Bob P said about Hestercombe Gardens
Superb spectacular formal beds designed by Gertrude Jekyll--one of the most famous garden designers of her time. Price of entry was a bit expensive and the peace and quiet of our woodland walk was marred by several young men who were busy sawing a tree then using a tractor to haul wood and a leaf blower to clear the path of sawdust. So much for peace and quiet! And this went on for about an hour and the noise filled the entire woodland area. There were monuments, a witches hut, a turkish tent, etc. placed about the walk--with really no explanation of what this was about. We got the impression this was an attempt to have "something" in the woodland as the walk might not be enough on its own. But go for the beautiful formal gardens in front of the mansion--they truly are superb. Watch the roads coming back--it's easy to get lost.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2012, Elaine C said about Hestercombe Gardens
Shady. Beautiful spring flowers. Stunning daisy staircase.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2012, Jenners-2398 said about Hestercombe Gardens
Lovely gardens, quite hilly in places but worth the visit
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2012, LadyPensmith said about Hestercombe Gardens
Huge amount of conservation restoring these 18th and 19th century and Lutyens gardens to their glory. Loved the waterfall and the terraced gardens, a lot still to come. Good restaurant/cafe and picnic areas, so easy to spend the day.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2012, westcountrypro said about Hestercombe Gardens
Walk dogs on a lead, but then you are transported in to a wonderfully restored small valley or garden behind the house. The water is beautiful and can make the place dreamlike. The more formal gardens at the front of the house are better in the summer months. A great tea room and lunch spot and a useful shop with plants for sale too.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2012, mmorris46 said about Hestercombe Gardens
a large garden if you like walking, but not a lot of formal garden, also difficult to reach, through very narrow lanes, which sat nav takes you through, a bit hair rising, coffee shop quite expensive and drinks not really hot!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk