Local Reviews
In August 2015, The_Concierge_8 said about Hestercombe Gardens
We were driving through the area and saw the Hestercombe signs and thought it would be nice to have a stroll through the gardens for about an hour and a half.
We could not walk far as my father-in-law has mobility challenges with his walker as he gets tired fast. So really it would have been a short stroll, maybe a walk around the art gallery, a browse of the book & plant shop and a cup of tea.
We drove in and could not see any signs to an information desk or booth or welcome center so we drove down the driveway until we came a building where I went in to inquire on a short-period admission. Turns out this building was the Art Gallery.
Unfortunately we were told that this would not be possible and we would have to pay the full £10.50 per person admission fee.
I inquired if there was a reduced admission fee for disabled persons and the gentleman at the desk was not sure about this and directed us to inquire at the main office. He also mentioned that there were no elevators in the gallery so my father-in-law would only have been able to browse the lower level. I also wanted to know if we could visit the Garden Shop & Plant Centre and Book Shop without paying a fee and he also did not know.
As we left the driveway, we noticed the steep steps and rough garden paths and realized that it would have been very difficult to tackle with a walker.
We then decided that paying more than £40 for a short stroll was just bad value, especially as my in-laws would not have been able to have easy access of the gardens or see the gallery in its entirety. It does look beautiful and maybe one day we’ll return to enjoy a day out there.
My recommendation to Hestercombe's management is to ensure that staff in all departments are trained to provide basic information to customers as we were not impressed that simple questions about admission could not be answered. And also to consider a short-visit or half day admission fee.
We could not walk far as my father-in-law has mobility challenges with his walker as he gets tired fast. So really it would have been a short stroll, maybe a walk around the art gallery, a browse of the book & plant shop and a cup of tea.
We drove in and could not see any signs to an information desk or booth or welcome center so we drove down the driveway until we came a building where I went in to inquire on a short-period admission. Turns out this building was the Art Gallery.
Unfortunately we were told that this would not be possible and we would have to pay the full £10.50 per person admission fee.
I inquired if there was a reduced admission fee for disabled persons and the gentleman at the desk was not sure about this and directed us to inquire at the main office. He also mentioned that there were no elevators in the gallery so my father-in-law would only have been able to browse the lower level. I also wanted to know if we could visit the Garden Shop & Plant Centre and Book Shop without paying a fee and he also did not know.
As we left the driveway, we noticed the steep steps and rough garden paths and realized that it would have been very difficult to tackle with a walker.
We then decided that paying more than £40 for a short stroll was just bad value, especially as my in-laws would not have been able to have easy access of the gardens or see the gallery in its entirety. It does look beautiful and maybe one day we’ll return to enjoy a day out there.
My recommendation to Hestercombe's management is to ensure that staff in all departments are trained to provide basic information to customers as we were not impressed that simple questions about admission could not be answered. And also to consider a short-visit or half day admission fee.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2015, Sandra D said about Hestercombe Gardens
My friend and I chose Hestercombe to spend an afternoon out and sadly we were both a little disappointed. Firstly it is vastly overpriced for what is offered. I am 60 something but was very surprised to find there was no Seniors discount, and £10.50 out of a pension is steep especially when all you get is a couple of hours stroll around the garden. On the plus side the gardens were beautiful and the views stunning and fortunately the weather was lovely, but not sure how we could have done the walk if we were less able bodied or if the weather had not been good. Having enjoyed the walk we were looking forward to visiting the house and art display....this is where the visit went horribly downhill! The two open rooms on the ground floor were empty barring a large table in what we assumed to be a conference room (for corporate use). We would have loved a little period furniture to get the feel of the history of the house. Instead we were given an A4 sheet for us to read 'the history of the house' - not quite what we expected!! The first floor took us to the gallery with photographic display by a renowned artist who we had never heard of, and I know beauty is in the eye of the beholder but a few photo's of allotments and dead leaves did nothing for us !! It was so bad my friend and I sadly found it very amusing. (not very becoming for a couple of mature ladies) Anyway, finally we thought a nice cuppa would end the afternoon on a more positive note but all we found was overpriced tea and cakes, so sadly we left to make our way home for afternoon tea. Our overall impression was that its a lovely stroll in beautiful surroundings if you are fit, but massively overpriced and the house visit is a complete waste of time. My advice would be to half the price for the walk and do something with the house to make it worth walking through the front door.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2015, Sirianpee said about Hestercombe Gardens
We stopped off at Hestercombe to break our journey from the south west to the midlands. It really is a great place to stop. The cafe does an amazing Sunday roast, one of the best we've had and the 40 acres of grounds including the Jeckyl and Lutyens formal gardens are well worth the visit. Staff were really polite and efficient in the cafe. They are members of the HHA too so we got in for free! We will definitely be returning to explore the gardens further.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2015, Tammy F said about Hestercombe Gardens
We went here on one of their school holiday Monday events. There were craft activities on and the kids had fun doing that but not as much fun as they did pretending to be animals and swinging in trees, playing on rocks etc. The walks through the parkland are lovely but it is hilly so people with mobility issues be aware. We had coffee and cake at the cafe and it was very nice. It is very similar to a National Trust property (but it is NOT National Trust owned).
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2015, BelleB8 said about Hestercombe Gardens
Gardens are a real find, surprisingly quiet for a sunny day in August. Under 7s play ground was ideal. Cafe clean and great food - worth going for this alone! Stunning location. Please go!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2015, Philip S said about Hestercombe Gardens
Hestercombe Gardens had been open for only about one year when we visited in August 2015 and there was clearly "still work to be done". The house and grounds are managed by a charitable trust.
The several formal gardens are very nice indeed: Well managed, colourful and nicely laid out.
There is also a longer walk around the valley to one side of the house, with various ponds, "temples" & "monuments" strategically placed for effect; and there are excellent views across the distant hills from several points. Some paths are not suitable for wheelchairs, but there is still plenty to see for those who are less mobile.
The ponds at the top of the walk are still in need of attention, and the lower ponds need a bit of aeration to get the water brighter, but you can see that the trustees have put a lot of work in to restoring these areas.
Quite attractive: However "not quite "Stour Head" " as one of our party remarked.
On the other hand, Hestercombe gardens welcome well behaved dogs on leads... which Stour Head does not... and there are places where children can "play with the water", so this place is far more "family friendly" than Stour Head ...and for that matter many other similar estates.
It is a good place for a family to visit and picnic for the day...but you need to visit for the full day to get value for the relatively high entrance fee.
We "took tea" in the cafe area. It was reasonable value for money, comparing well with similar sorts of outlets, and everything was clean. The outside covered eating area is OK, but the cafe serving area is in need of an "upgrade".
The house itself was, until only a few years ago, the HQ of the local Fire Service, and the scars of its use as an office block are still visible inside. The House has been built on the site of a much earlier one, though very little of the original building exists, and you will need to ask if you want to see it.
There were a couple of free exhibitions going on when we visited. We liked them, although they were probably a bit boring for children.
On the whole, well worth a visit.
The several formal gardens are very nice indeed: Well managed, colourful and nicely laid out.
There is also a longer walk around the valley to one side of the house, with various ponds, "temples" & "monuments" strategically placed for effect; and there are excellent views across the distant hills from several points. Some paths are not suitable for wheelchairs, but there is still plenty to see for those who are less mobile.
The ponds at the top of the walk are still in need of attention, and the lower ponds need a bit of aeration to get the water brighter, but you can see that the trustees have put a lot of work in to restoring these areas.
Quite attractive: However "not quite "Stour Head" " as one of our party remarked.
On the other hand, Hestercombe gardens welcome well behaved dogs on leads... which Stour Head does not... and there are places where children can "play with the water", so this place is far more "family friendly" than Stour Head ...and for that matter many other similar estates.
It is a good place for a family to visit and picnic for the day...but you need to visit for the full day to get value for the relatively high entrance fee.
We "took tea" in the cafe area. It was reasonable value for money, comparing well with similar sorts of outlets, and everything was clean. The outside covered eating area is OK, but the cafe serving area is in need of an "upgrade".
The house itself was, until only a few years ago, the HQ of the local Fire Service, and the scars of its use as an office block are still visible inside. The House has been built on the site of a much earlier one, though very little of the original building exists, and you will need to ask if you want to see it.
There were a couple of free exhibitions going on when we visited. We liked them, although they were probably a bit boring for children.
On the whole, well worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2015, Le Moulin de la Vallais said about Hestercombe Gardens
Allow 3-4 hours to properly explore the formal gardens, more naturalistic landscape, and the dozen or so follies therein. The courtyard cafe is reasonably priced (allow £20 for lunch for four) whilst the adjoining shop and plant nursery is compact but with a diverse stock range - visit there last, as it stocks many of the plants you'll have seen in the formal gardens. Book online in advance for a useful discount.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2015, Susan M said about Hestercombe Gardens
This was an organised trip as a day out for 30 people. Most went on a prearranged guided tour and everyone agreed the tour guide was terrific. Those less able did what parts of the garden they could and enjoyed the wonderful lay out and the flowers still in bloom and some of the historic interests. As we arrived early everyone had coffee or a drink in the café before setting off round the 48acre garden and although we were a large party the café dealt with us quite quickly. Heavy rain had been forecast but amazingly did not arrive so we were all in good spirits for the excellent food served at lunchtime something for all price ranges. We did not partake in the wonderful afternoon teas served from 12noon in the upmarket dining area, but had a quick look, these ranged from £8.50 to about £21.00! Try it for a real treat but the café is fine and has indoor and outdoor seating. Toilets placed in strategic places and a nice shop that included plants. Plenty of parking and picnic areas and you can take the dog.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2015, Jodelode said about Hestercombe Gardens
Perfect place to while away some hours, enjoy the formal gardens and walk around the grounds. Lovely cafe area- make sure you check their serving times for hot food as we unfortunately were caught out and could only have cake!! (which was lovely).
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2015, adrian_wylie380 said about Hestercombe Gardens
A wonderful combination of natural landscape and small lakes and walkways contrasting with formal gardens. The formal gardens were stunning and anyone who likes plants should visit. The restaurant is lovely.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk