Local Reviews
In July 2015, Philip B said about Hestercombe Gardens
We enjoyed a train journey from North Hertfordshire to get here and we are glad we did. It was a most beautiful, sunny, warm day and the garden looked spectacular. You can see both the hands of Gertrude Jeykll and Edward Lutyens in both the hard landscaping and garden planting as you wander around this beautiful garden. It has wonderful sunken areas, seating in out of the way places, terraces and orchards as well as woodlands walks and large ponds to gently walk around and enjoy the shade and places to sit. In the distance the hills and beautiful Somerset countryside. We did not go into the house but enjoyed the cafe nearby which was very busy. We sat for our tea in an open courtyard which had, above our heads, an open girder-like structure which, to our minds as it was a very warm day, could have been covered with shading to give some relief from the sun. A very enjoyable visit but pick a dry warm day and you will not be disappointed.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2015, marion701 said about Hestercombe Gardens
The garden and the surrounding larger estate are fantastic. Had not been here for some time booked on the internet for a small discount. The staff were so friendly from the reception staff to the lady in the shop. And what lovely plants in the shop and very reasonably priced. Unfortunately the gallery in the house was not open so will be back to see this. Next time will have a meal in the house. The food was excellent in the lovely partly covered café Well done to everyone connected with Hestercombe
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2015, Howard P said about Hestercombe Gardens
Lots of nice walks around a very picturesque setting, plenty of information available comprising of Videos, old photos,and booklets etc.Good shops and food on site ranging from hot drinks and cakes to a full meal , not overly pricey unless you go to the column room restaurant where you can pay £9.50 pp for a cream tea, £18.50 for afternoon tea but probably worth it if you fancy a little decadence..Overall a very pleasant day out
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2015, Sarah D said about Hestercombe Gardens
Had a lovely walk with my partner and our dog. Then we had a nice cold drink and a huge piece of cake in the cafe. Lovely morning out.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2015, Jackie P said about Hestercombe Gardens
Amazing what can I say, absolutely stunning, lovely walks, amongst superb plantings , gardens fabulous, tea rooms served tasty food and were reasonably priced. We bought some lovely plants too.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2015, David P-M said about Hestercombe Gardens
A walk around these most attractive gardens is made at your pace and can take between two to three hours. There is such a variety of shrubs, plants, trees and other items of interest. Towards the end of your journey there is a feast of formal gardens - just delightful. The small nursery (where plants may be purchased at reasonable prices) is worth a visit. At journeys end there is the restaurant where you can enjoy a variety of delicious snacks and drinks.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2015, Tom H said about Hestercombe Gardens
Now that the whole, both house and gardens, are under the control and management of the Trust, this has become an excellent venue for the mature visitor. The famous formal garden by Getrude Jekyl and Edward Lutyens is a delight, if smaller than some might expect, but is vividly contrasted by the amazing woodland, hill and lakes, informal gardens by the Bampfylde family extending for acres up the hill to the north beyond the house. A truly excellent venue, both for dining in the new restaurant, with a small but excellent menu of quality, but also for less formal eating in the courtyard cafe. There is great scope for wonderful walks through the woodland setting. Weddings, generally conducted in the orangery, with the spreading lawns beyond, have the benefit of a beautiful view over Taunton Vale. In addition there is the amazing hall for major events, public meetings and for hire. There is a small garden centre selling plants, a second hand book shop and and a nice gift shop. Entrance fees do seem a bit expensive. Apart from walking and the cafe eats, this is possibly not the ideal venue for groups of small children.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2015, linda s said about Hestercombe Gardens
Wandering around the gardens is a very pleasant way to spend a morning or afternoon. The garden centre, gift shop and cafe are very good and the shop has some interesting quirky products.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
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