Local Reviews
In October 2017, Kerri C said about Hestercombe Gardens
A beautiful venue that is dog friendly (dogs must be on a lead at all times). Dogs are not allowed in all areas like the main house. We spent a fantastic day there.
We had coffee & cakes in a courtyard area & it was nice.
We had coffee & cakes in a courtyard area & it was nice.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2017, Mike and Pat O said about Hestercombe Gardens
Although we had a skirmish with Georgian Landscape Garden, we spent more time exploring the formal gardens. The view from the Victorian Terrace is quite stunning. You can then progress on a voyage of discovery through the Edwardian Formal Gardens. The heady aromas of the delightful Dutch Garden, the Great Plat and the Pergola are not to be missed. Hestercombe, from its elevated position provides spectacular panoramas of the surrounding countryside. There is much to see which would make any visit worthwhile.
The House has many commendable architectural features and much of its first floor is given over to displaying exhibits from its Contemporary Art Gallery. I was a bit surprised that, the crumpled paper, down which ink appeared to have been allowed to dribble and fixed to the walls with bulldog clips, were exhibits. In other rooms, works in similar vein were displayed.
We found the ‘below stairs’ experience rather more rewarding and the display of old black-and-white prints provided a fascinating insight to the history of the house.
We had lunch at the Stables Cafe. Again this provoked a mixed response; my wife enjoyed her meal but I found the salmon pate a little on the bland side and the mountain of salad did little to compensate for the lack of substance.
The House has many commendable architectural features and much of its first floor is given over to displaying exhibits from its Contemporary Art Gallery. I was a bit surprised that, the crumpled paper, down which ink appeared to have been allowed to dribble and fixed to the walls with bulldog clips, were exhibits. In other rooms, works in similar vein were displayed.
We found the ‘below stairs’ experience rather more rewarding and the display of old black-and-white prints provided a fascinating insight to the history of the house.
We had lunch at the Stables Cafe. Again this provoked a mixed response; my wife enjoyed her meal but I found the salmon pate a little on the bland side and the mountain of salad did little to compensate for the lack of substance.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2017, busterSolihull said about Hestercombe Gardens
My wife and I had rejoined HHA again ( £77.00 third year... visited 25 properties last year and 20 so far this year) and visited Hestercombe whilst on the way to Forde Abbey (22 miles .. 45 mins) also HHA (both free to members) on Friday 20th.
The Victorian Shrubbery, Georgian Landscape, Edwardian Formal Garden and the two ponds are lovely approx 2 hour stroll ( I had to take it slowly as there is some Up hill and I have chronic bronchitis)
There is little interest in the house except it is worth seeing the black and white photos of its history during the war and the Portman Family era. We had a snack in The Stables Cafe which was very tasty (Smoked Trout Pate with rocket, pumpkin and roasted pepper houmus on granary bread £7.25 and the Three Cheese and Tomato Frittata £6.75 both with accompany of salad garnish and new potatoe salad), the only let down was my double espresso ( I think it was more extra water as it was very weak)
The Victorian Shrubbery, Georgian Landscape, Edwardian Formal Garden and the two ponds are lovely approx 2 hour stroll ( I had to take it slowly as there is some Up hill and I have chronic bronchitis)
There is little interest in the house except it is worth seeing the black and white photos of its history during the war and the Portman Family era. We had a snack in The Stables Cafe which was very tasty (Smoked Trout Pate with rocket, pumpkin and roasted pepper houmus on granary bread £7.25 and the Three Cheese and Tomato Frittata £6.75 both with accompany of salad garnish and new potatoe salad), the only let down was my double espresso ( I think it was more extra water as it was very weak)
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2017, Peter R said about Hestercombe Gardens
We greatly enjoyed our leisurely stroll round this wonderful landscape garden. It's obviously a favourite venue for local people and I suspect is busy all year round. Interesting plantings although plant labels here and there would have been useful. The main house is not the most attractive of buildings on the outside but more than compensated for by the extensive grounds. the then art display in the house really didn't do it for us but that will obviously be a changing event. The Stables Café was very good - really excellent baguettes and a lot of other good things on offer not least a strawberry tart when we went at a giveaway price. Good plants in the Plant Centre too.
A great day out.
A great day out.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2017, dragonara2 said about Hestercombe Gardens
We have been here before over the years at different times of the year.The gardens seem to have plenty of contrasts between the formal planting close to the house to the arboretum and the pools which give a sense of serenity. The history of the garden is fascinating, particularly the 2 nd world war barrack house. For the first time we were able to visit the house and we particularly enjoyed the Apothecary's kitchen with helpful explanations from staff which enhanced the experience. My husband appreciated the art and photo exhibits but I wasn't so enamoured! Each to their own! Café was good as usual, don't miss the caramel cake! The plant shop was well stocked with reasonably priced plants and shrubs. Plenty of parking. I wish there were more labels on plants and trees to enhance the visit. Also the 2 for 1 ticket from Gardeners world can be used here which is useful.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2017, DrJimE said about Hestercombe Gardens
This is a pleasant activity for an Autumn morning or afternoon and has a good range of trees and shrubs. It would have benefitted, however, from the naming of at least some of those. That led to an awful lot of guessing although it led to the identification (online) of the spindle bush of which there were many in the gardens.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2017, Cheryl S said about Hestercombe Gardens
A lovely garden to visit even though it was a late season visit there's still plenty to see. The different buildings of interest plenty of space to walk. The parts of the house you get to see are beautiful wood panels and ceilings. The secondhand book shop is worth a visit with something for everyone. The cafe has a lovely selection of cakes and bakes. We enjoyed a delicious Sunday roast.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2017, rgn2017 said about Hestercombe Gardens
Was surprised to find this small but perfectly formed estate nestled in the Somerset countryside close to Taunton. We didn't have time to visit the house but the gardens were a lovely place to spend a couple of hours exploring and locating the charming follies and shelters dotted around, including turrets, Italianate and pagoda-style. We admired the clever dam on the stream running through the property, which was used to feed a small lake, fishpond, water feature and also ran cider press and wood lathe in the past (there was a fascinating exhibition of original machinery that would have been used for these purposes in a sturdy but attractive outbuilding. The formal gardens were small and not looking at their best when we visited in October. We thought the orangerie building was charming as were other outbuildings dotted throughout the estate. The large partially covered courtyard cafe is located in farmyard buildings, adjacent to a large shop and plant nursery in what used to be the stables. The food was wholesome, child-friendly and generously portioned. All in all we were enchanted with Hestercombe Gardens. Not as grand as other larger stately homes but it is small and perfectly formed. Congratulations to members of the local community who have formed the "Friends of Hestercombe" charity to renovate and run the Estate. Obviously still lots to do but what they have already achieved is well worth a visit!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2017, smee4u said about Hestercombe Gardens
Art installations , free range chickens, beautiful grounds, secret gardens and a tea room , delightful afternoon with the dog.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2017, paulbaird said about Hestercombe Gardens
A visit to Hestercombe is a really fascinating and different experience. To see it all, you need to be ready for some challenging walks but it is still possible to enjoy a significant part even if, like me, you have some mobility issues.
Each section Of the gardens in front of the house deserves your time while the trail up the hills behind the house is reall interesting. Try to see the excellent video before going too far: understanding the artistic background to the gardens will increase your enjoyment.
Each section Of the gardens in front of the house deserves your time while the trail up the hills behind the house is reall interesting. Try to see the excellent video before going too far: understanding the artistic background to the gardens will increase your enjoyment.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk