Local Reviews
In April 2014, Peter Straw said about Hestercombe Gardens
Great place for the kids to have a run around within the grounds and to learn few things about fauna too.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In April 2014, Lizzie R said about Hestercombe Gardens
We went here before our Christmas dinner evening out and did a spot of ice skating, great fun and nice mulled wine! The Winter Gardens were lit up and looking gorgeous. Hestercombe is a great place to visit, lots of history and a wonderfully restored lake, Gertrude Jekyll borders and sunken garden with excellent planting schematics and delightful rhylls, fountains and ponds. Good café with a nice selection of food and drinks.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In April 2014, Heather c said about Hestercombe Gardens
The gardens are a great place all ages. They have a play area for children and some really nice walks around the gardens. There is also a café situated there so that you can relax with a beverage and relax before gong off and looking round again. The staff are all very friendly and helpful.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In April 2014, JANIE L S said about Hestercombe Gardens
You won't be disappointed with this venue. It has everything a day out should have. Amazing views and gardens, something for the children, amazing indoor and outdoor eating spaces with fabulous varied menus. The gift shop has some quirky gifts, especially great around the Christmas season.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In April 2014, YeovilSarah said about Hestercombe Gardens
The gardens, which have been undergoing major improvements over the years, are amazing for unlocking the imaginations of both adults and children alike. There is enough here to occupy a family for a good two to three hours. There is a wonderful walk which takes you through woods, past a man-made lake and a waterfall, a few follies, ducks and a swan and back down to the formal garden of the house, which is an absolute rose-filled delight in mid-summer. As you walk round, you get occasional, terrific views of the Blackdown Hills and the countryside around Taunton. We did the bluebell walk, which is an enchanting circuit around one side of the estate. The cafe, offering a range of freshly cooked food and cakes, is excellent There are a number of tables in a courtyard setting and a shop selling National Trust-type goodies and plants. The woodland walk would be challenging for wheel-chair users, but the formal gardens are accessible and wonderful to sit in. A wonderful place to take a book and relax.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In April 2014, 4211maria said about Hestercombe Gardens
The value we've had from our membership is unbelievable! We visit at least twice a month & take our dog who is made welcome, the restaurant quality is great with kids options too. Easter trails & other events are included free with membership so there is always something new to do.. Staff are great & to get married there must be axing as it is so beautiful. For real value membership is a must
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In April 2014, Carol I said about Hestercombe Gardens
The day I visited it was deserted, and I walked round for over an hour before meeting anyone. The gardens are in a valley with steep sides, and make for a decent walk. There is a shop, a good cafe/restaurant where I had a lovely piece of victorian sandwich cake. A good day out.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2014, boliston said about Hestercombe Gardens
Visited the "Stables Kitchen" first to have some lunch, had a quiche with salad which seemed ok (£6.55) but strangely it was served with crisps instead of potatoes (i don't like crisps much but i guess some do). I also ordered a "home made lemon meringue pie" (£4.75) as it's one of my fave deserts BUT what was served simply seemed like a joke - it was a small circular thing about 3" in diameter NOTHING like what I had expected - the curd was runny and acidic and the meringue was runny as well - obviously frozen rather than homemade.
OK I did not primarily visit for the food, it's the gardens which I have visited many times living locally, and I'm lucky to have this "on my doorstep" - I primarily visit for the "informal" part of the gardens which has nice woodland tracks based around a deep wooded valley with a string of lakes at the base. There are nice diversions out of the main wooded valley such as a "folly" ovelooking the vale of Taunton and a separate "bluebell wood". There are probably a good 3 miles of wooded tracks if you followed them all so I generally spend a couple of hours walking round.
Finally grabbed a cup of cofee before leaving and can vouch that they do a good coffee (had a large americano) - they have a proper espresso machine and grind the coffee themselves - I'm very fussy about my coffee and it seemed good.
I will also just mention something to watch out for when paying for entry - they have a "dual price" system with the option to pay a higher price including a 10% donation BUT unless you ask for the standard admission price they will TAKE the 10% "donation" regardless - in my book a "donation" should be offered rather than taken by default.
OK I did not primarily visit for the food, it's the gardens which I have visited many times living locally, and I'm lucky to have this "on my doorstep" - I primarily visit for the "informal" part of the gardens which has nice woodland tracks based around a deep wooded valley with a string of lakes at the base. There are nice diversions out of the main wooded valley such as a "folly" ovelooking the vale of Taunton and a separate "bluebell wood". There are probably a good 3 miles of wooded tracks if you followed them all so I generally spend a couple of hours walking round.
Finally grabbed a cup of cofee before leaving and can vouch that they do a good coffee (had a large americano) - they have a proper espresso machine and grind the coffee themselves - I'm very fussy about my coffee and it seemed good.
I will also just mention something to watch out for when paying for entry - they have a "dual price" system with the option to pay a higher price including a 10% donation BUT unless you ask for the standard admission price they will TAKE the 10% "donation" regardless - in my book a "donation" should be offered rather than taken by default.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2014, Llanfrynach-on-Tour said about Hestercombe Gardens
We loved this garden with it's mixture of the formal and informal. The bluebell wood was something very special and we wiled away a wonderful morning and early afternoon wandering through the gardens. With an excellent tea room for refreshment, we sampled the carrot cake (9/10) and pear and ginger cake (8/10).....with very nice coffee. So if you like a truly lovely garden, with some light walking..(1-2 miles we reckon).then well worth a visit..there were also families enjoying the sunny weather. Also note a very health discount for Caravan Club Members.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2014, The-snowyman said about Hestercombe Gardens
A lovely setting, very good information and guide map. Friendly staff. Restaurant/cafe excellent quality and good value. National Trust look and learn, this is how it should be done
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk