Local Reviews
In November 2012, El_TelSomersetUK said about Hestercombe Gardens
I used to work in the house when Somerset Fire and Rescue Service used it as their HQ before we were taken over by Devon FRS and I used to walk the gardens every day at lunchtime. The gardens are spectacular for most of the year and a relaxing walk around the ponds is well worth the effort.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In December 2012, David B said about Hestercombe Gardens
We went on a bright sunny winter day and while this is not ideal for a garden of this sort were impressed by the sheer scale of it all. There was plenty of water in the lakes and cascades and we were able to walk most of the paths - some closed because of recent heavy rain and flooding. There was colour from berries and the spindles contrasting against the frosty ground!
The only downside was that there was no one at the ticket sale point and we could have simply walked in without paying. We were directed to go to the shop to buy the tickets which - of course - we did. I was a few steps in front of my companion and was gruffly told to "shut the door" by the sales person. The shop was not busy but she was serving and it took some while to buy our tickets. To be fair she did thaw out a bit and told us about the garden. If the door needs shutting the site should fix the spring! My companion got in free and I got a discounted on-line ticket which made it good value. If it really is £9/10 per head as reported elsewhere I would have hesitated to have paid that!
The toilet facilities are exxcellent!
The restaurant area and food was good with a very outgoing server. See separate review.
The only downside was that there was no one at the ticket sale point and we could have simply walked in without paying. We were directed to go to the shop to buy the tickets which - of course - we did. I was a few steps in front of my companion and was gruffly told to "shut the door" by the sales person. The shop was not busy but she was serving and it took some while to buy our tickets. To be fair she did thaw out a bit and told us about the garden. If the door needs shutting the site should fix the spring! My companion got in free and I got a discounted on-line ticket which made it good value. If it really is £9/10 per head as reported elsewhere I would have hesitated to have paid that!
The toilet facilities are exxcellent!
The restaurant area and food was good with a very outgoing server. See separate review.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In January 2013, freddy_gratts said about Hestercombe Gardens
Love it here, tranquil, just a beautiful place to behold. We walked around and looked at may flowers and saw quite a lot of wildlife also, excellent day out
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In February 2013, ca922 said about Hestercombe Gardens
We live locally, have a season ticket and come here regularly throughout the year. We bring family and friends and have found it an invaluable reource for a bracing walk when so much of the countryside has been a quagmire this year.
We prefer the woodland walks to the formal garden which is overlooked by the incredibly ugly house. It has been a pleasure to see the gradual transformation of the woodland area as some of the worst aspects of its former management by the forestry commission are eradicated and the original 18th century pavilions and views are restored or replaced.
Our three year old grandson loves it here, sometimes it is difficult to get him further than the little children' play area!
Only objection was to the very ghoulish and unnecessary Halloween displays which were frightening to young children and detracted from other people's pleasure in the natural environment.
We prefer the woodland walks to the formal garden which is overlooked by the incredibly ugly house. It has been a pleasure to see the gradual transformation of the woodland area as some of the worst aspects of its former management by the forestry commission are eradicated and the original 18th century pavilions and views are restored or replaced.
Our three year old grandson loves it here, sometimes it is difficult to get him further than the little children' play area!
Only objection was to the very ghoulish and unnecessary Halloween displays which were frightening to young children and detracted from other people's pleasure in the natural environment.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In February 2013, Sj25 said about Hestercombe Gardens
The lady we went to meet here did everything she could to put us off having our wedding at Hestercombe gardens and kept us waiting for over half an hour for our scheduled appointment. Everywhere else we went to, did what ever they could to persuade us. I thought this was extremely unprofessional! The coffee shop and the grounds are gorgeous. better staff=better customer service!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In February 2013, TOM G said about Hestercombe Gardens
First time here not too bad Very Expensive not sure if Value for money, Cafe not great dont think we will be Back.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In February 2013, 743MS said about Hestercombe Gardens
Stunning place with the added plus dogs on leads are allowed. Thank you Hestercombe Trust as it is a wonderful place to walk all year around for humans and their canine friends. The drawback is don't bother with the restaurant; overpriced unappealling food with indifferent service.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In February 2013, penny w said about Hestercombe Gardens
One of the definitive English gardens. A must for all RHS members and especially for foreign guests.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In February 2013, Suzanne S said about Hestercombe Gardens
Lovely gardens and ponds. Quicky little buildings hidden around corners and along wooded tracks. Some friends of mine got married in one of them, apparently it was quite expensive but worth it if you want something small and unusual.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In February 2013, hannah k said about Hestercombe Gardens
Hestercombe is one of my families favourite places in Taunton. My husband and I even got married there 2 years ago. I do think it is a little over priced, but if you become a member it works out much better value, especially as we go there every week. Lovely cafe and gorgeous scenery, well worth a visit, especially down to the orangery.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk