Local Reviews
In September 2014, Jean F said about Hestercombe Gardens
We visited whilst on holiday and thought that the formal gardens at the front of the house were just marvellous. There are a number of different areas and terraces, gradually going downhill, the whole effect is beautiful. The planting was good with lots to see and many butterflies and other insects; the small 'daisies' filling many cracks in the steps and walls were lovely. We walked through a lot of the rest of the garden and there was plenty to see.
We had lunch when we arrived and, yes, it was rather expensive, although very tasty sandwiches, served with crisps and coleslaw. The shop and plant sales were good.
My one complaint is this - the boards displaying the entrance fee {not cheap} had a small note to say that prices include a 'voluntary' 10% contribution to the upkeep. We did not see this until after we had paid and no one drew our attention to this supposedly voluntary contribution - not a good arrangement, we would have liked to know this before we paid, how many of us study the small print on a board by the entrance?
However, in spite of this, the gardens are well worth a visit.
We had lunch when we arrived and, yes, it was rather expensive, although very tasty sandwiches, served with crisps and coleslaw. The shop and plant sales were good.
My one complaint is this - the boards displaying the entrance fee {not cheap} had a small note to say that prices include a 'voluntary' 10% contribution to the upkeep. We did not see this until after we had paid and no one drew our attention to this supposedly voluntary contribution - not a good arrangement, we would have liked to know this before we paid, how many of us study the small print on a board by the entrance?
However, in spite of this, the gardens are well worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In September 2014, rml43 said about Hestercombe Gardens
Hestercombe Gardens are NOT part of the National Trust. It is supported by a stand alone trust and over the past 30 odd years the trust has reclaimed the landscape garden and built Hestercombe into the visitor attraction it is today. Until very recently the house was owned by Somerset County Council and used as the HQ for the Fire Service. The Trust is now working to restore and develop the house.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In September 2014, markandelaina b said about Hestercombe Gardens
Lovely gardens lit up at night. The best thing though was the hot food in the restaurant - make sure you book in advance though!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2014, Malcolm C said about Hestercombe Gardens
Wonderful gardens which I never tire of visiting. A restful and relaxing walk around the grounds followed by a cream tea. Lovely. Don't forget your camera!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2014, VickyTapsell said about Hestercombe Gardens
I had gone to a wedding held at Hestercombe Gardens and it was beautiful!! There are two rooms that they have for weddings but keep the place still open to the public but this didn't effect the wedding. Stunning grounds, i only wish it was raining so we could get to see the whole grounds.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2014, sara4471 said about Hestercombe Gardens
Having phoned before visit, was very disappointed at the way we were treated. My husband partially sight but according, to hestercombe your only disabled if in wheelchair. That said we did have pleasant walk round gardens
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2014, rotiel321 said about Hestercombe Gardens
A walk around the wooded footpaths is a pleasant experience, and the small formal gardens are very nice....... There are numerous ponds but no sign of any fish..... People like looking at fish!
The house looks like a 19th century asylum with only a couple of bare stuffy rooms open to the public. There is a smart restaurant in the main house, but at £14.95 for a fancy high tea, it wasn't surprising that it was empty! The cafe in the old stable block is nice and a lot cheaper.
The owners, should open some rooms up to give visitors a taste of the estate's history...... The yanks were stationed there in the war, Eisenhower visited and a Junkers bomber crash landed on the drive.
Hestercombe is a nice place to visit, but it could be a whole lot more.
The house looks like a 19th century asylum with only a couple of bare stuffy rooms open to the public. There is a smart restaurant in the main house, but at £14.95 for a fancy high tea, it wasn't surprising that it was empty! The cafe in the old stable block is nice and a lot cheaper.
The owners, should open some rooms up to give visitors a taste of the estate's history...... The yanks were stationed there in the war, Eisenhower visited and a Junkers bomber crash landed on the drive.
Hestercombe is a nice place to visit, but it could be a whole lot more.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2014, alan h said about Hestercombe Gardens
My wife and I have been members here for years but have now stopped. We think the admission charges are too high and the management need to look after long standing members more carefully We have passed on ideas to the staff but this has made no evident difference. We get much more value from National Trust membership and won't be renewing our membership.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2014, rowe26 said about Hestercombe Gardens
Definitely glad I became a member . Myself and my children love there ..The Halloween tour this year was worth every penny ...
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2014, Holli G said about Hestercombe Gardens
I took my 16yr old daughter to this last night for the 10pm tour not knowing what to expect and it was really good! I thought £15 each was a bit pricey as it's less than that to get into Wookey hole for the day but the overall experience made it worth it and it was a great Halloween treat.
When you arrive you follow candles to the house which was lit up purple and it certainly looked the part for a Spooky tour. There are games in the hall and scary music blasting out while you wait. The terror tour itself is absolutely brilliant fun. In the dark, up and down lots of stairs, through rooms, outside, inside again all the while trying to avoid the lurking zombie types. It's like being in a film with plenty of screaming and hand clutching and grabbing onto strangers arms but all the while having the laugh of a lifetime. It's definitely not for young children but older teenagers and adults will love it.
Afterwards we were given chips and a hot dog - pretty rubbish quality but you can eat it in the grand dining hall and it's a good way to end the tour and talk about all the bits that made you screech!
The staff were all friendly and helpful and the tour 'actors' were great too. My daughter and I would definitely do this tour again.
When you arrive you follow candles to the house which was lit up purple and it certainly looked the part for a Spooky tour. There are games in the hall and scary music blasting out while you wait. The terror tour itself is absolutely brilliant fun. In the dark, up and down lots of stairs, through rooms, outside, inside again all the while trying to avoid the lurking zombie types. It's like being in a film with plenty of screaming and hand clutching and grabbing onto strangers arms but all the while having the laugh of a lifetime. It's definitely not for young children but older teenagers and adults will love it.
Afterwards we were given chips and a hot dog - pretty rubbish quality but you can eat it in the grand dining hall and it's a good way to end the tour and talk about all the bits that made you screech!
The staff were all friendly and helpful and the tour 'actors' were great too. My daughter and I would definitely do this tour again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk