Local Reviews
In November 2014, Polly R said about Hestercombe Gardens
Hestercombe has been transformed over the years and is now stunning. A lovely day out for all the family
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2014, Annacar said about Hestercombe Gardens
We have visited Hestercombe Gardens a couple of times and were very impressed on both occasions. The gardens and surrounding grounds are beautiful with such lovely views, worth seeing in every season. We had a two course Sunday lunch in the cafe on one visit and it was very nice. Would indefinitely repeat the experience!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2014, Keith H said about Hestercombe Gardens
Hestercombe Gardens is a wonderful place to visit throughout the year. I first visited early in the year with the spring bulbs all in flower. Set in large, impressive grounds with streams, waterfalls and lakes along woodland walks, formal and terrace gardens, they look different each season. There are also lovely views to enjoy across Taunton Vale. Hestercombe House with it's stunning ceilings and decor is home to an art gallery, tea room and HCYM (Hestercombe Centre For Young Musicians). Near to the house is a watermill and exhibition, shop and restaurant. On our recent visit a few days ago, there was a Christmas Market taking place with some of the best local food and gifts on offer. We enjoyed a lunch in the restaurant with good food at a reasonable price. With an outdoor play area, everyone can enjoy the day with events taking place all year round.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2014, Emma P said about Hestercombe Gardens
Lovely place to visit! Have been around 5 times and enjoyed every visit. Staff are always welcoming and willing to help. Although sometimes it can be busy once you are walking around you never seem to bump in to many people. There are always events on like the Halloween quest that has been on in previous years which is great for the children of the family, and also ice skating and different events at Christmas. It is great to see in all seasons as things change. Throughly recommend a visit, you won't be disappointed.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In December 2014, sandmtwinbedders said about Hestercombe Gardens
A really good place to visit any time of day, the restaurant is good value and well priced. Food mostly home produced and good quality.
Entry price is good value if you make it a longer stay and enjoy all the house and gardens
Entry price is good value if you make it a longer stay and enjoy all the house and gardens
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In December 2014, Colin F said about Hestercombe Gardens
Great place to go, walk explore, splendid and varied gardens but cafe cold and drayghty and overpriced. Particularly enjoyed a Son et Lumière evening a year ago but again The Great Hall was cold despite wearing outdoor clothing.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In December 2014, 491Liz_491 said about Hestercombe Gardens
We visited in the late afternoon with our two boys to combine Father Christmas with the lit up garden. The whole Father Christmas experience was a bit underwhelming as we had to wait under a plain gazebo until the 'elf' came to collect us. There was much walkie talkie communication which knocked the magic a bit. The little building he was in was quite cute with a real fire, but it was a shame that the children had to pick their own presents out of the boxes - this always seems a rather cold way to do it.
While waiting for it to get dark we had tea and cake. The cakes are very good with quite decent portions, but it does seem a bit pricy, although we were lucky enough to get a warm place to sit.
The lit garden was pretty, but a bit lacking in drama. They should light up some bigger trees and distant vistas rather than just individual bushes.
We probably wouldn't come here for a festive event again as it was all a bit lacking in atmosphere - shame, because it's lovely in the summer.
While waiting for it to get dark we had tea and cake. The cakes are very good with quite decent portions, but it does seem a bit pricy, although we were lucky enough to get a warm place to sit.
The lit garden was pretty, but a bit lacking in drama. They should light up some bigger trees and distant vistas rather than just individual bushes.
We probably wouldn't come here for a festive event again as it was all a bit lacking in atmosphere - shame, because it's lovely in the summer.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In December 2014, Rita W said about Hestercombe Gardens
We came on the Saturday before Christmas to walk around the gardens, and it was magical. There are delicately-lit trees and a 'secret pathway' of sculptures by local artists. Behind the gorgeous illuminated wall, which had gold leaf and images of angels and other characters, was a swan, swimming on the lake, its body illuminated by the colourful lights, and the journey along the path was similarly dream-like, little moments of warmth and colour amongst the dark winter evening. Afterwards we had a hot chocolate in the ice-skating tent, cosy and warming! Father Christmas waved at us from his window on the hill, and I felt like a child again! I think it's an absolutely lovely idea, and they should extend the idea next year, and have more artists' installations involved. This is not London's Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, this is deep dark winter magic!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In December 2014, Bianca180 said about Hestercombe Gardens
I Visted hestercombe with my partner, mother, sister, daughter and friend. I thought it was fantastic wonderland for all the family to enjoy! My daughter loved all the lite up trees and the fact Santa waved at us from his magical grotto. The art work was fantastic I especially enjoyed the Christmas wall with the lights shining through the glass, a beautiful installation all in all a wonderful evening! It would be lovely if next year there was more art installations on the trail round other than that a perfect family Christmas event!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In December 2014, Chris LB said about Hestercombe Gardens
This is a great example of a Victorian Manor's garden with great walksand many interesting features. FAB in Spring too.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk