Local Reviews
In August 2013, judyh84 said about Hestercombe Gardens
Very good landscaped garden which makes for quite a long stroll if you allow for the climbs and stops at various features. The ruins of the WW2 barracks make for interesting reading. The terraced garden was beautiful and a nice contrast with the earlier part - you can certainly see a designer's hand at work. Café rather nondescript and girl on reception quite unhelpful and obviously resented having to do tickets and ice-creams at the same time.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2013, Mis88 said about Hestercombe Gardens
We visited these gardens some years ago, and decided to come back and see what had changed!
The overall gardens are of course still the same - a beautiful series of settings and vistas in a valley, as well as some formal gardens in front of the house. However, the gardens are continually being restored - and this time around we were able to see the WW2 hut, the apple/cider barn and the renovated water wheel.
The paths are a bit steep and uneven in places, so you want to have sensible footwear on when you visit.
We spent a few hours here - and could easily have spent longer if we had made use of the very nice looking cafe. There is also a very nice little nursery where you can buy some lovely plants, and there is a gift shop.
Definitely worth a visit!
The overall gardens are of course still the same - a beautiful series of settings and vistas in a valley, as well as some formal gardens in front of the house. However, the gardens are continually being restored - and this time around we were able to see the WW2 hut, the apple/cider barn and the renovated water wheel.
The paths are a bit steep and uneven in places, so you want to have sensible footwear on when you visit.
We spent a few hours here - and could easily have spent longer if we had made use of the very nice looking cafe. There is also a very nice little nursery where you can buy some lovely plants, and there is a gift shop.
Definitely worth a visit!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2013, Del H said about Hestercombe Gardens
This was our first visit, my wife and I, together with a three year old grandson. In all we spent about three and a half hours on site and thoroughly exhausted both grandson and grandad.
On arrival Sue had a good coffee in the restaurant, whilst Jonas and I enjoyed very small and expensive tubs of ice-cream. The seating in the courtyard was excellent and the service was also good. We were glad we had brought a picnic though, once we'd looked at the food prices.
The provision of a picnic area outside the main entrance is a good idea, particularly as it is possible to re-enter after using it. We would however suggest picnics should be allowed in the landscaped gardens, even if only at designated spots. The picnic tables near the mill pond would seem to be the ideal spot, particularly as the tea shed would benefit from the availability of hot drinks. What a shame it wasn't open when we were there.
After our refreshments we took a stroll around the landscaped valley. Jonas enjoyed exploring the various shelters and small garden buildings and was enthralled by the ducks on the various ponds. This from a boy who is a regular visitor to Chew Valley Lake to feed the ducks. I would suggest small bags of appropriate food should be available for children to feed the ducks, though they didn't look hungry. Surprised there were no signs warning against inappropriate feeding.
Back to the entrance, more coffee and ice cream after our picnic, then into the formal gardens. An exhausted Jonas fell twice in here and prompted us to return to the car. It was time to get home for the dog anyway. We would dearly love to return to spend more time in this part of the gardens.
Given we were deep into school holiday season, it was a relief to have so few children around. The peace and tranquility was not impaired at all.
The ongoing restoration works do detract from the overall beauty, but are in themselves an interesting sideshow.
The toilet facilities were clean and in good order.
Parking was as needed, though does suggest you are never going to find yourself walking round shoulder to shoulder. That's a relief.
The sandals? All the paths are grit and gravel. If you can walk on such a surface without regular stops to shake out small stones, you'll be fine. Me, I was stopping every couple of yards. OK, I exaggerate a little, but you get the point.
Note to self: must come back when the rhododendrons are in bloom.
On arrival Sue had a good coffee in the restaurant, whilst Jonas and I enjoyed very small and expensive tubs of ice-cream. The seating in the courtyard was excellent and the service was also good. We were glad we had brought a picnic though, once we'd looked at the food prices.
The provision of a picnic area outside the main entrance is a good idea, particularly as it is possible to re-enter after using it. We would however suggest picnics should be allowed in the landscaped gardens, even if only at designated spots. The picnic tables near the mill pond would seem to be the ideal spot, particularly as the tea shed would benefit from the availability of hot drinks. What a shame it wasn't open when we were there.
After our refreshments we took a stroll around the landscaped valley. Jonas enjoyed exploring the various shelters and small garden buildings and was enthralled by the ducks on the various ponds. This from a boy who is a regular visitor to Chew Valley Lake to feed the ducks. I would suggest small bags of appropriate food should be available for children to feed the ducks, though they didn't look hungry. Surprised there were no signs warning against inappropriate feeding.
Back to the entrance, more coffee and ice cream after our picnic, then into the formal gardens. An exhausted Jonas fell twice in here and prompted us to return to the car. It was time to get home for the dog anyway. We would dearly love to return to spend more time in this part of the gardens.
Given we were deep into school holiday season, it was a relief to have so few children around. The peace and tranquility was not impaired at all.
The ongoing restoration works do detract from the overall beauty, but are in themselves an interesting sideshow.
The toilet facilities were clean and in good order.
Parking was as needed, though does suggest you are never going to find yourself walking round shoulder to shoulder. That's a relief.
The sandals? All the paths are grit and gravel. If you can walk on such a surface without regular stops to shake out small stones, you'll be fine. Me, I was stopping every couple of yards. OK, I exaggerate a little, but you get the point.
Note to self: must come back when the rhododendrons are in bloom.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2013, Barbara said about Hestercombe Gardens
This is an garden with footpaths leading to areas of different planting and interest. Some is formal, some is woodland and in some there are distant views over the Vale of Taunton Deane. There are places of interest along the way which can offer shelter. I took the dog on a lead and that was fine.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2013, GWandJW said about Hestercombe Gardens
Been looking forward to this visit all week but not as expected. The lady on the till tried exceptionally hard to have us "gift aid", the previous couple paying had already had an argument regarding this. The waterfall which is a feature was not running due to a lack of water (just the weather) but not mention was made at the pay point. The bulk of the garden looked worn out with only the Dutch Garden, Great Plat & Victorian Terrace having any quality displays. It was not possible to visit the Orangery or Woodland Barn due to a wedding taking place. We were asked to vacate the Victorian Terrace by an female with clipboard as the Bride & Groom etc were due through. I pointed out that we were paying guests and was appalled at being asked to move on. The pushy female probably the wedding organiser persevered and eventually we left. I believe that had someone placed a discreet sign advised that a wedding was in progress then a confrontation would not have occurred. Also if parts of the garden are out of bounds then a corresponding reduction from the already heavy (in value for money terms) entrance fee should be made. We won't be back.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In September 2013, SiobhanLohenna said about Hestercombe Gardens
Absolutely stunning. It is a shame there are some negative reviews on here. It is true they are doing some conservation work here, however this is only allowing people to continue enjoying the beautiful spot. There was a wedding on, and the girl at the reception let me know when I got there, so I could plan my visit. I'm glad she did. I spent over an hour in the formal gardens alone.
I highly recommend a visit. Its like being transported to another world.
I highly recommend a visit. Its like being transported to another world.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In September 2013, TravellingLincs said about Hestercombe Gardens
We visited Hestercome in August having been made aware of it through our RHS membership. Unfortunately we did not qualify for any discount at this time of year and thought the entry fee quite expensive at £8.80 each - we did not gift aid. Although we appreciate that the entry fee helps to finance restoration work if was more expensive than our visit to the RHS gardens at Rosemoor.
The garden was interesting with it's formal parts and then the walk through the grounds with some steep inclines and funny little buildings some hidden away. It felt like a journey of discovery.
Very good tea shop with wonderful looking cakes.
The garden was interesting with it's formal parts and then the walk through the grounds with some steep inclines and funny little buildings some hidden away. It felt like a journey of discovery.
Very good tea shop with wonderful looking cakes.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In September 2013, Lily S said about Hestercombe Gardens
My partner and I went here and although I'm not a huge fan of gardens, this one sure takes your breath away.
We have chosen this location as our wedding venue for next year as there is so much space and the garden is stunning giving lots of amazing photo opportunities.
The thought of going down the steps into the beautiful organgery to get married brought a tear to my eye.
I can't wait to come back with various family members and bridesmaid to share my excitement with them. This is definitely worth a visit!
We have chosen this location as our wedding venue for next year as there is so much space and the garden is stunning giving lots of amazing photo opportunities.
The thought of going down the steps into the beautiful organgery to get married brought a tear to my eye.
I can't wait to come back with various family members and bridesmaid to share my excitement with them. This is definitely worth a visit!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In September 2013, Greatexpectation123 said about Hestercombe Gardens
I have been a member of Hestercombe gardens for a few months now.
It's a lovely place for a walk but I constantly feel ripped off.
The cafe is very over priced and with exception of 1 cake offer no food for people with dietary requirements.
We went to the Illuminata last night. Very disappointed. £27 for a family of 3. It took us 30 minutes to walk around and with exception of the floating 3D fish we were very underwhelmed. If it has been marketed as Hestercombe at night and the ticket fee was £2 each that would have been reasonable.
I have contacted Hestercombe requesting a refund.
It's a lovely place for a walk but I constantly feel ripped off.
The cafe is very over priced and with exception of 1 cake offer no food for people with dietary requirements.
We went to the Illuminata last night. Very disappointed. £27 for a family of 3. It took us 30 minutes to walk around and with exception of the floating 3D fish we were very underwhelmed. If it has been marketed as Hestercombe at night and the ticket fee was £2 each that would have been reasonable.
I have contacted Hestercombe requesting a refund.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In September 2013, freddie679 said about Hestercombe Gardens
Hestercombe Gardens are really lovely with a gentle stroll all along by the lakes. there is a waterfall hidden small buildings and a lovely cafe and shop. they have themed events at Christmas Halloween and Easter. The flowers and shrubs are mature and plentiful. there are swans and ducks on the lakes and plenty of little seats to enjoy the views.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk