Local Reviews
In January 2015, Kai H said about Hestercombe Gardens
We had our wedding at Hestercombe in august 2014. We chose it because it is obviously a beautiful venue, but also having spoken to a number of other venues, we found Julie and all those at Hestercombe totally committed to giving us the day we wanted rather than forcing us into various packages. They accommodated our requests and whims with such patience and friendly professionalism that it was actually a pleasure to plan the big day. On the day itself, everything was so smooth, and we felt relaxed and totally at ease, confident that Richard would ensure everyone had a good time - and everybody did!
Our friends could not stop talking about how delicious the food was, how well organised yet perfectly calm the day was - and how stunning the house and gardens were. All of this is an enormous testament to the incredibly hard work of Julie, Richard and all of the wonderful staff who made the day perfect. It was exactly how we always pictured it, and for that, we must extend a huge thanks to all those at Hestercombe.
Whether you want a grand formal affair or a relaxed fun day, Hestercombe can make it happen, and we cannot recommend it highly enough.
Kai and Kirsty
Married 29 August 2014
Our friends could not stop talking about how delicious the food was, how well organised yet perfectly calm the day was - and how stunning the house and gardens were. All of this is an enormous testament to the incredibly hard work of Julie, Richard and all of the wonderful staff who made the day perfect. It was exactly how we always pictured it, and for that, we must extend a huge thanks to all those at Hestercombe.
Whether you want a grand formal affair or a relaxed fun day, Hestercombe can make it happen, and we cannot recommend it highly enough.
Kai and Kirsty
Married 29 August 2014
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In February 2015, Sickmonkey said about Hestercombe Gardens
I would defenetly recomend this place if you appreciate nature at its best. The gardens are well laid out and the children enjoyed their time exploring them.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In February 2015, Brenda W said about Hestercombe Gardens
Lovely place for a stroll, there are different levels of walk so that there is something for everyone.
Our grandchildren love feeding the ducks and playing in the stream
Our grandchildren love feeding the ducks and playing in the stream
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In February 2015, Juliet L said about Hestercombe Gardens
We have been here a few times. It is nice to spend an hour or two wandering around the lakes and woodland with numerous paths to choose from with benches and an eclectic variety of little grottos/summerhouses to sit in and enjoy the views. Nice colours in the autumn.
The formal gardens are beautiful, and relaxing.
There is a very nice tea room in the old stables I think. Comfy sofas and good food.
They put on lots of events which are very popular so check out the website. We went to the Christmas fair with lots of local sellers. We keep on meaning to go to their winter light show which looks great, not sure if they did it this year though.
Well worth a visit.
The formal gardens are beautiful, and relaxing.
There is a very nice tea room in the old stables I think. Comfy sofas and good food.
They put on lots of events which are very popular so check out the website. We went to the Christmas fair with lots of local sellers. We keep on meaning to go to their winter light show which looks great, not sure if they did it this year though.
Well worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In February 2015, Eddrach said about Hestercombe Gardens
Hestercombe Gardens are what it says on the tin - gardens - and as such are very good, but it leavers you thinking there is so much more to this place that you are being denied. I mean, no access to what might be interesting.
The restaurant area is dire, a nice courtyard but with steel girders everywhere holding up a roof which wasn't allowed to touch the building. Badly contrived.
The gardens are nice, but there's so much more there - you can see their hydro electric systems but absolutely no information, like what do they produce. Much more in the same vain. I enjoyed the visit, but left more frustrated than when I arrived.
The restaurant area is dire, a nice courtyard but with steel girders everywhere holding up a roof which wasn't allowed to touch the building. Badly contrived.
The gardens are nice, but there's so much more there - you can see their hydro electric systems but absolutely no information, like what do they produce. Much more in the same vain. I enjoyed the visit, but left more frustrated than when I arrived.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In February 2015, Whizzo78 said about Hestercombe Gardens
Gardens are stunning but found the whole day very tricky with a double buggy in tow. Access is very bad & signposting of suitable routes non-existent. Shame as it's probably put us off going again!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In February 2015, Alwrites said about Hestercombe Gardens
Spent an enjoyable February Sunday morning wandering around. If Hestercombe is this nice on a grey winter day, it must be amazing in summer. We loved it and would definitely come back again; lots of nice little details ranging from the formality of Gertrude Jekyll's designs to the impressive landscapes of the valley and lakes. Most enjoyable!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In February 2015, 49Pam said about Hestercombe Gardens
It would take us about 90 minutes to get to the gardens so we had to plan with the weather forecast. It didn't disappoint, a clear winter's day, it lit up the landscapes of the gardens. The snowdrops in drifts, bright yellow aconites, primroses and pulmonaria just some of the plants
below the tall well lit trees that take your glance up to the sky. Six buzzards were flying low, swirling into the sky and calling. We also spotted treecreeper, chaffinch, blackbird, robin, coal tit and heard song thrush singing. The lakes gave way to great reflections of the trees all interspersed with cascading waterfalls shining in the sun. In front of the house are the formal gardens in complete contrast to the relaxed landscapes of the rest of the gardens. The walks around the gardens were muddy in places so it's advisable to wear walking boots.
After the invigorating walk what could be better than a good meal, and you don't have to go far to find it here.Housed in the old stable block our meals were very tasty and not too expensive.
The house was next visited, we were given some literature upon arrival to read later I guess. It's best, if you can to talk to a guide, we spoke with a lady who told us some things about the house we would not normally have found out.
There are picnic tables near the entrance to the gardens should you want to take your own food. Also in the grounds there is a shop and a small area where plants can be purchased.
But don't forget while your walking around to view the wonderful landscapes beyond the gardens boundaries.
below the tall well lit trees that take your glance up to the sky. Six buzzards were flying low, swirling into the sky and calling. We also spotted treecreeper, chaffinch, blackbird, robin, coal tit and heard song thrush singing. The lakes gave way to great reflections of the trees all interspersed with cascading waterfalls shining in the sun. In front of the house are the formal gardens in complete contrast to the relaxed landscapes of the rest of the gardens. The walks around the gardens were muddy in places so it's advisable to wear walking boots.
After the invigorating walk what could be better than a good meal, and you don't have to go far to find it here.Housed in the old stable block our meals were very tasty and not too expensive.
The house was next visited, we were given some literature upon arrival to read later I guess. It's best, if you can to talk to a guide, we spoke with a lady who told us some things about the house we would not normally have found out.
There are picnic tables near the entrance to the gardens should you want to take your own food. Also in the grounds there is a shop and a small area where plants can be purchased.
But don't forget while your walking around to view the wonderful landscapes beyond the gardens boundaries.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In March 2015, MazzyTM said about Hestercombe Gardens
Not sure I really want to share this great place, don't want it to become Too popular! It has two different great gardens both with interesting history - 18thC wilderness walk in a beautiful combe with an array of garden buildings to rest in, plus, probably the best example of a Gertrude Jekyll & Edwin Lutyens garden - impeccably maintained. Plus - working steam engines, art exhibitions, an excellent 2nd hand bookshop and good food. You really can spend a whole day here - and come back again each season. Go - just not when I'm there!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In March 2015, RB said about Hestercombe Gardens
This has the finest Lutyens/Jekyll garden that's open to the public, and yet the emphasis is all on the older landscape gardens - the map even shows the visitor route bypassing the Lutyens part altogether, and the original gate from old to new is no longer used. Why they feel the need to "enhance" a fine set of Lutyens steps with cheap half-barrel planters is beyond me, and the children's trail ended with an unsightly piece of paper hanging from the centrepiece of the garden. Entrance charge a little on the high side. Shop sells usual smelly tat - no scholarly books on garden design.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk