Local Reviews
In April 2014, Carol I said about Hestercombe Gardens
The day I visited it was deserted, and I walked round for over an hour before meeting anyone. The gardens are in a valley with steep sides, and make for a decent walk. There is a shop, a good cafe/restaurant where I had a lovely piece of victorian sandwich cake. A good day out.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2014, boliston said about Hestercombe Gardens
Visited the "Stables Kitchen" first to have some lunch, had a quiche with salad which seemed ok (£6.55) but strangely it was served with crisps instead of potatoes (i don't like crisps much but i guess some do). I also ordered a "home made lemon meringue pie" (£4.75) as it's one of my fave deserts BUT what was served simply seemed like a joke - it was a small circular thing about 3" in diameter NOTHING like what I had expected - the curd was runny and acidic and the meringue was runny as well - obviously frozen rather than homemade.
OK I did not primarily visit for the food, it's the gardens which I have visited many times living locally, and I'm lucky to have this "on my doorstep" - I primarily visit for the "informal" part of the gardens which has nice woodland tracks based around a deep wooded valley with a string of lakes at the base. There are nice diversions out of the main wooded valley such as a "folly" ovelooking the vale of Taunton and a separate "bluebell wood". There are probably a good 3 miles of wooded tracks if you followed them all so I generally spend a couple of hours walking round.
Finally grabbed a cup of cofee before leaving and can vouch that they do a good coffee (had a large americano) - they have a proper espresso machine and grind the coffee themselves - I'm very fussy about my coffee and it seemed good.
I will also just mention something to watch out for when paying for entry - they have a "dual price" system with the option to pay a higher price including a 10% donation BUT unless you ask for the standard admission price they will TAKE the 10% "donation" regardless - in my book a "donation" should be offered rather than taken by default.
OK I did not primarily visit for the food, it's the gardens which I have visited many times living locally, and I'm lucky to have this "on my doorstep" - I primarily visit for the "informal" part of the gardens which has nice woodland tracks based around a deep wooded valley with a string of lakes at the base. There are nice diversions out of the main wooded valley such as a "folly" ovelooking the vale of Taunton and a separate "bluebell wood". There are probably a good 3 miles of wooded tracks if you followed them all so I generally spend a couple of hours walking round.
Finally grabbed a cup of cofee before leaving and can vouch that they do a good coffee (had a large americano) - they have a proper espresso machine and grind the coffee themselves - I'm very fussy about my coffee and it seemed good.
I will also just mention something to watch out for when paying for entry - they have a "dual price" system with the option to pay a higher price including a 10% donation BUT unless you ask for the standard admission price they will TAKE the 10% "donation" regardless - in my book a "donation" should be offered rather than taken by default.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2014, Llanfrynach-on-Tour said about Hestercombe Gardens
We loved this garden with it's mixture of the formal and informal. The bluebell wood was something very special and we wiled away a wonderful morning and early afternoon wandering through the gardens. With an excellent tea room for refreshment, we sampled the carrot cake (9/10) and pear and ginger cake (8/10).....with very nice coffee. So if you like a truly lovely garden, with some light walking..(1-2 miles we reckon).then well worth a visit..there were also families enjoying the sunny weather. Also note a very health discount for Caravan Club Members.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2014, The-snowyman said about Hestercombe Gardens
A lovely setting, very good information and guide map. Friendly staff. Restaurant/cafe excellent quality and good value. National Trust look and learn, this is how it should be done
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2014, Han23jackson said about Hestercombe Gardens
Taking a group of Scouts in never easy. But our group loved Hestercombe Ice Rink. We hired privately in late evening, over Christmas and we had a great time! The prices were good and fantastic for our money. Just to ourselves with plenty of space to skate, it was magical! The team had set up the rink so Beautifully! With Deer and Snow and a Sleigh it was amazing. There was even a mini Snack hut with warm drinks and snacks.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2014, cltc43 said about Hestercombe Gardens
My wife and I arrived and asked for the seniors concessionary price, only to be told that there wasn't one. When I pointed out that the leaflet I had showed it, I was told that had now changed and prices were higher 'to cover work done in opening the house'. But the house doesn't open till later on this month! OK, we're probably only talking about a couple of pounds or so, but they lost my goodwill right there. I heard someone else complaining about the charges afterwards, so I don't think I'm being unreasonable.
Also, as has been mentioned on this site, the entrance fees include a so-called 'voluntary donation' (I would have thought paying the entrance fee was the donation!) and you have to specifically ask if you want it removed. And then they have the cheek to offer a tour for even more extra money!
So, not a good start. The gardens themselves turned out to be very pretty, though I got the impression of a family with too much money 100 years ago hiring a top architect who felt he had to give them their money's worth. So there are all kinds of very artificial additions to the scenery which give the place a sort of theme-park feel at times. Also the guide map is significantly inaccurate in places, making following it difficult at times - does no one check these things? And the door to the Dutch garden was inexplicably locked, making that whole area a dead end with an entrance but no exit.
The cafe was OK though expensive, and I would have thought it would be too small on busy days. Their card machine was not working so I had to pay in cash.
All in all, it was a place worth visiting once but I will not be returning.
Also, as has been mentioned on this site, the entrance fees include a so-called 'voluntary donation' (I would have thought paying the entrance fee was the donation!) and you have to specifically ask if you want it removed. And then they have the cheek to offer a tour for even more extra money!
So, not a good start. The gardens themselves turned out to be very pretty, though I got the impression of a family with too much money 100 years ago hiring a top architect who felt he had to give them their money's worth. So there are all kinds of very artificial additions to the scenery which give the place a sort of theme-park feel at times. Also the guide map is significantly inaccurate in places, making following it difficult at times - does no one check these things? And the door to the Dutch garden was inexplicably locked, making that whole area a dead end with an entrance but no exit.
The cafe was OK though expensive, and I would have thought it would be too small on busy days. Their card machine was not working so I had to pay in cash.
All in all, it was a place worth visiting once but I will not be returning.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2014, tricky1771 said about Hestercombe Gardens
I love it here beautiful walks around the gardens and beyond, the restaurant,rant do superb meals and snacks the coffee is excellent and the staff friendly
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2014, Victoria R said about Hestercombe Gardens
This is a truly breath taking location, which enables you to wonder aimlessly through numerous habitats, escaping the noise and bustle of a typical day. I spent most time on the bluebell walk, which was stunning.
There is a combination of well tended and designed gardens, as well as wild woodland. This place made me wish that I had a dog to walk here; particularly as dog walkers are made to feel very welcome.
My only criticism is that it is quite expensive; both in terms of an entrance fee, and in the cafe although I can imagine that upkeep of such large grounds isn't cheap! (Also, bathroom facilities are difficult to find in the grounds themselves - I couldn't find them anywhere, and had to leave earlier than planned to use the ones in the cafe area).
There is a combination of well tended and designed gardens, as well as wild woodland. This place made me wish that I had a dog to walk here; particularly as dog walkers are made to feel very welcome.
My only criticism is that it is quite expensive; both in terms of an entrance fee, and in the cafe although I can imagine that upkeep of such large grounds isn't cheap! (Also, bathroom facilities are difficult to find in the grounds themselves - I couldn't find them anywhere, and had to leave earlier than planned to use the ones in the cafe area).
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2014, autumnleaves said about Hestercombe Gardens
My wife and I were members here for one year very nice peacefull place for short walks with nice cafe for snacks and coffee but like another review we found charges very expensive compared to the National trust where we get a concession and far more places to see we think they would do far better if they made prices for membership more affordable.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2014, Fin O said about Hestercombe Gardens
A wonderful relaxing end to a walk around beautiful gardens. Great selection of good quality food. Highly recommended for lunch or afternoon tea. Lovely cheerful staff.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk