Local Reviews
In June 2014, Teresa H said about Hestercombe Gardens
We were lucky to have a warm sunny day so walking through the gardens both formal and natural was a magical experience, beautiful views of Somerset countryside from the top. Wheelchair access paths and fun and games for the kids. Suits all ages of visitor. Well done Hestercombe. Also very good restaurant and gift shop.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2014, DeeC53 said about Hestercombe Gardens
This is the title they give to the beautiful gardens at Hestercombe. It is a delightful mix of informal woodland walks and the formal gardens of the house. Walk high into the hillside woods past the various ponds, cascades and hidden interesting shelters like the witches house. Experience sudden and stunning views of Taunton Vale and follow pathways that lead down to the mill and cafeteria. Treat yourself to delicious coffee and homemade cake, or a tasty hot meal if you wish. The shop is well stocked for souvenirs and lots of plants for the gardeners but don't expect too much from the house. It was only acquired by the Trust last year and only opened to the public this season with a contemporary art exhibition. Not expensive to get in and the price includes a voluntary donation to the Trust. There is plenty of educational value and interest for the children including a live batcam showing the horseshoe bats in the roof. Well worth the visit!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2014, GeraintJones123 said about Hestercombe Gardens
Do visit this house and gardens. You could easily spend the whole day here. Much to see outside in the gardens and the exhibitions in the house.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2014, Nicholas M said about Hestercombe Gardens
Lovely gardens but was quite expensive! It was a relaxing day out and enjoyed very much. Would recommend it if you love gardens
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2014, noideawhatyoumean said about Hestercombe Gardens
This is the best formal garden I have ever visited designed by Lutyens. There is so much here, so much to see, it's hard to be disappointed. And as a bonus the house has just been opened up to the public too. There's not much there yet, except a contemporary art exhibitiowhich is not yo my taste, but the house retains many original and restored features. An absolute must! Plant prices are reasonable too
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2014, Marc G said about Hestercombe Gardens
We were lucky to have a warm sunny day so walking through the gardens both formal and natural was a magical experience, beautiful views of Somerset countryside from the top, and the gardens ... just are wow!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2014, Londoner3 said about Hestercombe Gardens
We have visited Hestercombe at most times of the season. It rarely looks any different. OK, it's a garden museum showing how wonderful the partnership was . The true magnificence of this place is the hard landscaping in the formal garden which provides a superb theatre for exciting planting . So it is right that the Jekyll/ Lutyens partnership should be celebrated.
It is often said that a garden is never completed, that they evolve and develop over time. Who is to say that Gertrude's planting ideas were the best and that the choice of plants could not be bettered? I am beginning to wonder why Gertrude's planting is held in such high regard.
When we visited this week and looked down on the Great Plat we saw the big peonies in full bloom we looked forward to getting up close to savour their scent. It was a fine warm afternoon and the Great Plat was sheltered and trapped the warmth. But the peonies had no perfume whatsoever! What a disappointment! Surely there were perfumed peonies around when she was making her plans ? Some of the roses on the pergola also had no scent - what a waste! And those dreary
Bergenias as an edging! All leaf and hardly any colour. Perhaps they are to blame for sheltering the pests that are damaging the cannas and delphiniums in the centre of the beds? Most colour was provided by mimulus in the rill but was this planted originally or is it an interloper?
Perhaps it is time to review the planting to provide round the year interest that modern day visitors will appreciate ( and satisfy their legitimate expectation for value for money) and to use some more rewarding plants? There. I've said it.
The Landscape garden is as appealing as ever and provides a pleasant walk with interesting design features.
The average rating comes from the overall experience of us as visitors - entrance fees as expensive as Wisley , catering prices on the hefty side, and often a disappointing lack of interest in the garden and some maintenance issues with bindweed and overgrown shrubs.
It is often said that a garden is never completed, that they evolve and develop over time. Who is to say that Gertrude's planting ideas were the best and that the choice of plants could not be bettered? I am beginning to wonder why Gertrude's planting is held in such high regard.
When we visited this week and looked down on the Great Plat we saw the big peonies in full bloom we looked forward to getting up close to savour their scent. It was a fine warm afternoon and the Great Plat was sheltered and trapped the warmth. But the peonies had no perfume whatsoever! What a disappointment! Surely there were perfumed peonies around when she was making her plans ? Some of the roses on the pergola also had no scent - what a waste! And those dreary
Bergenias as an edging! All leaf and hardly any colour. Perhaps they are to blame for sheltering the pests that are damaging the cannas and delphiniums in the centre of the beds? Most colour was provided by mimulus in the rill but was this planted originally or is it an interloper?
Perhaps it is time to review the planting to provide round the year interest that modern day visitors will appreciate ( and satisfy their legitimate expectation for value for money) and to use some more rewarding plants? There. I've said it.
The Landscape garden is as appealing as ever and provides a pleasant walk with interesting design features.
The average rating comes from the overall experience of us as visitors - entrance fees as expensive as Wisley , catering prices on the hefty side, and often a disappointing lack of interest in the garden and some maintenance issues with bindweed and overgrown shrubs.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2014, Megfabian said about Hestercombe Gardens
The gardens are stunning , and the views from the gardens are beautiful but the high entrance price and the expensive cafe slightly soured our visit . We are pensioners but we still had to pay nearly £10 each to get in and there was no late entry price ( we arrived at 3.30 and it closes at 6 ! ) had we not driven such a long way we would not have gone in. In spite of the high entry price you only receive a leaflet with basic information with a site map, very little information about the history of the house itself or the gardens. You have to buy the guide book if you want to know more .
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2014, choosy24 said about Hestercombe Gardens
I took my mum to Hestercombe yesterday for our first visit we had both hoped to go for sometime however having been advised against paying for full price entry because of the size of the gardens had held back however having obtained free tickets we decided to go. Anyhow the weather was perfect and the formal gardens looked stunning (even with the odd flower starting to go over) the views towards Taunton and the Blackdown hills also lovely. Beyond the formal gardens the valley was pretty in a landscaped natural way (no apparent garden flower or shrub planting here which I found unusual) and the waterfall seemed idyllically pretty.
We had lunch in the cafe which was good quality and the price of the sandwiches and panini's was ok but the mains were a little pricey similiar to what you would pay for lunch in a independent restaurant. I am however glad we ate in the cafe as had we of brought a picnic we would not of been able to eat in the gardens as I don't think they allow picnics for some reason inside not sure why though, im guessing litter?! But there is a picnic area near the entrance if needed.
Also they have just aquired the house and were hosting their first exhibitions funded by the Arts Council. The work on display was modern with some pieces by well known artists including Tracy Emin. Personally I found this of interest despite most being relatively small in size as felt it was nice to see contemporary work of this nature in the area and I hope the gallery in time becomes a success.
To sum up I would visit again but not sure if I would want to pay the full entrance price. But with discounts available for online ticket purchase and with a Gardeners world discount card this can be overcome fairly easily.
Please note I am a adult visitor with my mum not a teenager, but there was no suitable category for this type of visit.
We had lunch in the cafe which was good quality and the price of the sandwiches and panini's was ok but the mains were a little pricey similiar to what you would pay for lunch in a independent restaurant. I am however glad we ate in the cafe as had we of brought a picnic we would not of been able to eat in the gardens as I don't think they allow picnics for some reason inside not sure why though, im guessing litter?! But there is a picnic area near the entrance if needed.
Also they have just aquired the house and were hosting their first exhibitions funded by the Arts Council. The work on display was modern with some pieces by well known artists including Tracy Emin. Personally I found this of interest despite most being relatively small in size as felt it was nice to see contemporary work of this nature in the area and I hope the gallery in time becomes a success.
To sum up I would visit again but not sure if I would want to pay the full entrance price. But with discounts available for online ticket purchase and with a Gardeners world discount card this can be overcome fairly easily.
Please note I am a adult visitor with my mum not a teenager, but there was no suitable category for this type of visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2014, Food_loving_lady said about Hestercombe Gardens
This little gem of a estate has had an interesting past but has lost a lot of the elements in the house that would make it of great significance. The gardens and tea rooms are good and the entry cost is worth it when you can spend time in the lovely gardens. The walks are a little challenging compared to some estates but will reward the fitter visitors with stunning views. The walks would be too long for many children; however, the guide shows visitors shorter walks which are just as rewarding. Having opened in May 2014, it is still looking very good after a major restoration. I was not impressed by the modern art exhibit in the house but it will appeal to some.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk