Local Reviews
In August 2015, Sirianpee said about Hestercombe Gardens
We stopped off at Hestercombe to break our journey from the south west to the midlands. It really is a great place to stop. The cafe does an amazing Sunday roast, one of the best we've had and the 40 acres of grounds including the Jeckyl and Lutyens formal gardens are well worth the visit. Staff were really polite and efficient in the cafe. They are members of the HHA too so we got in for free! We will definitely be returning to explore the gardens further.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2015, Tammy F said about Hestercombe Gardens
We went here on one of their school holiday Monday events. There were craft activities on and the kids had fun doing that but not as much fun as they did pretending to be animals and swinging in trees, playing on rocks etc. The walks through the parkland are lovely but it is hilly so people with mobility issues be aware. We had coffee and cake at the cafe and it was very nice. It is very similar to a National Trust property (but it is NOT National Trust owned).
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2015, BelleB8 said about Hestercombe Gardens
Gardens are a real find, surprisingly quiet for a sunny day in August. Under 7s play ground was ideal. Cafe clean and great food - worth going for this alone! Stunning location. Please go!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2015, Philip S said about Hestercombe Gardens
Hestercombe Gardens had been open for only about one year when we visited in August 2015 and there was clearly "still work to be done". The house and grounds are managed by a charitable trust.
The several formal gardens are very nice indeed: Well managed, colourful and nicely laid out.
There is also a longer walk around the valley to one side of the house, with various ponds, "temples" & "monuments" strategically placed for effect; and there are excellent views across the distant hills from several points. Some paths are not suitable for wheelchairs, but there is still plenty to see for those who are less mobile.
The ponds at the top of the walk are still in need of attention, and the lower ponds need a bit of aeration to get the water brighter, but you can see that the trustees have put a lot of work in to restoring these areas.
Quite attractive: However "not quite "Stour Head" " as one of our party remarked.
On the other hand, Hestercombe gardens welcome well behaved dogs on leads... which Stour Head does not... and there are places where children can "play with the water", so this place is far more "family friendly" than Stour Head ...and for that matter many other similar estates.
It is a good place for a family to visit and picnic for the day...but you need to visit for the full day to get value for the relatively high entrance fee.
We "took tea" in the cafe area. It was reasonable value for money, comparing well with similar sorts of outlets, and everything was clean. The outside covered eating area is OK, but the cafe serving area is in need of an "upgrade".
The house itself was, until only a few years ago, the HQ of the local Fire Service, and the scars of its use as an office block are still visible inside. The House has been built on the site of a much earlier one, though very little of the original building exists, and you will need to ask if you want to see it.
There were a couple of free exhibitions going on when we visited. We liked them, although they were probably a bit boring for children.
On the whole, well worth a visit.
The several formal gardens are very nice indeed: Well managed, colourful and nicely laid out.
There is also a longer walk around the valley to one side of the house, with various ponds, "temples" & "monuments" strategically placed for effect; and there are excellent views across the distant hills from several points. Some paths are not suitable for wheelchairs, but there is still plenty to see for those who are less mobile.
The ponds at the top of the walk are still in need of attention, and the lower ponds need a bit of aeration to get the water brighter, but you can see that the trustees have put a lot of work in to restoring these areas.
Quite attractive: However "not quite "Stour Head" " as one of our party remarked.
On the other hand, Hestercombe gardens welcome well behaved dogs on leads... which Stour Head does not... and there are places where children can "play with the water", so this place is far more "family friendly" than Stour Head ...and for that matter many other similar estates.
It is a good place for a family to visit and picnic for the day...but you need to visit for the full day to get value for the relatively high entrance fee.
We "took tea" in the cafe area. It was reasonable value for money, comparing well with similar sorts of outlets, and everything was clean. The outside covered eating area is OK, but the cafe serving area is in need of an "upgrade".
The house itself was, until only a few years ago, the HQ of the local Fire Service, and the scars of its use as an office block are still visible inside. The House has been built on the site of a much earlier one, though very little of the original building exists, and you will need to ask if you want to see it.
There were a couple of free exhibitions going on when we visited. We liked them, although they were probably a bit boring for children.
On the whole, well worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2015, Le Moulin de la Vallais said about Hestercombe Gardens
Allow 3-4 hours to properly explore the formal gardens, more naturalistic landscape, and the dozen or so follies therein. The courtyard cafe is reasonably priced (allow £20 for lunch for four) whilst the adjoining shop and plant nursery is compact but with a diverse stock range - visit there last, as it stocks many of the plants you'll have seen in the formal gardens. Book online in advance for a useful discount.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2015, Susan M said about Hestercombe Gardens
This was an organised trip as a day out for 30 people. Most went on a prearranged guided tour and everyone agreed the tour guide was terrific. Those less able did what parts of the garden they could and enjoyed the wonderful lay out and the flowers still in bloom and some of the historic interests. As we arrived early everyone had coffee or a drink in the café before setting off round the 48acre garden and although we were a large party the café dealt with us quite quickly. Heavy rain had been forecast but amazingly did not arrive so we were all in good spirits for the excellent food served at lunchtime something for all price ranges. We did not partake in the wonderful afternoon teas served from 12noon in the upmarket dining area, but had a quick look, these ranged from £8.50 to about £21.00! Try it for a real treat but the café is fine and has indoor and outdoor seating. Toilets placed in strategic places and a nice shop that included plants. Plenty of parking and picnic areas and you can take the dog.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2015, Jodelode said about Hestercombe Gardens
Perfect place to while away some hours, enjoy the formal gardens and walk around the grounds. Lovely cafe area- make sure you check their serving times for hot food as we unfortunately were caught out and could only have cake!! (which was lovely).
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2015, adrian_wylie380 said about Hestercombe Gardens
A wonderful combination of natural landscape and small lakes and walkways contrasting with formal gardens. The formal gardens were stunning and anyone who likes plants should visit. The restaurant is lovely.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2015, 1984jessm said about Hestercombe Gardens
I've visited Hestercombe Gardens on a number of occasions and have always had a great time. I have taken my younger sister when they had an Easter hunt and have also gone with adult friends. The gardens are gorgeous and I recommend going on either a sunny or Autumnal day. There is a great walk you can take and they provide you with a map with all the sites for you to see. I expecially love the waterfall and all the little buildings you come across. There is a sweet little cafe where you can get snacks and drinks. Hestercombe were also kind enough to donate some free tickets to me a few years ago for a charity raffle I was holding. This was very generous and I urge people to support this great attraction. Be aware, it's a little out of the way, so easier to get to by car! It's family friendly in as much as the activites they have but you may struggle with a pushchair or wheelchair, due to the uneven ground in places and some of the hills!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2015, Mary T said about Hestercombe Gardens
We always enjoy a good stroll around gardens. Worth having membership if you go more than once. Food at the end of walk is always very tasty 😀
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk