Local Reviews
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
In July 2014, LynnL2013 said about Hestercombe Gardens
Lovely walks not all flat. Restaurant a bit pricey. Has a shop and a small area where you can buy plants.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2014, 32ChrisA said about Hestercombe Gardens
I really enjoyed seeing the stunning gardens at Hestercombe and am rather surprised by some of the negative comments in earlier posts. The formal gardens are some of the loveliest I've ever seen, especially with the backdrop of beautiful countryside and my first sight of the lower terrace was breathtaking. This visit was on a sunny warm day in the height of summer but I would imagine it looks good at other times of year too. The paths round the lake and woodland areas were a pleasant place to wander and enjoy further views. Admittedly my friend and I used a 2 for 1 offer which made the entry price better value but I commented that it would still have been worth the full cost. Cafe prices may not be the cheapest but no worse than other similar venues and we both enjoyed a generous portion of chips priced at just £1.50, bargain. Prices for plants were also quite fair and so for any garden lover I would definitely recommend a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2014, Heather C said about Hestercombe Gardens
The gardens and walks were lovely with "unique" buildings dotted about. However, we thought the lake looked a bit stagnant and some of the roses were in need of "dead heading". Lovely walk around the grounds however, on easy to walk on paths.
As retired people we thought the £9.70 entrance fee was excessive for what was there. There is no concession for the over 60's which is very disappointing considering most of the visitors appeared to be over 60.
The house was very disappointing. Stark, bare floored rooms with just a few art exhibits and some weird items in the rooms - a stile and some farm implements.
Best thing about the house was the second hand bookshop.
Did not use the café as the prices were a little bit expensive.
There seems to be a lack of toilets too. The only ones we came across were before the entrance, and in the café. Did not seem to be any others in the grounds.
I would not go there again. Living locally, it is somewhere I had not been before but I don't think I would go again unless the admission price for over 60's was reduced to maybe around £7.50.
As retired people we thought the £9.70 entrance fee was excessive for what was there. There is no concession for the over 60's which is very disappointing considering most of the visitors appeared to be over 60.
The house was very disappointing. Stark, bare floored rooms with just a few art exhibits and some weird items in the rooms - a stile and some farm implements.
Best thing about the house was the second hand bookshop.
Did not use the café as the prices were a little bit expensive.
There seems to be a lack of toilets too. The only ones we came across were before the entrance, and in the café. Did not seem to be any others in the grounds.
I would not go there again. Living locally, it is somewhere I had not been before but I don't think I would go again unless the admission price for over 60's was reduced to maybe around £7.50.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2014, ambogirl said about Hestercombe Gardens
Was holidaying in taunton for the week, and this attraction was recommended by people on the caravan site .
So we decided to try it as it was a beautiful sunny day and only 25min by car from the campsite.
It is a beautiful place, they give you a map of the area and you walk around the gardens.
In different areas you find a different hut or water fall or WWII bunk house.
Lovely easy walk. spend about 2.5 hours walking aound .
we took our dogs with us and they enjoyed the walk and dipping into the pond ,on leads ,as it was so hot .
After we stayed at the cafe/tearoom and had a lovely cream tea .
Would go back again .
So we decided to try it as it was a beautiful sunny day and only 25min by car from the campsite.
It is a beautiful place, they give you a map of the area and you walk around the gardens.
In different areas you find a different hut or water fall or WWII bunk house.
Lovely easy walk. spend about 2.5 hours walking aound .
we took our dogs with us and they enjoyed the walk and dipping into the pond ,on leads ,as it was so hot .
After we stayed at the cafe/tearoom and had a lovely cream tea .
Would go back again .
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk