Local Reviews
In July 2014, Bruce E said about Hestercombe Gardens
Interesting to see this Lutyens/Jekyll garden (excellent film about its history in mill building) but £9.70 seems a bit steep for what there is to see. £9.70 does include a 90p donation for further development, and you can get 15% reduction if you book tickets on-line (which we found out afterwards!). In comparison Bodnant Garden (wonderful, extensive NT gardens in North Wales) costs non-members £9.50 without gift aid. Formal gardens at Hestercombe very pleasant but some of the planting is a bit dull (lots of Bergenias). Easy walk around the wilder part of the garden but not a lot to see (yet) apart from trees and nettles. The cafe was fine but we didn't visit the house. Weather was glorious on the day of our visit so trip would have been more disappointing on a dull or wet day.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2014, David S said about Hestercombe Gardens
The weather was excellent which helped make it a most enjoyable place to visit. The formal gardens are wonderfully looked after, and the lakeside walk really interesting with many interesting features. We had a light lunch in the cafe which was very good and Sunday lunches being served looked as good as or better than many I've been served up in local pubs. It was also good value.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2014, jrh8898 said about Hestercombe Gardens
Stunning walk and views, I visited here with my family which also involved young children, there are plenty of things to entertain them along the walk, we also stayed for lunch in which there were plenty light lunch options which was also very delicious.
Overall lovely day, and it also helped with the sun out aswell.
Overall lovely day, and it also helped with the sun out aswell.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2014, gezza79 said about Hestercombe Gardens
Lots of woodland walks if you are fit and free to do so lots of flowers and Large house with visitors centre history of the place can be found also
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2014, Ray P said about Hestercombe Gardens
My family live locally, are members and visit often, so we went along on a beautifully hot and sunny day.
Started out by having lunch at the Granary restaurant and thought the quality, choice and prices to be ideal for the purpose. Thereafter we spent the nest 2-3 hours walking around the entire site and stopping off to take photos along the way. I know that it's rediscovery was not that long ago and that all works will take some time to achieve, but I like the very fact that it is not over-manicured and precious- feels more real this way. Finished off the day with a large and incredibly well priced Ice Cream. Good choices in the garden centre.
Started out by having lunch at the Granary restaurant and thought the quality, choice and prices to be ideal for the purpose. Thereafter we spent the nest 2-3 hours walking around the entire site and stopping off to take photos along the way. I know that it's rediscovery was not that long ago and that all works will take some time to achieve, but I like the very fact that it is not over-manicured and precious- feels more real this way. Finished off the day with a large and incredibly well priced Ice Cream. Good choices in the garden centre.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2014, Caroline A said about Hestercombe Gardens
Wow! I was completely blown away by Hestercombe gardens near Taunton. Every friday in the school holiday they hold themed days. My ten year old son and his friend did raft building and then had to work as a team to paddle it on the lake. The woodland gardens are beautiful and full of follies. The waterfall is magical and the water drops down into a pretty stream, a great place to rest hot tired feet on a baking hot day. We didn't see all that was on offer, so will definitely return. The website is very informative.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2014, HotelLover2009 said about Hestercombe Gardens
It's a lovely place for a stroll, or just a coffee and scones. We're members, so we visit regularly and have a different experience every time. We'll definitely be keeping the membership too.
Also, I like that there's an electric car hook up. We don't have one, but I like the forward thinking.
Also, I like that there's an electric car hook up. We don't have one, but I like the forward thinking.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2014, TravellerNed1 said about Hestercombe Gardens
Very interesting gardens, beautifully restored over the last few years. A pleasure to just wander around and explore.
Also, the on-site cafe is very welcome!
Also, the on-site cafe is very welcome!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2014, DaveHermelin said about Hestercombe Gardens
We've been members of Hestercombe for a couple of years now and we are enjoying the place more and more. There's always something to see in the gardens and the walk around the whole site is well worth doing.
We were there last evening to see an open air performance of 'The Taming of the Shrew' by the Folksy Theatre Company. What a great evening. The weather played ball and the cast had us spellbound and roaring with laughter. Most people brought picnics and all-in-all, it was great night out.
Must just mention the food in the restaurant which is excellent.
We were there last evening to see an open air performance of 'The Taming of the Shrew' by the Folksy Theatre Company. What a great evening. The weather played ball and the cast had us spellbound and roaring with laughter. Most people brought picnics and all-in-all, it was great night out.
Must just mention the food in the restaurant which is excellent.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2014, Becky 5 said about Hestercombe Gardens
Bit pricey, as other reviewers have stated, but I wanted to get some greenery in my sight and smell, away from London, and this provided. In my opinion, a nice mix of the formal garden, which I could take or leave, and some wilder, marshy areas which were more me.
Lots of benches and places to sit, and the estimated time it takes to walk around (as noted on the map you are given when you pay the entrance fee) is hugely over estimated, so don't be put off - 2 hours is more like half an hour, and I'm no spring chicken, nor a gym bunny :)
Several reviewers have noted that the restaurant is very overpriced, I'm not sure I agree. It's not cheap, but the service was good, and so was the food.
Lots of benches and places to sit, and the estimated time it takes to walk around (as noted on the map you are given when you pay the entrance fee) is hugely over estimated, so don't be put off - 2 hours is more like half an hour, and I'm no spring chicken, nor a gym bunny :)
Several reviewers have noted that the restaurant is very overpriced, I'm not sure I agree. It's not cheap, but the service was good, and so was the food.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk