Local Reviews
In April 2016, donjope said about Hestercombe Gardens
I frequently visit Hestercombe, I love it. It's always tranquil and there is always something new to see as the seasons change. You can do as little or as much as you chose, take a picnic to eat in the grounds or the cafe is very good (not great for vegans though if you give them enough notice they will put something together, even if it does seem to be stressful for them. It was a problem at a wedding I attended so you might want to play safe and take a picnic)
They put on a number of events across the year though these aren't financially accessible to many. Membership rates are good value though if you're a frequent attender.
They put on a number of events across the year though these aren't financially accessible to many. Membership rates are good value though if you're a frequent attender.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In April 2016, RogerHabgood said about Hestercombe Gardens
Hestercombe is a real Gem, it just gets better and better. I moved from Surrey and I spent many hours at Wisley. In time this place will be as popular and whilst not RHS it will I'm sure in time command similar respect. The house continues to develop and the Gardens are going from strength to strength
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In April 2016, Barbara W said about Hestercombe Gardens
A beautiful place to visit with a nice little cafe, plant shop and a well stocked second hand book shop. However, it's not a cheap outing with a family.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In April 2016, bufty1970 said about Hestercombe Gardens
Lovely setting, pretty gardens, Would love to return and see the roses on flower. Great walk. Shame the water cascade not on, but a good day out. Nice coffee shop too !!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In April 2016, charice2015 said about Hestercombe Gardens
We walked around the entire gardens but the highlight is the gardens surrounding the house & orangery. The garden styles were very varied with an excellent mixture of plants & colour!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In April 2016, FionaKingMclaren said about Hestercombe Gardens
I have been to Hestercombe many times over the years and it never fails to delight. There is also a beautiful room which is available for private functions at a very reasonable cost for people who would like somewhere a little special for an important occasion.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In April 2016, Joanna B said about Hestercombe Gardens
Took two of my grown-up children to Hestercombe with our two well-behaved small dogs. The offspring were keen to revisit a place they had gone to when they were very young and hadn't been back to for at least ten years.
The price of a walk round the garden was £11 each - so we ended up paying £33 for what amounted to a half hour walk! Yes, we could have walked away and gone for a walk somewhere else, but having set out for Hestercombe we decided to pay up and see how things had changed.
The gardens are interesting, and beautifully maintained, but in no way was it worth that kind of money. The lady at the desk told us we could buy some kind of season ticket but we're not able to go regularly enough to justify that. In the end, the thought of the price rather stifled the pleasure of the gardens.
The second irritation was that dogs had to be kept on leads. In the formal garden this is understandable. But in the woods? The dogs had a VERY BORING walk and the whole thing was pretty frustrating!
Probably great for families with very small children and rich people who hate dogs - otherwise, I wouldn't bother going back!
The price of a walk round the garden was £11 each - so we ended up paying £33 for what amounted to a half hour walk! Yes, we could have walked away and gone for a walk somewhere else, but having set out for Hestercombe we decided to pay up and see how things had changed.
The gardens are interesting, and beautifully maintained, but in no way was it worth that kind of money. The lady at the desk told us we could buy some kind of season ticket but we're not able to go regularly enough to justify that. In the end, the thought of the price rather stifled the pleasure of the gardens.
The second irritation was that dogs had to be kept on leads. In the formal garden this is understandable. But in the woods? The dogs had a VERY BORING walk and the whole thing was pretty frustrating!
Probably great for families with very small children and rich people who hate dogs - otherwise, I wouldn't bother going back!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2016, 79sgrif said about Hestercombe Gardens
Spent all day here with a friend and my 2 year old son. Nice little play area on the way in. The gardens are great for a toddler. Lots to look at, interesting follys and cascades. Stamps to collect for older children.
We took a picnic, the menu in the cafe looked very nice (but pricey).
We didn't take the pushchair but it would be really easy if you require one.
Lots of reviews say it's expensive. Under 5's are free (which is quite a generous age compared to other places). We bought our tickets online and opted not to do the additional donation and it was £8.50 per adult. Not bad for a whole day out.
We will be going back.
We took a picnic, the menu in the cafe looked very nice (but pricey).
We didn't take the pushchair but it would be really easy if you require one.
Lots of reviews say it's expensive. Under 5's are free (which is quite a generous age compared to other places). We bought our tickets online and opted not to do the additional donation and it was £8.50 per adult. Not bad for a whole day out.
We will be going back.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2016, Alison Watkins-Nash said about Hestercombe Gardens
We spent a glorious day here in the sunshine. The formal gardens are beautiful, the woodlands glorious. The staff were all very friendly and helpful too. Well worth a visit if you are in the area, allow yourselves the whole day, you will have no trouble filling in the time.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2016, Colin M said about Hestercombe Gardens
We visited Hestercombe during the first week in May on a beautiful clear sunny day and it couldn't have been better, besides lots of flowers in the borders the woods were full of bluebells and looked stunning. The views from various vantage points across the countryside were amazing. We had lunch in the courtyard and although we had to wait 20 minutes for our meals all four of us were pleased with our choices.
A very enjoyable visit.
A very enjoyable visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk