Local Reviews
In July 2016, lancslass67 said about Hestercombe Gardens
On our way to Chard we visited this lovely garden. Three contrasting areas - a longish valley garden with statuary etc., a large lake fed by a waterfall and providing a home for mallards. A classical garden on the south side of the property with formal beds and plantings, also an orangery with orange and lemon trees (in bloom when we visited and giving off a wonderful scent). A few sitting areas in quiet corners. The generator house where electricity is/was generated to serve the house and flour mill. The latter is all set up in working order and is therefore of historical interest, particularly for young people. A well used cafe with extensive interesting menu and small gift shop. Car parking is up into the woods and can be quite a hill up for people of limited mobility. Arrive early to overcome this!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2016, Cavalier said about Hestercombe Gardens
We go here a fair bit as it makes a change from town centre or mass chain coffee shops
Like the staff and quality of food offered and it always is busy which says it all
You can use coffee shop without paying entrance fee into the wonderful grounds
Like the staff and quality of food offered and it always is busy which says it all
You can use coffee shop without paying entrance fee into the wonderful grounds
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2016, eaglesdare said about Hestercombe Gardens
This is a wonderful place to go with friends or family. Membership definitely worth it but regardless food is great! Cafe / restaurant at front serves great salads, sandwiches and hot food and service is excellent ! For something a bit more special try the restaurant in the main house !! Overlooking gardens :-) .
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2016, tigerexplorer2015 said about Hestercombe Gardens
We last visited Hestercombe Gardens in 2013 and after our visit last week, I felt a little disappointed. The gardens were very much the same, and the walk around the lakes was very pleasant, but the entrance fee has risen to £11 per person. The only addition for the increase in price was entry to Hestercome House, which was completely empty except for paintings in an art exhibition and a second hand book shop, which took a very short amount of time to walk around. The house is in need of some period furnishings, but I assume this is a work in progress. The gardens were lovely, which is why I have rated the experience as 'very good'. However, sadly the cafe has gone down hill. It looked tired, dirty and in need of redecoration. We sat at a dirty table and while the staff cleared away the cups etc, none of the tables were wiped clean.
I would recommend visiting for the garden and parkland walks, but the house and cafe were disappointing, and did not seem good value for money.
I would recommend visiting for the garden and parkland walks, but the house and cafe were disappointing, and did not seem good value for money.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2016, Tony and Joy W said about Hestercombe Gardens
We visited Hestercombe Gardens and spent a wonderful day there exploring all the trails and also the formal gardens of Hestercombe House. All the gardens are well laid out with plenty of seating and picnic areas too. A handy guide map is given free and very helpful, as are the staff. There are events during the year and is dog friendly. There is a shop, plant centre and Stables Cafe that does a good variety of food and drinks. Nearby is Hestercombe House which offers a second-hand book shop, art exhibitions and the Column Room Restaurant (Wed-Sun) offering waiter service for lunch and afternoon tea. Well worth a day out.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2016, 576davidjames said about Hestercombe Gardens
Everything about Hestercombe Gardens is on a grand scale. This beautiful estate in a Quantocks valley has been occupied for over a thousand years and presents an extended view of the neighbouring Blackdown Hills. The present- day house has an unfortunate, heavy Victorian facade built of a sullen grey stone, and looms above this gorgeous setting.But never mind: the flamboyant plaster work of its interior is hugely impressive.And such an appropriate venue for an art galley currently dominated by the landscape artworks of Clare Woods. Her brilliantly coloured paintings on aluminium and plastic, flood the vast spaces in a way you are unlikely to see anywhere else. Simply stunning.
The gardens were originally designed to be viewed and admired as a series of landscape paintings, accompanied by a series of cascades, canals and pools which are a joy to walk around. The later gardens are a Jeykyll/Lutyens masterpiece.
Do eat in the Stables. The food is imaginative, well presented and served. A treat.
The gardens were originally designed to be viewed and admired as a series of landscape paintings, accompanied by a series of cascades, canals and pools which are a joy to walk around. The later gardens are a Jeykyll/Lutyens masterpiece.
Do eat in the Stables. The food is imaginative, well presented and served. A treat.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2016, Nelson S said about Hestercombe Gardens
Not just a lovely garden but also some excellent food, nothing over the top, but wholesome, and the Sunday lunch is simple and uncomplicated leaving you felling full.
Downs side only one till so if coach in can be a long line waiting to order
Downs side only one till so if coach in can be a long line waiting to order
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2016, CambridgeHse said about Hestercombe Gardens
Of course the gardens were spectacular with allsorts of little ideas taken home to experiment with. We were very unfortunate to have a few rain showers but the house, it's modern art exhibition and a grand cream tea meant we were not without things to do. A must for anyone in the area.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2016, Chrisie T said about Hestercombe Gardens
Hestercome has two different sorts of garden. The formal garden by Lutyens and Jekyll which looks amazing in any weather because of the hard landscaping. It looks at its best, in my opinion, when the roses are out. It's about £10 an adult admittance, so best left until around June. The landscape garden has 'seats' rather than 'follies' .The Gothic seat has a lovely view over Taunton vale, and worth the walk. Beware the swan in the lake, he's a real grumpy guts and I have a scar on my leg from standing next to the pond. He came over and bit me on the leg. No mate or cygnets. It's worth having a look around the house for the views of the gardens. The exhibitiions are usually pretty bad. I'm a friend of Hestercombe gardens, and pay around £30 a year to visit as often as I like, which is good value. If they are selling ice cream cones at the kiosk where you pay to get in, which they do occasionally, I recommend those. Delicious! The old mill is also worth a good look.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2016, 42BorlacePG42 said about Hestercombe Gardens
The social changes over the years left these gardens overgrown. Over the last decade they have been carefully restored and form a lovely place to walk. There are formal gardens, plus a lovely landscaped areas with a series of ornamental lakes and restored follies.
The gardens owe their look to Gertrude Jekyll and Sir Edward Lutyens. Now the house is being brought back into use. There is a good cafe, and outbuildings that house restored early equipment for generating electricity.
The gardens owe their look to Gertrude Jekyll and Sir Edward Lutyens. Now the house is being brought back into use. There is a good cafe, and outbuildings that house restored early equipment for generating electricity.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk