Local Reviews
In April 2015, Mike A said about Hestercombe Gardens
Had a lovely walk around these landscaped gardens (good tracks, a bit steep in one part at the back of the gardens). Saw the lakes and the waterfall. Everything looked great, thought there was evidence of on-going restoration.
Then we went into the formal gardens in front of the house. These are gorgeous, especially in the sun.
There is a cafe on site for when you need a rest!
Then we went into the formal gardens in front of the house. These are gorgeous, especially in the sun.
There is a cafe on site for when you need a rest!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In April 2015, trol1180 said about Hestercombe Gardens
Gardens themselves are varied. Formal flower displays, beautiful layout the gazebo type area. Further into the gardens are woodland walks withna lovely waterfall, walks, trees etc with many on sizeable pathways. Some irregular paths where pushchairs and wheelchairs not practical but still lots to see.
Warning re facilities. Staff don't inform of 'differences to the norm'. E.g. went on Monday this week. Three cafe facilities marked on map. Found one to be closed as a school party was around. Second cafe closed as not open on Monday's. Entrance staff didn't tell us, and other staff not 'sorry' for any inconvenience, nor helpful. Staff in the only cafe open were not very customer focused. Crockery was dirty and tea for two equates to only one and a half cups each, so not generous and almost £2 per person. No savoury offerings just cake, and more cake. Not even a sandwich out of the noon to 3pm window. National Trust catering is much better.
Would go again as gardens are worth it, but will take a flask of hot tea/coffee and a sandwich and not rely at all on the catering side.
Warning re facilities. Staff don't inform of 'differences to the norm'. E.g. went on Monday this week. Three cafe facilities marked on map. Found one to be closed as a school party was around. Second cafe closed as not open on Monday's. Entrance staff didn't tell us, and other staff not 'sorry' for any inconvenience, nor helpful. Staff in the only cafe open were not very customer focused. Crockery was dirty and tea for two equates to only one and a half cups each, so not generous and almost £2 per person. No savoury offerings just cake, and more cake. Not even a sandwich out of the noon to 3pm window. National Trust catering is much better.
Would go again as gardens are worth it, but will take a flask of hot tea/coffee and a sandwich and not rely at all on the catering side.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2015, Andy G said about Hestercombe Gardens
If you like peace and beautiful surroundings this is the ideal place to go. Took the family and the boys (3 and 6 years) loved it to.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2015, Carol G said about Hestercombe Gardens
Love to go at least 2 times a month as it changes every visit and being interested in photography it fill some of my requirements.
The walks are sometimes steep but a slow climb conquers all.
As a member i don`t really know what it cost`s now.
There is a cafe and a little shop, the cafe can be visited without going in the gardens, the prices in the cafe i think are a little steep and in the morning you can only have cake, but after a walk i would quite like a sandwich, so wait until i get home now. You can take dogs but they must be kept on a lead which is a shame, as long as people take the time to pick up everything stays clean. We did once have to clear up after adults so that says it all.
The walks are sometimes steep but a slow climb conquers all.
As a member i don`t really know what it cost`s now.
There is a cafe and a little shop, the cafe can be visited without going in the gardens, the prices in the cafe i think are a little steep and in the morning you can only have cake, but after a walk i would quite like a sandwich, so wait until i get home now. You can take dogs but they must be kept on a lead which is a shame, as long as people take the time to pick up everything stays clean. We did once have to clear up after adults so that says it all.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2015, tricky1771 said about Hestercombe Gardens
this place is great for peace and quiet walking round the gardens so quiet and relaxing, lovely shop also you can buy plants there from home grown at the centre, the coffee shop does lovely homemade food never been disappointed when i visit there
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2015, Andy H said about Hestercombe Gardens
If you enjoy gardens this is the place for you, but beware......from the entrance fees to the restaurant it can make for an expensive visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2015, MPB53 said about Hestercombe Gardens
We visited the house and gardens, with dad in a wheelchair. The staff were helpful from the outset, and we were able to borrow a wheelchair from the ticket desk. The map you get advises what paths are wheelchair accessible but you still need to be quite fit to push on some of the slopes. They will have a motorised ride on chair soon according to a sign at the ticket office. One of the catering staff passing us at a sloping area stopped and gave a helpful push. Food in the restaurant was very good and again staff helpful when we wanted to access the disabled toilet. Flower beds pretty even though early in the season and clematis and choisia in full bloom. With 2 for 1 entry using Gardeners World card and free entry for wheelchair user a very good value day!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2015, Geoffrey B said about Hestercombe Gardens
Since the house opened as an art gallery last year Hestercombe is starting to make its mark as an art venue in the South West. It's a pity that one can't just get entry to the house alone without paying for the gardens but their ambition is strong and we will see what the future holds. The current exhibition in the house 'A personal Passion', works from the Ingram Collection of Modern British and Contemporary Art, runs until 5 July. Well worth visiting.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2015, Terry H said about Hestercombe Gardens
Overall the grounds are well kept, some exhibitions are rather weak with limited access to the house. Very commercial and expensive visitor/tourist shop
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2025, William halladay said about Holiday Inn Preston
stop over for our trip to Scotland next day room was absolutely fabulous room was great and mini fridge for my insulin food could do better as it was a full coach party no to for wife as vegan and vegetarian but recommend for staff service
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk