Local Reviews
In August 2016, jon_p_taylor said about Hestercombe Gardens
A real rarity for garden aficionados and a real pleasure for those looking for a gentle stroll through beautiful gardens.
Hestercombe gives you access to a gardens from the 1700s, 1800s and 1900s. The rare, highlight are the gardens architected by Lutyens with the planting designed by Jekyll in 1903. This formal part of the garden is stunning with amazing planting and colour schemes across different layers of garden.
The walks through the 18th century landscape is lengthy enough to feel that tea and cake has been well earned. With beautiful views across the ccounty and the akes of the garden.
The tea room serves a good range of fairly simple dishes and delicious cakes. We didn't try the restaurant.
Note for dog owners - you will be very welcome in all parts of the site except the house itself.
Hestercombe gives you access to a gardens from the 1700s, 1800s and 1900s. The rare, highlight are the gardens architected by Lutyens with the planting designed by Jekyll in 1903. This formal part of the garden is stunning with amazing planting and colour schemes across different layers of garden.
The walks through the 18th century landscape is lengthy enough to feel that tea and cake has been well earned. With beautiful views across the ccounty and the akes of the garden.
The tea room serves a good range of fairly simple dishes and delicious cakes. We didn't try the restaurant.
Note for dog owners - you will be very welcome in all parts of the site except the house itself.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2016, 100monet said about Hestercombe Gardens
I have been to Hestercombe Gardens many times and I have never been disappointed by the variety of plants the layout of the gardens and the peace and beauty of the gardens especially as you walk away from the buildings towards the pond and up to the top. I recently had Afternoon tea in the Column Room which was very enjoyable with sandwiches, scones with cream and Jam, cake. a lemon posset, and accompanied by a pot of tea - delicious.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2016, Vony18 said about Hestercombe Gardens
This is a beautiful place to visit, wonderful formal gardens and then complete contrast with lovely walks with a more informal beauty. Great for children to run around in safety and all the dogs we saw also loved it.
To walk around would take 2 to 3 hours at a leisurely pace. Good tea room area to eat and drink.
Gardens open at 10 am which is a very good time to get there if you can as you can then enjoy the tranquility of the place.
To walk around would take 2 to 3 hours at a leisurely pace. Good tea room area to eat and drink.
Gardens open at 10 am which is a very good time to get there if you can as you can then enjoy the tranquility of the place.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2016, tracy w said about Hestercombe Gardens
Was at vivary park for a concert so didn't get to look around too much but what I did see looked beautiful, will come back to explore the whole park
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2016, IlseVE said about Hestercombe Gardens
We visited this garden during a rainy day. It is relaxing but we expected more of the informal garden (but we're not garden specialists). The formal gardens close to the house however, are truly beautiful. Takes about 2 h for the place to visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2016, Jane B said about Hestercombe Gardens
Recently visited on a hot sunny day in the summer holidays. Although there were a lot of parked cars in adequate areas the garden was surprisingly uncrowded There was an art installation in the main house, it was very modern however a delightful guide helped us to understand the artist a little better.The gardens were glorious, in full summer bloom. Well worth exploring using the map. Enjoy the vistas, a lot of thought went into this design. Short films are available throughout and very helpful. Children loved the waterfall and challenges. Some areas maybe difficult for the disabled.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2016, howsa87 said about Hestercombe Gardens
Beautiful gardens for a romantic Sunday walk. Finished nicely with a coffee and cake in the café. Will be back with the kids
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2016, pja47 said about Hestercombe Gardens
We spent over two hours here, walking around the gardens, which are really beautiful. The video detailing the history of the gardens and their restoration is very well done and well worth seeing. The second hand bookshop had some real bargains. Neither my wife nor I enjoyed the current (end August) art exhibition, but we are not avid fans of modern art. The staff were very friendly, and we would go again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2016, CrichtonDorset said about Hestercombe Gardens
Arrived on a hot Tuesday afternoon during the school holidays and found out that there were children's activities each Tuesday during the holidays. It looked really good and all the children were enjoying themselves. The gardens were remarkable and very visitor friendly with regard to access. Went in the house but did not go to the Art exhibition but went into the secondhand book sale. It was too hot to be indoors so went out and explored the gardens a little more before finishing off with a cream tea in the courtyard café. We did not have as much time there as we would have liked so will return and stay longer.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2016, Tim T said about Hestercombe Gardens
Hestercombe has a great deal to offer both adults and children. Four aspects justify mention.
The formal gardens, were designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens with planting based on schemes from Gertrude Jekyll. Walls on three sides surround the garden, which is laid-out in a rectangular pattern, with rills of water between rows of planting. To the south is an open view over the Vale of Taunton Deane to the Blackdown Hills. The semi-amphitheatre setting and the view to the south make for a special atmosphere. The range of plants is worthy of study.
The Orangery and Shrubbery, and the plants within them, also contribute to Hestercombe being a special place to visit.
Hestercombe covers some 40 acres containing the very special woodland walk. Laid-out in a valley, the walk contains a stream, several ponds, with associated planting, and the Grand Cascade, a waterfall issuing from a leat built into the hillside. On the hillside, set amongst the planted trees, there are a number of follies, including temples, urns and observation points, which add to the romantic atmosphere.
The cafe/restaurant in the converted stables, provides more than adequate refreshment, suitable for all ages, and the shop is well-stocked for gifts and souvenirs to purchase and take away.
Hestercombe is therefore a romantic and attractive venue for a relaxing and stimulating visit. it is only a short distance from the M5 motorway, and worth any detour to break-up any journey.
The formal gardens, were designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens with planting based on schemes from Gertrude Jekyll. Walls on three sides surround the garden, which is laid-out in a rectangular pattern, with rills of water between rows of planting. To the south is an open view over the Vale of Taunton Deane to the Blackdown Hills. The semi-amphitheatre setting and the view to the south make for a special atmosphere. The range of plants is worthy of study.
The Orangery and Shrubbery, and the plants within them, also contribute to Hestercombe being a special place to visit.
Hestercombe covers some 40 acres containing the very special woodland walk. Laid-out in a valley, the walk contains a stream, several ponds, with associated planting, and the Grand Cascade, a waterfall issuing from a leat built into the hillside. On the hillside, set amongst the planted trees, there are a number of follies, including temples, urns and observation points, which add to the romantic atmosphere.
The cafe/restaurant in the converted stables, provides more than adequate refreshment, suitable for all ages, and the shop is well-stocked for gifts and souvenirs to purchase and take away.
Hestercombe is therefore a romantic and attractive venue for a relaxing and stimulating visit. it is only a short distance from the M5 motorway, and worth any detour to break-up any journey.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk