Local Reviews
In May 2014, Llanfrynach-on-Tour said about Hestercombe Gardens
We loved this garden with it's mixture of the formal and informal. The bluebell wood was something very special and we wiled away a wonderful morning and early afternoon wandering through the gardens. With an excellent tea room for refreshment, we sampled the carrot cake (9/10) and pear and ginger cake (8/10).....with very nice coffee. So if you like a truly lovely garden, with some light walking..(1-2 miles we reckon).then well worth a visit..there were also families enjoying the sunny weather. Also note a very health discount for Caravan Club Members.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2014, The-snowyman said about Hestercombe Gardens
A lovely setting, very good information and guide map. Friendly staff. Restaurant/cafe excellent quality and good value. National Trust look and learn, this is how it should be done
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2014, Han23jackson said about Hestercombe Gardens
Taking a group of Scouts in never easy. But our group loved Hestercombe Ice Rink. We hired privately in late evening, over Christmas and we had a great time! The prices were good and fantastic for our money. Just to ourselves with plenty of space to skate, it was magical! The team had set up the rink so Beautifully! With Deer and Snow and a Sleigh it was amazing. There was even a mini Snack hut with warm drinks and snacks.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2014, cltc43 said about Hestercombe Gardens
My wife and I arrived and asked for the seniors concessionary price, only to be told that there wasn't one. When I pointed out that the leaflet I had showed it, I was told that had now changed and prices were higher 'to cover work done in opening the house'. But the house doesn't open till later on this month! OK, we're probably only talking about a couple of pounds or so, but they lost my goodwill right there. I heard someone else complaining about the charges afterwards, so I don't think I'm being unreasonable.
Also, as has been mentioned on this site, the entrance fees include a so-called 'voluntary donation' (I would have thought paying the entrance fee was the donation!) and you have to specifically ask if you want it removed. And then they have the cheek to offer a tour for even more extra money!
So, not a good start. The gardens themselves turned out to be very pretty, though I got the impression of a family with too much money 100 years ago hiring a top architect who felt he had to give them their money's worth. So there are all kinds of very artificial additions to the scenery which give the place a sort of theme-park feel at times. Also the guide map is significantly inaccurate in places, making following it difficult at times - does no one check these things? And the door to the Dutch garden was inexplicably locked, making that whole area a dead end with an entrance but no exit.
The cafe was OK though expensive, and I would have thought it would be too small on busy days. Their card machine was not working so I had to pay in cash.
All in all, it was a place worth visiting once but I will not be returning.
Also, as has been mentioned on this site, the entrance fees include a so-called 'voluntary donation' (I would have thought paying the entrance fee was the donation!) and you have to specifically ask if you want it removed. And then they have the cheek to offer a tour for even more extra money!
So, not a good start. The gardens themselves turned out to be very pretty, though I got the impression of a family with too much money 100 years ago hiring a top architect who felt he had to give them their money's worth. So there are all kinds of very artificial additions to the scenery which give the place a sort of theme-park feel at times. Also the guide map is significantly inaccurate in places, making following it difficult at times - does no one check these things? And the door to the Dutch garden was inexplicably locked, making that whole area a dead end with an entrance but no exit.
The cafe was OK though expensive, and I would have thought it would be too small on busy days. Their card machine was not working so I had to pay in cash.
All in all, it was a place worth visiting once but I will not be returning.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2014, tricky1771 said about Hestercombe Gardens
I love it here beautiful walks around the gardens and beyond, the restaurant,rant do superb meals and snacks the coffee is excellent and the staff friendly
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2014, Victoria R said about Hestercombe Gardens
This is a truly breath taking location, which enables you to wonder aimlessly through numerous habitats, escaping the noise and bustle of a typical day. I spent most time on the bluebell walk, which was stunning.
There is a combination of well tended and designed gardens, as well as wild woodland. This place made me wish that I had a dog to walk here; particularly as dog walkers are made to feel very welcome.
My only criticism is that it is quite expensive; both in terms of an entrance fee, and in the cafe although I can imagine that upkeep of such large grounds isn't cheap! (Also, bathroom facilities are difficult to find in the grounds themselves - I couldn't find them anywhere, and had to leave earlier than planned to use the ones in the cafe area).
There is a combination of well tended and designed gardens, as well as wild woodland. This place made me wish that I had a dog to walk here; particularly as dog walkers are made to feel very welcome.
My only criticism is that it is quite expensive; both in terms of an entrance fee, and in the cafe although I can imagine that upkeep of such large grounds isn't cheap! (Also, bathroom facilities are difficult to find in the grounds themselves - I couldn't find them anywhere, and had to leave earlier than planned to use the ones in the cafe area).
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2014, autumnleaves said about Hestercombe Gardens
My wife and I were members here for one year very nice peacefull place for short walks with nice cafe for snacks and coffee but like another review we found charges very expensive compared to the National trust where we get a concession and far more places to see we think they would do far better if they made prices for membership more affordable.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2022, agskidmo said about Holiday Inn Preston
I'd like to rate 5/5 as the breakfasts are really fantastic, clean, very fast service and good choices.. the rooms are v clean, modern, bit on small side but good. Staff are v v friendly.
Only issue is parking and room service.. After about 630 the car park is full and you have to park outside. the reception did help with a voucher to park on level 9 of the bus station opposite though and waived the £4 charge. Later tried to use room service after a long day and told I couldn't order unless I registered my credit card at reception.. it felt like the hotel doesn't trust you if you want to pay over the phone there and then or cash, a bit strange. could t order and just decided to go hungry. I stay in many hotels around the world, first time this has happennef to.me and really spoilt my evening, combined with the parking.
It's a real shame as the staff are so friendly, breakfast great and rooms v clean.. just let down by parking and room service.
Only issue is parking and room service.. After about 630 the car park is full and you have to park outside. the reception did help with a voucher to park on level 9 of the bus station opposite though and waived the £4 charge. Later tried to use room service after a long day and told I couldn't order unless I registered my credit card at reception.. it felt like the hotel doesn't trust you if you want to pay over the phone there and then or cash, a bit strange. could t order and just decided to go hungry. I stay in many hotels around the world, first time this has happennef to.me and really spoilt my evening, combined with the parking.
It's a real shame as the staff are so friendly, breakfast great and rooms v clean.. just let down by parking and room service.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2022, Elli W said about Holiday Inn Preston
Have just returned from our 3rd annual stay after a trip to Blackpool, and had another lovely stay. The Front Office Manager Georgia remembered us and was so welcoming & helpful to me & my family. We had a great & super-good-value breakfast where Alan the chef made the kids feel so special & delighted them with pancakes & icecream and the floor team were really attentive and lovely (sorry didn’t get names but there were 2 lads & a girl). The rooms were clean & fresh. We love this hotel & will be back again. Thank you!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2022, Kamal said about Holiday Inn Preston
Very nice hotel, good location. Just 5 minutes drive to the rail station. Very clean, very nice reception. The breakfast is fine, the food at the restaurant is not that great. The staff is very hospitable. I would stay there again if go back to Preston
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk