Local Reviews
In September 2016, GHKC said about Hestercombe Gardens
This is a beautiful garden. We went in September and expectations weren't high at this time of year. But we were blown away by the formal gardens, which combined ostensibly simple and clean design with exquisite arts and crafts detail. And we could take the dogs into the whole of the gardens. I suspect the gardens are great in all seasons.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In September 2016, Hankahl said about Hestercombe Gardens
Gardens are really beautiful . Get good walking shoes!! Lakes, bridges, hills,,stream, waterfall, .. Plenty to see. We spent 3-4 hrs there . It's more a day trip rather then quick visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2016, Alan B said about Hestercombe Gardens
Really nice gardens worth a visit. Pleasant food in cafe. Well laid out gardens with walks adaptable for short or long visits and degrees of ability.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2016, Jay E said about Hestercombe Gardens
Recently visited with my wife. We thought the gardens were lovely but the house is a waste of time. All the rooms are empty except for about 5 pictures on the ground floor, and a lot of the room walls have been covered and spoilt with modern panels? There were some other "art" exhibition paintings by modern painter, not my thing.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2016, leinlondon said about Hestercombe Gardens
These gardens were our private playground when I was a child - they were completely overgrown and left to ruin, and my brother and I and other local children would sneak in when the grounds belonged to the fire service, build dens, fish in the lakes and generally enjoy our own little secret paradise from the time we were pushed out of the door of a morning during the summer holidays until it got dark or until we got hungry, whichever came first.
So it was with some trepidation that I returned with my own young family twenty years later, not wanting the shine to fade from my rose-tinted memories. The place has changed beyond recognition, but it was enchanting to discover as if for the first time the sweeping formal gardens that had been lying hidden during all the years we spent running through them, and which we had never seen through the masses of undergrowth. The work that must have gone into restoring them to their former Victorian splendour must have been enormous. The addition and restoration of various follies around the grounds makes for interesting walks. The bluebells in Spring are fabulous and the view from the Mausoleum my favourite - my daughter loves the Witch's House and the waterfall, she also loves feeding the ducks and there is a sweet little play area at the entrance. I don't know whether I'm biased by my happy memories but I love the place, and I'm so pleased it is being well looked after for others to now enjoy the way I did when I was a child - I bought a family membership a few years ago as I hope it can continue to be cared for and enjoyed for many years to come.
So it was with some trepidation that I returned with my own young family twenty years later, not wanting the shine to fade from my rose-tinted memories. The place has changed beyond recognition, but it was enchanting to discover as if for the first time the sweeping formal gardens that had been lying hidden during all the years we spent running through them, and which we had never seen through the masses of undergrowth. The work that must have gone into restoring them to their former Victorian splendour must have been enormous. The addition and restoration of various follies around the grounds makes for interesting walks. The bluebells in Spring are fabulous and the view from the Mausoleum my favourite - my daughter loves the Witch's House and the waterfall, she also loves feeding the ducks and there is a sweet little play area at the entrance. I don't know whether I'm biased by my happy memories but I love the place, and I'm so pleased it is being well looked after for others to now enjoy the way I did when I was a child - I bought a family membership a few years ago as I hope it can continue to be cared for and enjoyed for many years to come.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2016, Ian S said about Hestercombe Gardens
Had a great day in these amazing gardens. Fantastic views of the surrounding countryside. Cafe good great cakes and food.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2016, Yatesmabo said about Hestercombe Gardens
A stunning set of gardens and trees in a beautiful setting. Several lovely walks to explore various follies and ponds. Worth a visit but a tad pricey
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2016, David P said about Hestercombe Gardens
This is a lovely place to wander around, and I highly recommend this activity. If you live nearby, or are visiting nearby, drive out there and take a look. You can walk around the house, and/or formal gardens, and/or the lakeside footpaths. Much of the experience is (in my opinion) accessible to those who are disabled. However, I do not recommend the cafe/restaurant, since the crockery and cutlery have never been clean enough for my liking. Maybe I am too fussy. Maybe not.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2016, Diane Heesom studia2016 said about Hestercombe Gardens
Early review complains that it's expensive at £9.50, today's visit it was £11.00 per person, Very over priced, house not worth visiting and garden takes maybe 1.30 mins. Restaurant also very expensive. Surely at least winter should be cheaper. Very few people there, not surprised at that price.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2016, Nicola B said about Hestercombe Gardens
Hestercombe Gardens are an oasis of tranquility and well worth a visit. Living locally I have become a member and am always pleased to take visitors there as I know they will thoroughly enjoy the experience. Dogs are welcome too and I took friends who were staying with us and their dog and they commented how lucky I was to live so close to such beautiful gardens. We had a great walk followed by delicious cake and coffee in the Hestercombe cafe where dog bowls were provided for our thirsty dogs. Also there's a lovely shop selling gifts and plants etc. During the summer they had special activity days for children which looked very well supported.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk