Local Reviews
In November 2016, Anthea B said about Hestercombe Gardens
One of my favourite places to visit, excellent cafe and beautiful gardens and grounds. The garden team work incredibly hard to capture how the grounds should be, excellent events put on for children too, this year (2016) it was called Terrific Tuesdays brilliant brilliant fun for children and adults of all ages!. I visit as often as possible, beautiful in every changing season. Great events all year round - worth visiting at Christmas time for Ice Rink too!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2016, David D said about Hestercombe Gardens
We made the mistake of visiting Hestercombe during halfterm week. Unfortunately the visit was marred by a lot of unsupervised children ready for Halloween activities, the big queues and even bigger waits for food in the cafe, where there didn't seem to be enough staff to cope. At one stage a gardener was helping to clear the tables, which were piled high with discarded food and plates. It was not Hestercombe's fault, but would draw the line at mothers changing nappies on cafe tables.
The gardens and grounds were really superb and would have enjoyed it more if time had allowed. Lunch took an awful lot longer than we had planned.
It felt as though the place needed a bit of a tidy up. The great big commercial dustbins outside the front of the house just made tit look a bit tatty and uncared for.
We will give it another try on another day. We are members at Forde Abbey which means we get concessionary entry. Unfortunately this visit was, to be honest,very disappointing.
The gardens and grounds were really superb and would have enjoyed it more if time had allowed. Lunch took an awful lot longer than we had planned.
It felt as though the place needed a bit of a tidy up. The great big commercial dustbins outside the front of the house just made tit look a bit tatty and uncared for.
We will give it another try on another day. We are members at Forde Abbey which means we get concessionary entry. Unfortunately this visit was, to be honest,very disappointing.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2016, Sydview said about Hestercombe Gardens
Absolutely fantastic morning out doing the halpween trail and exploring the gardens, woods and trails despite heavy rain. The kids adored the Halloween trial and making their own potions. Lots of space for the little ones to run wild, puddles, and places to sit and relax. In the summer it would be amazing to take a picnic. Lots of car parking, great kids play area and the cafe/ shop is fantastic. The chocolate brownies were delicious.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2016, Maria K said about Hestercombe Gardens
The trees were absolutely beautiful and really relaxing to just wander around the gardens - followed up by a cream tea and a mooch in the shop!
A fantastic way to spend an autumn Sunday afternoon.
A fantastic way to spend an autumn Sunday afternoon.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2016, valoriparkinson said about Hestercombe Gardens
Lovely gardens with so much to see. A walk in the woods in spring with daffs and other bulbs is magical and in July the Jekyll garden is so colourful. Also a good shop for plants and gifts.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2016, lesleypuplett said about Hestercombe Gardens
Went with a friend (about an hours drive). Our fault hadn't realised they charge £11 all year round. Had hoped you could just go into the gardens for a reduced price. Had a cup of tea and tea cake while there so not an entirely wasted visit which was nothing to write home about. Maybe will return in spring when weather better.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2016, victoria c said about Hestercombe Gardens
We eat lunch at least once a week, hearty food and home made cakes. Afternoon served in the big house overlooking the grounds.If you'r not a member there is a fee for walking in the main gardens.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2016, Brooke G said about Hestercombe Gardens
It's a lovely place however the parking is quite poor-quite far to walk on a dirt track until you reach the actual gardens. It's a good place to have a leisurely stroll, you could spend the whole day there! A few over priced shops by the cafe but it is for charity/local businesses so it is reasonable.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2016, KAW687 said about Hestercombe Gardens
Beautiful Autumn colours at the moment, The lady at reception was really welcoming and helpful, advising us on what would be best route for the limited time we had before dusk. Good tea shop with nice cakes and lovely bookshop. All staff very helpful.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2016, J99 said about Hestercombe Gardens
I live in the area and like to visit our local attractions with friends and our children. I felt the entrance fee was steep considering the time of year. Out of peak season and quite honestly not worth the money. 7 pounds i think is a better amount to charge and still a generous one at that. Lowering your prices will encourage locals to visit. I understand you encourage people to buy membership but to charge 11pounds for a cold quiet November day with tractors racing around is too rude. We paid it as we were there. So the grounds are fine. Ive seen better & ive seen worse. Im a fan of water, wAterfalls and bridges so i was content with that. The swan was quite vicious, attacking us and the children. Biting etc. The children were petrified but this cannot be helped.
The cafe near the entrance was cute however 2 pounds for a child's cupcake is beyond an insult. I used to own two coffee shops before relocating to taunton and 2 pounds for a cupcake is un necessary.
I appreciate i dont have to buy it but its nice to stop for refreshments. It makes for a better, longer trip out.
This is just my opinion of course and the business has much potential but on the grounds of the entrance fee, i shall not be recommending to my friends.
The cafe near the entrance was cute however 2 pounds for a child's cupcake is beyond an insult. I used to own two coffee shops before relocating to taunton and 2 pounds for a cupcake is un necessary.
I appreciate i dont have to buy it but its nice to stop for refreshments. It makes for a better, longer trip out.
This is just my opinion of course and the business has much potential but on the grounds of the entrance fee, i shall not be recommending to my friends.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk