Local Reviews
In November 2022, Paul W said about Holiday Inn Preston
My favourite choice in Preston. Clean, v good staff, nice bar and buzy bar area. Straightforward rooms with all the usual amenties and modern facilities. Good location as well right in the centre. A much better than average functional hotel I'd say.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In January 2023, Bunkry Loon said about Holiday Inn Preston
I liked the hotel. Space to sit quietly and work with a coffee. Gluten free options for dinner and breakfast. The gym in particular was basic, but still a great addition. Views over the city and I was the only one there. Nice room, clean etc. Bit tricky getting out with the traffic in the morning though, give yourself extra time.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In February 2023, Sugar said about Holiday Inn Preston
Took time to check in. Room was clean and tidy, bed was very uncomfortable tho. Bar is inline with most hotel bars and obviously more expensive. You have to also go up a flight of stairs to check in. Parking outside & we were lucky to get a spot as it was very full! Hotel was clean & didn’t look dated. £2 service charge for breakfast in bed, which was brilliant! It was packed with flavour and a great sized portion, well worth the money we paid to stay here.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In February 2023, Stephen c said about Holiday Inn Preston
I needed a Hotel close to the city centre, and the Holiday Inn was ideal about a 10 minute walk from the Railway Station and close to the city centre. Checkin was so quick and the staff where very freindly and informative about the Hotel facilities, which sometime doesnt happen. I was on the 7th floor and the room was perfectly clean / tidy and well kept. I went to the bar/restuarant for something to eat, the menu had something for everyone and i just sat in the bar. Food was delivered in good time and the quality and taste was good and a member staff came across to ask if everything is ok which was a nice touch. I had a good sleep in a comfortable bed and it was very quiet. Breakfast was a self service buffet with a good choice of food on offer. i would stay again as the location/ hotel and staff where excellent
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In March 2023, Cruiser11759894124 said about Holiday Inn Preston
HAD A LONG WEEKEND HERE. AN ENJOYABLE STAY. CLEAN, TIDY PLEASANT HOTEL. WOULD HAVE NO HESITATION TO RETURN BACK TO THIS HOTEL. THE STAFF WERE PLEASANT AND HELPFUL. COMFORTABLE BED, HAD A GOOD NIGHTS SLEEP.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2014, choosy24 said about Hestercombe Gardens
I took my mum to Hestercombe yesterday for our first visit we had both hoped to go for sometime however having been advised against paying for full price entry because of the size of the gardens had held back however having obtained free tickets we decided to go. Anyhow the weather was perfect and the formal gardens looked stunning (even with the odd flower starting to go over) the views towards Taunton and the Blackdown hills also lovely. Beyond the formal gardens the valley was pretty in a landscaped natural way (no apparent garden flower or shrub planting here which I found unusual) and the waterfall seemed idyllically pretty.
We had lunch in the cafe which was good quality and the price of the sandwiches and panini's was ok but the mains were a little pricey similiar to what you would pay for lunch in a independent restaurant. I am however glad we ate in the cafe as had we of brought a picnic we would not of been able to eat in the gardens as I don't think they allow picnics for some reason inside not sure why though, im guessing litter?! But there is a picnic area near the entrance if needed.
Also they have just aquired the house and were hosting their first exhibitions funded by the Arts Council. The work on display was modern with some pieces by well known artists including Tracy Emin. Personally I found this of interest despite most being relatively small in size as felt it was nice to see contemporary work of this nature in the area and I hope the gallery in time becomes a success.
To sum up I would visit again but not sure if I would want to pay the full entrance price. But with discounts available for online ticket purchase and with a Gardeners world discount card this can be overcome fairly easily.
Please note I am a adult visitor with my mum not a teenager, but there was no suitable category for this type of visit.
We had lunch in the cafe which was good quality and the price of the sandwiches and panini's was ok but the mains were a little pricey similiar to what you would pay for lunch in a independent restaurant. I am however glad we ate in the cafe as had we of brought a picnic we would not of been able to eat in the gardens as I don't think they allow picnics for some reason inside not sure why though, im guessing litter?! But there is a picnic area near the entrance if needed.
Also they have just aquired the house and were hosting their first exhibitions funded by the Arts Council. The work on display was modern with some pieces by well known artists including Tracy Emin. Personally I found this of interest despite most being relatively small in size as felt it was nice to see contemporary work of this nature in the area and I hope the gallery in time becomes a success.
To sum up I would visit again but not sure if I would want to pay the full entrance price. But with discounts available for online ticket purchase and with a Gardeners world discount card this can be overcome fairly easily.
Please note I am a adult visitor with my mum not a teenager, but there was no suitable category for this type of visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2014, Food_loving_lady said about Hestercombe Gardens
This little gem of a estate has had an interesting past but has lost a lot of the elements in the house that would make it of great significance. The gardens and tea rooms are good and the entry cost is worth it when you can spend time in the lovely gardens. The walks are a little challenging compared to some estates but will reward the fitter visitors with stunning views. The walks would be too long for many children; however, the guide shows visitors shorter walks which are just as rewarding. Having opened in May 2014, it is still looking very good after a major restoration. I was not impressed by the modern art exhibit in the house but it will appeal to some.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2014, LynnL2013 said about Hestercombe Gardens
Lovely walks not all flat. Restaurant a bit pricey. Has a shop and a small area where you can buy plants.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2014, 32ChrisA said about Hestercombe Gardens
I really enjoyed seeing the stunning gardens at Hestercombe and am rather surprised by some of the negative comments in earlier posts. The formal gardens are some of the loveliest I've ever seen, especially with the backdrop of beautiful countryside and my first sight of the lower terrace was breathtaking. This visit was on a sunny warm day in the height of summer but I would imagine it looks good at other times of year too. The paths round the lake and woodland areas were a pleasant place to wander and enjoy further views. Admittedly my friend and I used a 2 for 1 offer which made the entry price better value but I commented that it would still have been worth the full cost. Cafe prices may not be the cheapest but no worse than other similar venues and we both enjoyed a generous portion of chips priced at just £1.50, bargain. Prices for plants were also quite fair and so for any garden lover I would definitely recommend a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2014, Heather C said about Hestercombe Gardens
The gardens and walks were lovely with "unique" buildings dotted about. However, we thought the lake looked a bit stagnant and some of the roses were in need of "dead heading". Lovely walk around the grounds however, on easy to walk on paths.
As retired people we thought the £9.70 entrance fee was excessive for what was there. There is no concession for the over 60's which is very disappointing considering most of the visitors appeared to be over 60.
The house was very disappointing. Stark, bare floored rooms with just a few art exhibits and some weird items in the rooms - a stile and some farm implements.
Best thing about the house was the second hand bookshop.
Did not use the café as the prices were a little bit expensive.
There seems to be a lack of toilets too. The only ones we came across were before the entrance, and in the café. Did not seem to be any others in the grounds.
I would not go there again. Living locally, it is somewhere I had not been before but I don't think I would go again unless the admission price for over 60's was reduced to maybe around £7.50.
As retired people we thought the £9.70 entrance fee was excessive for what was there. There is no concession for the over 60's which is very disappointing considering most of the visitors appeared to be over 60.
The house was very disappointing. Stark, bare floored rooms with just a few art exhibits and some weird items in the rooms - a stile and some farm implements.
Best thing about the house was the second hand bookshop.
Did not use the café as the prices were a little bit expensive.
There seems to be a lack of toilets too. The only ones we came across were before the entrance, and in the café. Did not seem to be any others in the grounds.
I would not go there again. Living locally, it is somewhere I had not been before but I don't think I would go again unless the admission price for over 60's was reduced to maybe around £7.50.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk