Local Reviews
In February 2015, 49Pam said about Hestercombe Gardens
It would take us about 90 minutes to get to the gardens so we had to plan with the weather forecast. It didn't disappoint, a clear winter's day, it lit up the landscapes of the gardens. The snowdrops in drifts, bright yellow aconites, primroses and pulmonaria just some of the plants
below the tall well lit trees that take your glance up to the sky. Six buzzards were flying low, swirling into the sky and calling. We also spotted treecreeper, chaffinch, blackbird, robin, coal tit and heard song thrush singing. The lakes gave way to great reflections of the trees all interspersed with cascading waterfalls shining in the sun. In front of the house are the formal gardens in complete contrast to the relaxed landscapes of the rest of the gardens. The walks around the gardens were muddy in places so it's advisable to wear walking boots.
After the invigorating walk what could be better than a good meal, and you don't have to go far to find it here.Housed in the old stable block our meals were very tasty and not too expensive.
The house was next visited, we were given some literature upon arrival to read later I guess. It's best, if you can to talk to a guide, we spoke with a lady who told us some things about the house we would not normally have found out.
There are picnic tables near the entrance to the gardens should you want to take your own food. Also in the grounds there is a shop and a small area where plants can be purchased.
But don't forget while your walking around to view the wonderful landscapes beyond the gardens boundaries.
below the tall well lit trees that take your glance up to the sky. Six buzzards were flying low, swirling into the sky and calling. We also spotted treecreeper, chaffinch, blackbird, robin, coal tit and heard song thrush singing. The lakes gave way to great reflections of the trees all interspersed with cascading waterfalls shining in the sun. In front of the house are the formal gardens in complete contrast to the relaxed landscapes of the rest of the gardens. The walks around the gardens were muddy in places so it's advisable to wear walking boots.
After the invigorating walk what could be better than a good meal, and you don't have to go far to find it here.Housed in the old stable block our meals were very tasty and not too expensive.
The house was next visited, we were given some literature upon arrival to read later I guess. It's best, if you can to talk to a guide, we spoke with a lady who told us some things about the house we would not normally have found out.
There are picnic tables near the entrance to the gardens should you want to take your own food. Also in the grounds there is a shop and a small area where plants can be purchased.
But don't forget while your walking around to view the wonderful landscapes beyond the gardens boundaries.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In March 2015, MazzyTM said about Hestercombe Gardens
Not sure I really want to share this great place, don't want it to become Too popular! It has two different great gardens both with interesting history - 18thC wilderness walk in a beautiful combe with an array of garden buildings to rest in, plus, probably the best example of a Gertrude Jekyll & Edwin Lutyens garden - impeccably maintained. Plus - working steam engines, art exhibitions, an excellent 2nd hand bookshop and good food. You really can spend a whole day here - and come back again each season. Go - just not when I'm there!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In March 2015, RB said about Hestercombe Gardens
This has the finest Lutyens/Jekyll garden that's open to the public, and yet the emphasis is all on the older landscape gardens - the map even shows the visitor route bypassing the Lutyens part altogether, and the original gate from old to new is no longer used. Why they feel the need to "enhance" a fine set of Lutyens steps with cheap half-barrel planters is beyond me, and the children's trail ended with an unsightly piece of paper hanging from the centrepiece of the garden. Entrance charge a little on the high side. Shop sells usual smelly tat - no scholarly books on garden design.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In March 2015, rebeccafox said about Hestercombe Gardens
We have a membership here and we love it. The kids love walking around, even our daughter who uses a kaye walker can make it around most parts of the main walk. They always have trails for kids to do. We enjoyed their Easter trails last year and their Fun Fridays during the school holidays. Thoroughly recommend!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In March 2015, lavallins said about Hestercombe Gardens
Visited on a glorious sunny day so perhaps 'rose tinted glasses' but sure even on a dull day there would be colour in the gardens. Nothing much at all to see in the house but the displays change so perhaps we were just unlucky with the art exhibition.Cafe is a bit pricey for what is available.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In March 2015, F R said about Hestercombe Gardens
Interesting garden buildings and plenty space to run round. Pretty spring bulbs and views. House not worth looking round
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In March 2015, Vicky B said about Hestercombe Gardens
The story of the rediscovery and restoration of these magnificent gardens is heart warming and the result has created one of my favourite places to visit anywhere anytime.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In April 2015, Ellen F said about Hestercombe Gardens
My first time at Hestercombe, but hopefully not my last. This is not a huge garden, but has many lovely features. I particularly liked all the water: a huge variety of rills, ponds, waterfalls and other water courses. I should imagine the garden would be lovely in summer, but very pretty in early spring. A delicious lunch too.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In April 2015, lynne l said about Hestercombe Gardens
Brilliant day out for the family .Plenty of space for the children .The flower beds were so colourful just coming into their own shame the daffs had finished but the tulips were coming out in wonderful colours and such different types not always seen
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In April 2015, Peter G said about Hestercombe Gardens
Took my elderly 'in-laws' who said they enjoyed it, but I found it rather disappointing. Firstly I thought it was rather expensive to get in and no discount for OAP's. the woodland walks and lakes were good. But when we got to the formal gardens we decided to stop for coffee. We enquired in the house but was told it would probably be too formal for us and were directed to the stable cafeteria. Good coffee etc. was served here by very pleasant staff. But on leaving found we could not get back directly to where we had left our tour but instead had to climb stairs back up to reception and round the block back to more stairs leading down to the house which was not very good for my disabled mother-in-law.
The house itself had various art exhibitions in different rooms some of which were just not for me. I thought after the Fire Brigade had left the house would have been put back to its former glory, depicting its history rather than just a sheet of paper as you went in. The gardens were well laid our but due to the time of year somewhat lacking in colour and some of the water features could have had cleaner water in them and maybe some fish?
The house itself had various art exhibitions in different rooms some of which were just not for me. I thought after the Fire Brigade had left the house would have been put back to its former glory, depicting its history rather than just a sheet of paper as you went in. The gardens were well laid our but due to the time of year somewhat lacking in colour and some of the water features could have had cleaner water in them and maybe some fish?
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk