Local Reviews
In May 2017, Nicky P said about Hestercombe Gardens
Wonderful gardens and scenery, much of which had wheelchair access. There were wheelchair so for hire and could be booked in advance. Lovely lunch in the stable cafe, reasonable prices. Shame the restaurant in the main house was small and therefore full, advise you book now advance.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2017, Benitajo said about Hestercombe Gardens
The gardens were absolutely stunning and we spent a fabulous 4 hours here as it takes a long time to walk around everywhere.
The long walks up to the tops of the slopes are worth it for the stunning views but the hills are steep if you're of limited mobility. Paths unsuitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs are clearly marked though.
The easily accessible formal gardens are worth the entry fee alone if you can't manage the slopes.
There's a lovely cafe and shop selling plants as well as the usual gift wares but it can get very busy at the weekends.
Hestercombe house houses a nice restaurant and a very odd 'gallery' - maybe we weren't 'arty' enough to appreciate it but I found some of the art a bit distasteful.
I would definitely return to the gardens but I wouldn't bother with the house.
The long walks up to the tops of the slopes are worth it for the stunning views but the hills are steep if you're of limited mobility. Paths unsuitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs are clearly marked though.
The easily accessible formal gardens are worth the entry fee alone if you can't manage the slopes.
There's a lovely cafe and shop selling plants as well as the usual gift wares but it can get very busy at the weekends.
Hestercombe house houses a nice restaurant and a very odd 'gallery' - maybe we weren't 'arty' enough to appreciate it but I found some of the art a bit distasteful.
I would definitely return to the gardens but I wouldn't bother with the house.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2017, SueJ2756TJ said about Hestercombe Gardens
Lovely gardens, only slightly marred by us being there during a thunder storm. Went to the cafe for lunch and it was very, very good food, well prepared by a gifted chef. Wish I could talk to Hestercombe direct to congratulate him. Very well worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2017, carrieheadlam said about Hestercombe Gardens
Beautiful formal gardens, lovely country walks and changing exhibitions in the house. This would be a lovely venue for a formal event such as a wedding. We have bought season tickets which is really good value and gives us a lovely place to go on the spur of the moment, just outside Taunton.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2017, HotelLover2009 said about Hestercombe Gardens
Beautiful and tranquil. A really good cafe too. We like to go here on clear days. A good variety of plants, walks and buildings.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2017, Amanda C said about Hestercombe Gardens
Wonderful for the children to run around and burn off some energy! Great "trails and hunts" and lovely helpful staff!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2017, 1982Dan said about Hestercombe Gardens
The formal gardens are beautiful and the landscaped valley is a pleasure.
A lovely place to spend a summers afternoon!
A lovely place to spend a summers afternoon!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2017, GSH47 said about Hestercombe Gardens
Cost is quite expensive but lovely walks through the gardens and plenty of places to rest and just enjoy your surroundings. The main gardens near the house were lovely and we spent quite a bit of time there. The house was a huge disappointment, run down and empty except for a few bits of art on the walls. Take your own food as cafe is very expensive and there are lovely places to have a picnic.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2017, showcoachman said about Hestercombe Gardens
Visited with a group returning from Devon. Well signposted from Taunton. Parking close to the entrance. Plenty of paths to walkaround the lakes and formal gardens,well signed and easy to follow maps. The house is now open for viewing however much restoration is ongoing so not too much to see other than pictures of the estate history. A small but very busy Stables cafe served a large variety of food and snacks, many made to order. A plant and gift shop was also worth a visit. On a sunny day this is a very good place to enjoy, relax, picnic, or walk around.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2017, Lynne M said about Hestercombe Gardens
This garden is immense with beautiful formal garden rooms, topiary and a longer walk through the heavily treed undulating hills behind the property. Along the walk there are many and varied viewing structures built many years ago to capture significant views of the garden and lake. This walk is not difficult, its enjoyable and very tranquil.
There are refreshments available and you can also tour the house which is as it was when acquired by the National Trust approx. 3 years ago. Parking was plentiful and only a short walk from the grand house. Well worth a visit if you like to wander in beautiful surroundings.
There are refreshments available and you can also tour the house which is as it was when acquired by the National Trust approx. 3 years ago. Parking was plentiful and only a short walk from the grand house. Well worth a visit if you like to wander in beautiful surroundings.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk