Local Reviews
In October 2021, familytravel4x4 said about Hestercombe Gardens
Visited at the beginning of October taking advantage of the 2 for 1 offer from Gardeners World (so only £9.50 for two). The house itself offers a somewhat odd modern art exhibition in most of the upstairs rooms - not to our taste at all. Nothing else to see in the house given it was formerly used to house the local fire brigade - so no furniture or splendid interiors. By contrast, the formal gardens (Lutyens design with Jekyll planting) was a delight, despite being past it best given the time of year. But the design is really wonderful with the longest pergola in the UK and lots of features to enjoy and admire - the orangery is a gem of a building.
As to the other woodland garden, it is from a less formal era and offers a chance to stroll up through trees finding follies and vistas enroute, with a lovely cascade into to stream which meanders down to one of several ponds - delightful on a sunny day.
There is also a cafeteria and restaurant to enjoy, albeit we only had a drink and cake at the cafe before starting our exploration - but good quality fare. Thereafter we had a picnic in the gardens sitting on a Lutyens bench!
All-in-all a pleasant experience, albeit a little expensive if paying full price when the garden’s are past their best at the end of the season.
As to the other woodland garden, it is from a less formal era and offers a chance to stroll up through trees finding follies and vistas enroute, with a lovely cascade into to stream which meanders down to one of several ponds - delightful on a sunny day.
There is also a cafeteria and restaurant to enjoy, albeit we only had a drink and cake at the cafe before starting our exploration - but good quality fare. Thereafter we had a picnic in the gardens sitting on a Lutyens bench!
All-in-all a pleasant experience, albeit a little expensive if paying full price when the garden’s are past their best at the end of the season.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2021, 858disgruntled said about Hestercombe Gardens
High expectations, but disappointed. Towards the end of October there was no colour. A Wedding was going on, so unable to visit the Orangerie. There are dozens of N.T. Gardens or Open Garden Schemes much better than this. Over £11 each. Restaurant was overpriced. Cappachinos poor. The house was a sad, neglected place. The second hand bookshop was well stocked and well run. Even if we lived nearby (we don’t) we would be loathe to bother visiting again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2021, Ellyxox said about Hestercombe Gardens
We didn’t really intend to book Hestercombe as our wedding venue, we’d been to a couple of venues and were disappointed that they didn’t blow us away. We went to Hestercombe for the wedding fair/open day without really knowing they actually held weddings. We suddenly fell in love, and knew it was where we wanted to get married!
Throughout the planning of the wedding, Julie had been an absolute star, helping us understand all the different things we needed to organise, and being such a calming influence! Also being so incredible helpful and understanding with us having to postpone our wedding several times due to Covid!
On the day, Cazz was on hand to make sure everything went smoothly, and I cannot tell you how impressed we are! The whole day was an absolute dream, everything was perfect, and we didn’t even notice the staff running around in the background. They even had to deal with someone not turning up in the morning and rearranging an entire table that had been laid and decorated.
All of our guests commented on how lovely the venue was, even our evening guests kept commenting on how pretty and nice it was, and they didn’t even get to see the gardens and orangery.
We’re so grateful to Hestercombe and all their wonderful staff for making our wedding the best day ever.
Throughout the planning of the wedding, Julie had been an absolute star, helping us understand all the different things we needed to organise, and being such a calming influence! Also being so incredible helpful and understanding with us having to postpone our wedding several times due to Covid!
On the day, Cazz was on hand to make sure everything went smoothly, and I cannot tell you how impressed we are! The whole day was an absolute dream, everything was perfect, and we didn’t even notice the staff running around in the background. They even had to deal with someone not turning up in the morning and rearranging an entire table that had been laid and decorated.
All of our guests commented on how lovely the venue was, even our evening guests kept commenting on how pretty and nice it was, and they didn’t even get to see the gardens and orangery.
We’re so grateful to Hestercombe and all their wonderful staff for making our wedding the best day ever.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2021, nickrashtead said about Hestercombe Gardens
The gardens are magnificent. It clearly is a brave challenge to take on the gardens and the house (which remains work in progress) and it will be some time before the house is restored. Outside is a delight and much work has taken place and there is lots of information about what has happened. All in all it’s a great place.
The catering lets the place down. We arrived at 1pm and bought some sandwiches and there was just one guy behind the counter. 3 hours later we came back for a drink and he was still there on his own with a queue!
We will bring our own food next time.
The catering lets the place down. We arrived at 1pm and bought some sandwiches and there was just one guy behind the counter. 3 hours later we came back for a drink and he was still there on his own with a queue!
We will bring our own food next time.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In December 2021, Paul F said about Hestercombe Gardens
The best Father Christmas ever congratulations. A 3 year old sometimes scared of animals or people invading his personal space He was at ease with Father Christmas, whose setting was in his own woodland hideaway with his Elves, engaged and relaxed out grandson. A really special occasion. Congratulations to all.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In March 2022, rapide13 said about Hestercombe Gardens
I came to hestercombe gardens yesterday and was amazed at how beautiful this place really is. I came with a friend and 2 dogs and it’s extremely pet friendly. Well worth a visit I will definitely be returning!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In April 2022, June H said about Hestercombe Gardens
Had two visits to Hestercombe during the Easter holidays,one to a wedding and another for a birthday outing both very enjoyable.The wedding was very well organised with lovely places to take photographs( l was the photographer) and the wedding went very smoothly.The second visit went equally as well with my daughter, and my sister a treat for her birthday the cream tea was beautifully laid out and so much we had to take some of the cakes home in boxes the staff provided.The staff were very attentive and nothing was too much trouble highly recommended
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In April 2022, Stuart B said about Hestercombe Gardens
Thanks to Monty Don we went to these gardens and were not disappointed. The pathways are well cared for and the map is easy to follow, which we did and didn't get lost!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2022, Lucy N said about Hestercombe Gardens
This was a truly beautiful place. We went a week ago with the dog, and the gardens were gorgeous. We visited the little cafe and had THE BEST cream tea of my life.
Sadly, there was a wedding going on, so it did feel a little like 'we shouldn't be here.' If we had known there was a wedding we would have visited a different day. OTHERWISE, it was brilliant.
Also - the book store was adorable
Sadly, there was a wedding going on, so it did feel a little like 'we shouldn't be here.' If we had known there was a wedding we would have visited a different day. OTHERWISE, it was brilliant.
Also - the book store was adorable
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2022, LauraBray said about Hestercombe Gardens
A wonderful visit with our family to Hestercombe. There was plenty to keep the grandchildren amused and interested. The little play area at the entrance was perfect for young children (3 and 5); they enjoyed the follies and seeing ducklings and fish in the lower pool. The highlight was the fountain in the formal area where they played with the water spouts. We adults loved the magnificent trees, waterfall, water mill, stunning orangery and formal gardens. We had a delicious lunch in The Stables Restaurant (see separate review) and enjoyed coffee and ice creams. We visited the main house for the gift shop and the well organised second hand book shop. The children loved climbing the magnificent staircase. Finally I loved all the variety of colours and especially the stunning rhododendrons and tree blossom. Overall a great day out. Thanks to al staff concerned.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk