Local Reviews
In May 2022, Wanderlust Hols said about Hestercombe Gardens
I first visited Hestercombe Gardens many years ago for a wander and would love to return to the gardens again at some point. For our last visit though in December 2021, my husband, 5-year-old daughter and I came to see 'Illuminate' - a special Christmas event which I believe was new.
Hestercombe Gardens is approximately 40 minutes drive from where we live. We booked for an early evening slot and when we arrived parking was easy in the large car park.
We were greeted by a friendly lady at reception and off we went. 'Illuminate' was not quite what we were expecting. It started off with pink, purple and blue lit shrubs and trees - I loved this section. Then we were directed left up a hill by a member of staff - here the lights were more spread out with some colourful lit up trees and a red and yellow wall. It was particularly dark in places. Luckily we had brought a torch with us, but it could have been quite tricky without. I did particularly enjoy the long pathway of shrubs that were covered in hundreds, if not thousands of warm twinkly lights! We took some pretty photos here. After this we found ourselves in front of the house which had blue/purple lights shining at it and lots of cool colourful ground lights on the lawn that changed colour and sequence.
But that was it! That was the end of 'Illuminate!' At first we couldn't quite believe it - it had only taken us approximately 10 minutes to walk around it all! With this realisation we made our way to the cafe which had covered outdoor seating and a huge pretty firepit in the centre. My daughter and I enjoyed hot chocolate drinks before making our way back to the car.
Overall we had a pleasant festive evening out at 'Illuminate' and I was happy to be out and about again at Christmas. However, given the size of 'Illuminate' and the 40 minutes drive to get to Hestercombe Gardens, this isn't something we would do again - nor would I recommend it to family. I know it didn't cost as much as light trails by others, such as National Trust, but we did expect a bit more than what we got. It could be fantastic - but Hestercombe Gardens need to make it bigger!
Hestercombe Gardens is approximately 40 minutes drive from where we live. We booked for an early evening slot and when we arrived parking was easy in the large car park.
We were greeted by a friendly lady at reception and off we went. 'Illuminate' was not quite what we were expecting. It started off with pink, purple and blue lit shrubs and trees - I loved this section. Then we were directed left up a hill by a member of staff - here the lights were more spread out with some colourful lit up trees and a red and yellow wall. It was particularly dark in places. Luckily we had brought a torch with us, but it could have been quite tricky without. I did particularly enjoy the long pathway of shrubs that were covered in hundreds, if not thousands of warm twinkly lights! We took some pretty photos here. After this we found ourselves in front of the house which had blue/purple lights shining at it and lots of cool colourful ground lights on the lawn that changed colour and sequence.
But that was it! That was the end of 'Illuminate!' At first we couldn't quite believe it - it had only taken us approximately 10 minutes to walk around it all! With this realisation we made our way to the cafe which had covered outdoor seating and a huge pretty firepit in the centre. My daughter and I enjoyed hot chocolate drinks before making our way back to the car.
Overall we had a pleasant festive evening out at 'Illuminate' and I was happy to be out and about again at Christmas. However, given the size of 'Illuminate' and the 40 minutes drive to get to Hestercombe Gardens, this isn't something we would do again - nor would I recommend it to family. I know it didn't cost as much as light trails by others, such as National Trust, but we did expect a bit more than what we got. It could be fantastic - but Hestercombe Gardens need to make it bigger!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2022, Hilary G said about Hestercombe Gardens
Beautiful gardens, (designed by Gertrude Jekyll) . An excellent walk in a mix of natural surroundings not overly 'manicured', and formal garden designs -we fed the fish and the ducks on the extensive ponds -and fed ourselves of course! The food in the cafe is the best we've had in a long while, pleasant and helpful staff too -we'll be re-visiting soon.
The house is undergoing work, and there were not many areas to visit as the galleries were closed awaiting a new exhibition -so not ready for comment yet. (The bookshop is good though). To be honest we were just happy going around the gardens -and as a bonus it was a beautiful day.
The house is undergoing work, and there were not many areas to visit as the galleries were closed awaiting a new exhibition -so not ready for comment yet. (The bookshop is good though). To be honest we were just happy going around the gardens -and as a bonus it was a beautiful day.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2022, tonyinbrighton said about Hestercombe Gardens
Wonderful gardens - the level of detail in the landscaping is breathtaking and the planting is a joy.
Plenty of car parking and an excellent restaurant and cafe make for a great visit - easy to spend half a day here!
Plenty of car parking and an excellent restaurant and cafe make for a great visit - easy to spend half a day here!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2022, DJ59 said about Hestercombe Gardens
Hestercombe gardens are beautiful. The day started well with the very helpful lady who took time with the map to show us where to walk. The formal gardens by the house are wonderfully laid out and full of colour in June. From there we walked up one side of the small valley and back down the other which is a little steep but we’ll worth the walk. Lots of interesting buildings, a fabulous waterfall and plenty of seats to enjoy the views.
We also went into the house which is starting to establish itself as an arts centre which will be an interesting development.
From there we went to the Stables restaurant for afternoon tea. We sat outside in the pretty courtyard and enjoyed what was possibly the best afternoon tea we have had (and we’ve enjoyed a few)
There were 3 sandwiches, the star of which was the creamed goats cheese with pickled beetroot and a very tasty sausage roll.
We then had the most perfect scones with clotted cream and jam. We had to box the cakes as we were so full but enjoyed them we got home. They also serve very good loose leaf tea.
Add to all this the excellent service and you are on to a winner. It was also extremely good value compared to other places we have been.
The whole day out was perfect and we will visit again soon
We also went into the house which is starting to establish itself as an arts centre which will be an interesting development.
From there we went to the Stables restaurant for afternoon tea. We sat outside in the pretty courtyard and enjoyed what was possibly the best afternoon tea we have had (and we’ve enjoyed a few)
There were 3 sandwiches, the star of which was the creamed goats cheese with pickled beetroot and a very tasty sausage roll.
We then had the most perfect scones with clotted cream and jam. We had to box the cakes as we were so full but enjoyed them we got home. They also serve very good loose leaf tea.
Add to all this the excellent service and you are on to a winner. It was also extremely good value compared to other places we have been.
The whole day out was perfect and we will visit again soon
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2022, Lilacwheaty said about Hestercombe Gardens
Our 3rd visit in 25 years and it was great to see how the restored gardens are maturing and expanding, and also to learn of the future plans to make this place more wonderful.
We enjoyed the circular walk around the valley with ponds and many monuments and follies, and left the spectacularly beautiful formal gardens to the end.
The building is now open with some art installations, making a good use of the space.
We had lunch at the cafe and found the ham baguette and savoury cheesy twist excellent
We enjoyed the circular walk around the valley with ponds and many monuments and follies, and left the spectacularly beautiful formal gardens to the end.
The building is now open with some art installations, making a good use of the space.
We had lunch at the cafe and found the ham baguette and savoury cheesy twist excellent
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2022, Michael W said about Hestercombe Gardens
This is an unexpected gem of a place. We were spending a few days in Somerset and the weather had perked up and was bright and warm, so we wanted an outside place. This was a little hard to find, but once we had arrived we were happy as Larry. The story is that this wonderful building and its gardens had been left for several decades to run wild and decay, but that a grand crowd of people had worked hard to raise the money to refurbish it. The grounds are a delight, we wandered for a few hours through the verdant green of the wooded area, enchanted by the little quirks that kept popping into view. Then we admired the formal Edwardian gardens after a light lunch. We had a wonderful day, though it was affecting my hay fever, but I can’t blame Hestercombe for that.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2022, Madalyn H said about Hestercombe Gardens
A fantastic renovation. Delightful landscaped valley with restored buildings and wonderful formal gardens replanted to Gertrude Jeykell's plans. Well maintained and extremely colourful
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2022, Droopydrawrs52 said about Hestercombe Gardens
This is such a stunning place
To see the gardens at this time of the year was a real treat
Lovingly restored and maintained
The history of the place is fascinating and really worth the trip
To see the gardens at this time of the year was a real treat
Lovingly restored and maintained
The history of the place is fascinating and really worth the trip
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2022, TennaRotor said about Hestercombe Gardens
The gardens are gorgeous. The hardscape by Edwin Lutyens is softened with Gertrude Jekyll plantings - the plant combinations work so well - the peonies and roses were in full bloom and the garden staff was planting out the annual bedding right below the house. Loved all the borrowed scenery with the country side right behind the pergola. The Orangery is a spectacular piece of architecture. All the outbuildings are restored and in good shape. Be sure to watch the short video of the history of the gardens in a cave right below the Dutch Garden. The house is under restoration and at present houses the gift shop and second hand book shop. The cafe offers a selection of sandwiches (tasty and reasonably prices). There is also a restaurant in the adjacent stables.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2022, JBHTaunton said about Hestercombe Gardens
Been here now several times, and eventually became a member. Great place to walk for exercise, and the formal gardens are a pleasure too see. The views of the quantock hills are sight for sore eyes.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk