Local Reviews
In January 2024, GBGinaC said about Hestercombe Gardens
We attended a chocolatier experience day and it was fantastic. Chef Paul is a wonderful host. He is extremely knowledgeable and generous with his time, knowledge (and the chocolate). The day includes making lots of moulded chocolates and enrobed chocolates, a two course lunch and you can walk around the gardens after the experience is finished. We left with arms loaded with our handmade chocolates and huge smiles on our faces. Absolutely recommend this treat to everyone.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In January 2024, Dorothy C said about Hestercombe Gardens
A very big thank you to Paul Rutledge for a brilliant chocolate experience today.
Paul was very informative, answered all questions, made everyone feel comfortable and welcome.
We came away with so much chocolate and more knowledge about how chocolate is made.
I’ve had a throughly lovely day, couldn’t ask for more.
Paul was very informative, answered all questions, made everyone feel comfortable and welcome.
We came away with so much chocolate and more knowledge about how chocolate is made.
I’ve had a throughly lovely day, couldn’t ask for more.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In January 2024, Ron Scales said about Hestercombe Gardens
The formal gardens are quite rightly resting before spring and a lot of felling was going on in the wooded area putting much of it out of bounds for safety reasons. In the house the upper floor comprises large white painted rooms containing ‘art’ that seems more designed to tick boxes, environmental damage/ racial inequality etc., than to entertain. That’s alright but I had to pay for the privilege of being educated in this manner. I’m sure the curator and artists involved patted themselves on the back but art can also include sculpture and painting from time to time. I thought that the guide downstairs was almost apologetic when he handed us the accompanying leaflet for what we were about to see.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In February 2024, Lizzie W said about Hestercombe Gardens
A lovely walk up through the woodlands and past the impressive waterfall. Great views over the countryside although it was rather misty.
Lovely lunch in the cafe filleted by a walk round the formal gardens and exploring the house.
Lovely lunch in the cafe filleted by a walk round the formal gardens and exploring the house.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In March 2024, Ruth W said about Hestercombe Gardens
We have visited these beautiful gardens in summer, but on this occasion 'Illuminate' was on, where coloured lights and music transform the gardens into a fairyland.
You can have a magical walk, then warm up with a festive drink or hot chocolate in the cafe.
It's the perfect pre Christmas treat.
You can have a magical walk, then warm up with a festive drink or hot chocolate in the cafe.
It's the perfect pre Christmas treat.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In March 2024, Vikki P said about Hestercombe Gardens
Fantastic food beautifully presented. A generous selection of savoury and sweet. The afternoon tea is a real treat! Pre booking essential.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In April 2024, Cookiescot said about Hestercombe Gardens
We visited with the 2 for 1 gardeners World ticket. It would have been expensive at £16 each. The garden design is lovely, but there are a lot of steps if you have mobility issues. Not much in flower in April, it would be better to go in the summer. Had a lovely lunch in cafe.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2024, gfsc5 said about Hestercombe Gardens
There's quite a bit of walking if you want to see the majority of these gardens although the more formal garden is adjacent to the house. And they're lovely.
We chose to meander and look at the various follies and the waterfall and the stream and the various out buildings. Lots to see and it was nice and quiet and calm even though there was a Spring fair near and in the house.
The formal garden had lots of wisteria in flower. Stunning. Lots of photo. ops.
Inside the house was an ok shop and a gallery that had a number of pieces of modern art that was a bit beyond our comprehension.
Go for the gardens.
We chose to meander and look at the various follies and the waterfall and the stream and the various out buildings. Lots to see and it was nice and quiet and calm even though there was a Spring fair near and in the house.
The formal garden had lots of wisteria in flower. Stunning. Lots of photo. ops.
Inside the house was an ok shop and a gallery that had a number of pieces of modern art that was a bit beyond our comprehension.
Go for the gardens.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2024, Gillian K said about Hestercombe Gardens
Travelling up and down the M5 regularly I had noted the sign for Hestercombe , so on a beautiful May Day we decided to pay it a visit. The narrow roads near Taunton were a bit challenging, but we made it.
The house is unfurnished, and has not been lived in for a long time, but there was a modern art exhibition in some of the upstairs rooms, and the opportunity to take good photographs of the formal gardens through the windows. Interesting to read about what the estate has been used for in the 20th century, during WW2, and 60 years as Somerset Fure Brigade headquarters.
We walked over 2 miles round the interesting gardens, with both formal layouts, and banks of wild flowers. We loved all the lakes with connecting cascades and waterfalls, and I ended up with 100 photographs.
Spent 5 hours there, and really enjoyed our day out, including coffee and cake in Stables restaurant, and thought the main meals looked good.
The house is unfurnished, and has not been lived in for a long time, but there was a modern art exhibition in some of the upstairs rooms, and the opportunity to take good photographs of the formal gardens through the windows. Interesting to read about what the estate has been used for in the 20th century, during WW2, and 60 years as Somerset Fure Brigade headquarters.
We walked over 2 miles round the interesting gardens, with both formal layouts, and banks of wild flowers. We loved all the lakes with connecting cascades and waterfalls, and I ended up with 100 photographs.
Spent 5 hours there, and really enjoyed our day out, including coffee and cake in Stables restaurant, and thought the main meals looked good.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2024, Simon F said about Hestercombe Gardens
Have been here many times with the wife and we have a wonderful experience on each occasion. Beautifully presented and filled with natural wonder. I never tire of it. It cannot be overstated how important it is to support the maintenance of such rewarding green spaces. I shall return many times over and encourage anyone to do the same
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk