Local Reviews
In July 2025, Fingal72 said about Hestercombe Gardens
We had an enjoyable afternoon at Hestercomb Gardens and we had a terrific Sunday lunch in the cafe, it was plentiful and all well cooked . I believe the cafe has recently changed hands and we wish the new management the best of luck.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2025, Yorkshire_Lass195725 said about Hestercombe Gardens
We last visited here about 7 years ago and really enjoyed our visit. As we were staying in the area we decided to visit again but this time with our daughter. We had a lovely walk round & visited both the house, saw the jacuzzi, and the book shop. It was a shame the waterfall wasn’t flowing but I found a previous photo on my phone to remind us! A good days visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2025, Beti-Blodyn said about Hestercombe Gardens
As part of a coach trip, I and several others from the Midlands visited Hestercombe Gardens for the morning during the August heatwave. I'd never heard of this place before but we'd been given a little background info on the coach that Hestercombe was previously used as the headquarters and control room for the Devon & Somerset Fire Service. Currently the house is 'in between' functions - we'd just missed an exhibition there - so the main attraction is the garden.
You're still allowed to walk around the property, which I did. There's a little bit on the history of Hestercombe on the ground floor but the most interesting parts were (funnily enough) the disused rooms above, as it's so rare you can walk around a grand residence in such a state of emptiness. Of course, I hope Hestercombe takes advantage of their great USPs in the months and years to come, but the transience of it all felt like an extravagant house viewing.
After leaving the house, I wandered around the grounds for a while. The recent heat has been harsh on gardens across the country, and as a result Hestercombe sadly did look a little dried out (as you can see from my photos). That being said, it was still a very peaceful walk - not many visitors around at all - and the views of the unspoilt Somerset countryside are top notch.
As it was so warm, I stopped by the restaurant for some refreshments before checking out the second-hand bookshop. There's a surprisingly extensive menu including brunches and light-bites, so I plumped for a savoury scone with cream cheese and a pot of tea. It's a shame the pancakes are brunch-only as they sounded delicious! Prices are similar to National Trust and it's all table service - professional with a smile - so as a lone diner I could sit back and relax for a while. The restaurant has a beautiful fountain in its centre and is covered just enough to not have direct sun overhead, so it felt much cooler than sitting outside.
I'd personally rather funding go into the house and gardens rather than generating trinkets so it hasn't affected my overall blob-rating, but the 'gift shop' was a tiny makeshift shelter hidden around the back with (mostly) plastic kids' toys that you could pay for in the bookshop. The bookshop is definitely worth a browse though, there's some excellent finds in there - I only went in for a browse and came out with an armful! The shop was kept at a lovely cool temperature too which was a bonus. The volunteer manning the tills was friendly and best of all, you can tell she loves books!
All in all - not sure if I'd have paid £17 to visit had I been alone, but as I was here due to a pre-planned holiday itinerary it was a pleasant way to spend a couple of hours. I look forward to hearing/seeing what Hestercombe do in future.
You're still allowed to walk around the property, which I did. There's a little bit on the history of Hestercombe on the ground floor but the most interesting parts were (funnily enough) the disused rooms above, as it's so rare you can walk around a grand residence in such a state of emptiness. Of course, I hope Hestercombe takes advantage of their great USPs in the months and years to come, but the transience of it all felt like an extravagant house viewing.
After leaving the house, I wandered around the grounds for a while. The recent heat has been harsh on gardens across the country, and as a result Hestercombe sadly did look a little dried out (as you can see from my photos). That being said, it was still a very peaceful walk - not many visitors around at all - and the views of the unspoilt Somerset countryside are top notch.
As it was so warm, I stopped by the restaurant for some refreshments before checking out the second-hand bookshop. There's a surprisingly extensive menu including brunches and light-bites, so I plumped for a savoury scone with cream cheese and a pot of tea. It's a shame the pancakes are brunch-only as they sounded delicious! Prices are similar to National Trust and it's all table service - professional with a smile - so as a lone diner I could sit back and relax for a while. The restaurant has a beautiful fountain in its centre and is covered just enough to not have direct sun overhead, so it felt much cooler than sitting outside.
I'd personally rather funding go into the house and gardens rather than generating trinkets so it hasn't affected my overall blob-rating, but the 'gift shop' was a tiny makeshift shelter hidden around the back with (mostly) plastic kids' toys that you could pay for in the bookshop. The bookshop is definitely worth a browse though, there's some excellent finds in there - I only went in for a browse and came out with an armful! The shop was kept at a lovely cool temperature too which was a bonus. The volunteer manning the tills was friendly and best of all, you can tell she loves books!
All in all - not sure if I'd have paid £17 to visit had I been alone, but as I was here due to a pre-planned holiday itinerary it was a pleasant way to spend a couple of hours. I look forward to hearing/seeing what Hestercombe do in future.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2021, Jane P said about Mercure Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa
We arrived at 3pm
And our room was not ready The first room we were checked into around the courtyard had an over powering smell of musty and damp so
We had to ask to move
Rooms have been refurbished
This hotel’s standards have dropped and it is not the place it was
We didn’t have time to use the spa
We had a shower only in the room -no shower cap
Poor quality coffee in the room in the sachets
Bed was comfortable
Breakfast was served in the function room which was like sitting in a school
Dining hall Very poor no tomatoes or mushrooms the scrambled egg had ran out and the server didn’t offer to get more Plates were cold so by the time you took the cooked breakfast to the table it was cold
We have been staying at this hotel for many years but there are now better options for the same money
Very disappointing
And our room was not ready The first room we were checked into around the courtyard had an over powering smell of musty and damp so
We had to ask to move
Rooms have been refurbished
This hotel’s standards have dropped and it is not the place it was
We didn’t have time to use the spa
We had a shower only in the room -no shower cap
Poor quality coffee in the room in the sachets
Bed was comfortable
Breakfast was served in the function room which was like sitting in a school
Dining hall Very poor no tomatoes or mushrooms the scrambled egg had ran out and the server didn’t offer to get more Plates were cold so by the time you took the cooked breakfast to the table it was cold
We have been staying at this hotel for many years but there are now better options for the same money
Very disappointing
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2021, Paula said about Mercure Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa
Would highly recommend this hotel as they have some great deals and our room was lovely for the price. We really enjoyed using the pool and gym facilities too. I paid for a food package within this booking and we really enjoyed all the meals there too. But one of the best things about our stay was a lovely young waiter called Christopher who provided a great service and looked after us so well both in the restaurant and the bar. Thanks so much for being so attentive Christopher, we loved our stay in the dunkenhalgh for our anniversary and look forward to staying with you again soon.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2021, sarahbridge2018 said about Mercure Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa
We had a fabulous stay here yesterday! My back massage was lovely, the tranquility room was lovely and relaxing, Sam & Anne were very helpful in rebooking another spa experience this morning, the swimming pool and changing rooms were clean and warm, the evening meal and service by Christopher and all staff was fantastic! The rooms are really spacious and comfortable beds. Plenty of free parking! We really enjoyed our stay and have booked to return and would definitely recommend
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2021, q h said about Mercure Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa
Stayed here for birthday weekend.nice hotel clean overall and rooms very spacious beds very comfortable.breakfast was sufficient enough.spa was really nice no sauna or steam though pool was heated.big thanks to Christopher and Sara and mr aziz.would recommend to anyone.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2021, Cristina T said about Mercure Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa
My friend and I stayed for one night at this hotel and we just couldn’t recommend it enough and here’s why…
We arrived around 11am from Warwickshire and tried to checkin in the off chance that our room was ready. Being 4hrs earlier than the checkin time, the lovely receptionist on duty on Mon 21st Jun has kindly explained that although the room is not ready, she’ll kindly ask her colleagues to have this done for us, since we arrived earlier - she was ever so nice! (I’m sorry I don’t remember her name).
We had some spa treatments booked and upon arrival, a lovely lady called Anne welcomed us and checked us in for our treatments. The spa manager, Dan, came to say hi and he offered us some drinks which were served by another lovely lady called Jackie! My friend had her treatment booked on Mon afternoon and mine was booked on Tue morning. We explained to Dan that it would be ever so helpful to have both treatments on Mon afternoon, so we can go and explore the area the following morning. Not only he managed to squeeze in my treatment, but he very kindly offered us lunch, without us even having had a booking for this - how very thoughtful!! The cleanliness of the facilities, friendliness of the staff and the quality of the facilities were great too!! So nevertheless to say that our say was going from good to great so far!
After our treatments, we went to checkin to our bedroom and the receptionist from the late shift has given us a lovely welcome, booked us dinner, breakfast and explained a little bit about the hotel (unfortunately, I can’t remember her name). We went to our room, which was a beautiful large room, recently refurbished, very fresh, clean and the bed & pillows were extremely comfortable too!
We were then welcomed for dinner in the restaurant by Krishna, who showed us to our table, being very friendly and nice. Christopher then looked after us for the rest of the night and we enjoyed every part of the dinner! Krishna mentioned that all the team on duty that night were new to the hotel, but oh my God - what a fantastic job everyone is doing! Thank you to all the restaurant team!
The following morning for breakfast, we were welcomed by yet another lovely lady, called Edwena who very kindly served our tea & coffee and got us some nice fresh toast. She explained how the breakfast works at the moment and she gave us the time and space to enjoy breakfast, although someone was always on hand if we needed anything.
All in all, we had such a great stay, spa break and left feeling recharged and ready to return to the daily life!
The hotel has some fantastic staff, great facilities, looking very nice, fresh and loves following an extensive refurbishment!
We can not wait to come back and enjoy more of the northern hospitality! Thank you for a lovely break team Dunk!!
We arrived around 11am from Warwickshire and tried to checkin in the off chance that our room was ready. Being 4hrs earlier than the checkin time, the lovely receptionist on duty on Mon 21st Jun has kindly explained that although the room is not ready, she’ll kindly ask her colleagues to have this done for us, since we arrived earlier - she was ever so nice! (I’m sorry I don’t remember her name).
We had some spa treatments booked and upon arrival, a lovely lady called Anne welcomed us and checked us in for our treatments. The spa manager, Dan, came to say hi and he offered us some drinks which were served by another lovely lady called Jackie! My friend had her treatment booked on Mon afternoon and mine was booked on Tue morning. We explained to Dan that it would be ever so helpful to have both treatments on Mon afternoon, so we can go and explore the area the following morning. Not only he managed to squeeze in my treatment, but he very kindly offered us lunch, without us even having had a booking for this - how very thoughtful!! The cleanliness of the facilities, friendliness of the staff and the quality of the facilities were great too!! So nevertheless to say that our say was going from good to great so far!
After our treatments, we went to checkin to our bedroom and the receptionist from the late shift has given us a lovely welcome, booked us dinner, breakfast and explained a little bit about the hotel (unfortunately, I can’t remember her name). We went to our room, which was a beautiful large room, recently refurbished, very fresh, clean and the bed & pillows were extremely comfortable too!
We were then welcomed for dinner in the restaurant by Krishna, who showed us to our table, being very friendly and nice. Christopher then looked after us for the rest of the night and we enjoyed every part of the dinner! Krishna mentioned that all the team on duty that night were new to the hotel, but oh my God - what a fantastic job everyone is doing! Thank you to all the restaurant team!
The following morning for breakfast, we were welcomed by yet another lovely lady, called Edwena who very kindly served our tea & coffee and got us some nice fresh toast. She explained how the breakfast works at the moment and she gave us the time and space to enjoy breakfast, although someone was always on hand if we needed anything.
All in all, we had such a great stay, spa break and left feeling recharged and ready to return to the daily life!
The hotel has some fantastic staff, great facilities, looking very nice, fresh and loves following an extensive refurbishment!
We can not wait to come back and enjoy more of the northern hospitality! Thank you for a lovely break team Dunk!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2021, Charles B said about Mercure Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa
Short Review - Overall Decent Place to Stay, food excellent, grounds excellent, staff decent, could just do with a little more money, training and help from Mercure.
Long Review - Came here with friends on a deal with Dinner and Breakfast included in an overnight stay. The hotel reception is welcoming and easy to check in, staff are pleasant. We checked in at around 3pm, our rooms were the Executive rooms and they were spacious, clean and well catered for. Views over open countryside. The bar staff have to wait on you for Covid (Nod to Christopher who was nice, welcoming and pleasant) we ordered several drinks (prices reasonable for a hotel) and enjoyed seating outside in the grounds. Early evening we went to the main restaurant for dinner and we were greeted by the Maître D' (Krishna) who was welcoming also and showed us to our table. Food was excellent, choice was great, we had Pork Belly, Fish of the day and other nice meals. All the staff are excellent in the dining room. Service in the bar was a little slow due to Covid and Customers, I think Mecure could help here with trained Bar Mangers and Staff as it was left to the Dinner Service Team.
Overall though an enjoyable stay for the money, clean, practical, good food and drinks. Would stay again. Come on Mecure invest some money.
Long Review - Came here with friends on a deal with Dinner and Breakfast included in an overnight stay. The hotel reception is welcoming and easy to check in, staff are pleasant. We checked in at around 3pm, our rooms were the Executive rooms and they were spacious, clean and well catered for. Views over open countryside. The bar staff have to wait on you for Covid (Nod to Christopher who was nice, welcoming and pleasant) we ordered several drinks (prices reasonable for a hotel) and enjoyed seating outside in the grounds. Early evening we went to the main restaurant for dinner and we were greeted by the Maître D' (Krishna) who was welcoming also and showed us to our table. Food was excellent, choice was great, we had Pork Belly, Fish of the day and other nice meals. All the staff are excellent in the dining room. Service in the bar was a little slow due to Covid and Customers, I think Mecure could help here with trained Bar Mangers and Staff as it was left to the Dinner Service Team.
Overall though an enjoyable stay for the money, clean, practical, good food and drinks. Would stay again. Come on Mecure invest some money.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2021, Journey607108 said about Mercure Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa
Delightful Room - Lady on reception was great at check in. After watching the England Match against Germany in my room I ventured down to the bar for a drink and something to eat. I was informed by Steph that I could not order food for consumption in the bar area. I asked if I could have a pizza to eat outside and I had the Covid sign (from the bar) waved about and the answer was that I was not allowed to sit outside and eat! OK I said can you please ask a member of the restaurant team to come and take an order for a Pizza? and I will finish my drink and take it to the room. Steph asked me to go to the restaurant and give my order in there. I again asked Steph to please fetch a member of the restaurant team. The young girl disappeared and came back to say that they were busy, I said well when they are not busy ask them to come over. She laughed and walked off! Customer service is totally non-existent and the staff need some serious training. What the staff don't know is that I have has a broken back and have difficulty walking and standing for too long. If I had said I really do not think that it would have made any difference - All my career in business I have travelled all over the country and these staff need some serious customer service training.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk