Local Reviews
In August 2015, Sirianpee said about Hestercombe Gardens
We stopped off at Hestercombe to break our journey from the south west to the midlands. It really is a great place to stop. The cafe does an amazing Sunday roast, one of the best we've had and the 40 acres of grounds including the Jeckyl and Lutyens formal gardens are well worth the visit. Staff were really polite and efficient in the cafe. They are members of the HHA too so we got in for free! We will definitely be returning to explore the gardens further.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2015, Tammy F said about Hestercombe Gardens
We went here on one of their school holiday Monday events. There were craft activities on and the kids had fun doing that but not as much fun as they did pretending to be animals and swinging in trees, playing on rocks etc. The walks through the parkland are lovely but it is hilly so people with mobility issues be aware. We had coffee and cake at the cafe and it was very nice. It is very similar to a National Trust property (but it is NOT National Trust owned).
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2015, BelleB8 said about Hestercombe Gardens
Gardens are a real find, surprisingly quiet for a sunny day in August. Under 7s play ground was ideal. Cafe clean and great food - worth going for this alone! Stunning location. Please go!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2015, Philip S said about Hestercombe Gardens
Hestercombe Gardens had been open for only about one year when we visited in August 2015 and there was clearly "still work to be done". The house and grounds are managed by a charitable trust.
The several formal gardens are very nice indeed: Well managed, colourful and nicely laid out.
There is also a longer walk around the valley to one side of the house, with various ponds, "temples" & "monuments" strategically placed for effect; and there are excellent views across the distant hills from several points. Some paths are not suitable for wheelchairs, but there is still plenty to see for those who are less mobile.
The ponds at the top of the walk are still in need of attention, and the lower ponds need a bit of aeration to get the water brighter, but you can see that the trustees have put a lot of work in to restoring these areas.
Quite attractive: However "not quite "Stour Head" " as one of our party remarked.
On the other hand, Hestercombe gardens welcome well behaved dogs on leads... which Stour Head does not... and there are places where children can "play with the water", so this place is far more "family friendly" than Stour Head ...and for that matter many other similar estates.
It is a good place for a family to visit and picnic for the day...but you need to visit for the full day to get value for the relatively high entrance fee.
We "took tea" in the cafe area. It was reasonable value for money, comparing well with similar sorts of outlets, and everything was clean. The outside covered eating area is OK, but the cafe serving area is in need of an "upgrade".
The house itself was, until only a few years ago, the HQ of the local Fire Service, and the scars of its use as an office block are still visible inside. The House has been built on the site of a much earlier one, though very little of the original building exists, and you will need to ask if you want to see it.
There were a couple of free exhibitions going on when we visited. We liked them, although they were probably a bit boring for children.
On the whole, well worth a visit.
The several formal gardens are very nice indeed: Well managed, colourful and nicely laid out.
There is also a longer walk around the valley to one side of the house, with various ponds, "temples" & "monuments" strategically placed for effect; and there are excellent views across the distant hills from several points. Some paths are not suitable for wheelchairs, but there is still plenty to see for those who are less mobile.
The ponds at the top of the walk are still in need of attention, and the lower ponds need a bit of aeration to get the water brighter, but you can see that the trustees have put a lot of work in to restoring these areas.
Quite attractive: However "not quite "Stour Head" " as one of our party remarked.
On the other hand, Hestercombe gardens welcome well behaved dogs on leads... which Stour Head does not... and there are places where children can "play with the water", so this place is far more "family friendly" than Stour Head ...and for that matter many other similar estates.
It is a good place for a family to visit and picnic for the day...but you need to visit for the full day to get value for the relatively high entrance fee.
We "took tea" in the cafe area. It was reasonable value for money, comparing well with similar sorts of outlets, and everything was clean. The outside covered eating area is OK, but the cafe serving area is in need of an "upgrade".
The house itself was, until only a few years ago, the HQ of the local Fire Service, and the scars of its use as an office block are still visible inside. The House has been built on the site of a much earlier one, though very little of the original building exists, and you will need to ask if you want to see it.
There were a couple of free exhibitions going on when we visited. We liked them, although they were probably a bit boring for children.
On the whole, well worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In December 2025, AndrewP said about Holiday Inn Preston
Lovely clean hotel, with the most friendly staff I have ever met, from check in through to dinner and at checkout. Kamila, Dylan and Jawa’s, could not be more helpful. Some noise from the gym but this stopped promptly on closing.
Limited parking but plenty of places to park nearby.
Limited parking but plenty of places to park nearby.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In December 2025, johnthefox1234 said about Holiday Inn Preston
Nice place. Very quiet for evening meal. Good breakfast. Stayed here many times with my daughter Xmas shopping. Good standard staff nice
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In January 2026, Simon H said about Holiday Inn Preston
This is probably the best Holiday Inn I've ever stayed in. Location great, room superb and the staff were fantastic. Everyone was friendly and helpful, in particular Bhup who signed me in and Dyan behind the bar, who was an absolute star, but everyone was lovely. Thank you very much!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In February 2026, Graham S said about Holiday Inn Preston
I had not stayed at a Holiday Inn for about 15 years after a mediocre/poor experience at one in Central London so I approached my recent stay at Preston with some anxiety. After having had 6 nights at Preston however, my anxiety was totally misplaced in that virtually everything was excellent. What stood out however were the staff - without fail, from checking in to leaving, they went out of their way to make the guest experience a superb one. Whoever is responsible for hiring at Holiday Inn Preston, clearly knows what they are doing and the staff were a true credit to HI.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In February 2026, Gail A said about Holiday Inn Preston
Stayed here over the weekend. Loved it! What makes this hotel stand out is the staff. We had a fantastic weekend stay and couldn’t fault a thing. The hotel was lovely, comfortable and welcoming from start to finish. A special thank you to Fekri, Ron and Tess who were exceptionally helpful and made our stay extra special.. Breakfast was fab too. We’ll definitely be back
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In February 2026, Matt P said about Holiday Inn Preston
Great stay, right in the city but easy to get out to our place of work.
We had some drinks and food in the bar and Jess was great at making sure everything was to our liking.
We had some drinks and food in the bar and Jess was great at making sure everything was to our liking.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk