Local Reviews
In July 2016, Chris S said about Hestercombe Gardens
This is very much landscape gardening with formal terraces rather than lots of 'pretty' flowers, and a delight. It's not the cheapest - either entry or cafe - but just glorious. We'll be back, no question - and it's genuinely dog friendly.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2016, Miskinrog2 said about Hestercombe Gardens
This is a restoration destination. Rescued by determined volunteers it is now managed to sustain and maintain. The house, like many of its type, has little interest internally. It is the style and setting that pleases the eye!
The formal terraces fronting the house are open to wander. Peaceful and tasteful. The rear garden is completely different. Lakes, wandering paths, waterfalls, scattered structures and wonderful trees.
There are better gardens and houses but Hestercombe has an intimacy that is difficult to define.
The formal terraces fronting the house are open to wander. Peaceful and tasteful. The rear garden is completely different. Lakes, wandering paths, waterfalls, scattered structures and wonderful trees.
There are better gardens and houses but Hestercombe has an intimacy that is difficult to define.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2016, Jackie F said about Hestercombe Gardens
If you love walking around gardens then this is definitely for you. No matter what time of year it always looks beautiful and if you get a chance visit each season as you will notice things you haven't before. Hestercombe also do various shows/displays and craft fairs throughout the year. A definite must.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2016, Chris L said about Hestercombe Gardens
The Gertrude Jekyll gardens are lovely but we enjoyed the walks through the woodland as much. The grounds have a series of grottoes, temples and other "enhancements" dotted through them. There are also a series of lakes. The views out over the surrounding countryside are stunning. Difficult to believe how much the restoration of Hestercombe has achieved in relatively little time.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2016, Bill H said about Hestercombe Gardens
Lovely gardens, the sunken garden is a delight. Once you've enjoyed the formality, there is the larger landscaped gardens with ponds and a river. Finally try the cafe, really nice.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2016, gpw150 said about Hestercombe Gardens
We enjoyed ou summer day visiting this su[p garden a real treasure of a find
Every part was a colourful vista
Every part was a colourful vista
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2016, lancslass67 said about Hestercombe Gardens
On our way to Chard we visited this lovely garden. Three contrasting areas - a longish valley garden with statuary etc., a large lake fed by a waterfall and providing a home for mallards. A classical garden on the south side of the property with formal beds and plantings, also an orangery with orange and lemon trees (in bloom when we visited and giving off a wonderful scent). A few sitting areas in quiet corners. The generator house where electricity is/was generated to serve the house and flour mill. The latter is all set up in working order and is therefore of historical interest, particularly for young people. A well used cafe with extensive interesting menu and small gift shop. Car parking is up into the woods and can be quite a hill up for people of limited mobility. Arrive early to overcome this!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2016, Cavalier said about Hestercombe Gardens
We go here a fair bit as it makes a change from town centre or mass chain coffee shops
Like the staff and quality of food offered and it always is busy which says it all
You can use coffee shop without paying entrance fee into the wonderful grounds
Like the staff and quality of food offered and it always is busy which says it all
You can use coffee shop without paying entrance fee into the wonderful grounds
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2016, eaglesdare said about Hestercombe Gardens
This is a wonderful place to go with friends or family. Membership definitely worth it but regardless food is great! Cafe / restaurant at front serves great salads, sandwiches and hot food and service is excellent ! For something a bit more special try the restaurant in the main house !! Overlooking gardens :-) .
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2016, tigerexplorer2015 said about Hestercombe Gardens
We last visited Hestercombe Gardens in 2013 and after our visit last week, I felt a little disappointed. The gardens were very much the same, and the walk around the lakes was very pleasant, but the entrance fee has risen to £11 per person. The only addition for the increase in price was entry to Hestercome House, which was completely empty except for paintings in an art exhibition and a second hand book shop, which took a very short amount of time to walk around. The house is in need of some period furnishings, but I assume this is a work in progress. The gardens were lovely, which is why I have rated the experience as 'very good'. However, sadly the cafe has gone down hill. It looked tired, dirty and in need of redecoration. We sat at a dirty table and while the staff cleared away the cups etc, none of the tables were wiped clean.
I would recommend visiting for the garden and parkland walks, but the house and cafe were disappointing, and did not seem good value for money.
I would recommend visiting for the garden and parkland walks, but the house and cafe were disappointing, and did not seem good value for money.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk