Local Reviews
In August 2016, james family said about Hestercombe Gardens
Visited with family & had lovely wander in the gardens followed by drinks & cakes in cafe.
The gardens were large & well laid out although a little more information about the plants as you walk around would be welcomed.
The house lets the whole experience down. I would have expected the rooms to be furnished in keeping with the Edwardian period. The restaurant looks nice but as the rest of the building is empty it seems a little odd. There is a resident artist whose work takes up the top floor. However her work was not to my liking & again something more in keeping with an Edwardian country manor would be more appropriate.
The gardens were large & well laid out although a little more information about the plants as you walk around would be welcomed.
The house lets the whole experience down. I would have expected the rooms to be furnished in keeping with the Edwardian period. The restaurant looks nice but as the rest of the building is empty it seems a little odd. There is a resident artist whose work takes up the top floor. However her work was not to my liking & again something more in keeping with an Edwardian country manor would be more appropriate.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2016, robinreid100 said about Hestercombe Gardens
I have visited Hestercombe on several occasions in different seasons and found the
formal Gardens to be of exceptional quality. The informal grounds are less eye catching,
So much more could be made of this stunning site, more information on trees and shrubs a simple sign giving the visitor the botanical name would be a bonus.
Also for a reasonable sum of money the water cascade could be increased the result
would be well worth the cost. This lovely walk needing a reasonable amount of energy
could be enhanced and the footfall would would be greatly increased.
I now look at the catering and retail side of the attraction. The catering is adequate and the staff friendly and obliging. The shop has a attractive range of merchandise and a great deal of thought has gone into the book section, I was delighted to see Shire Books
And other books dealing with Country matters shown, very refreshing. In all the buyers
have worked hard to produce a first class range of merchandise.
The Garden section again stocked interesting plants at affordable prices. I am sure this
Would be reflected in good sales figures.
Lastly I come to the house. I feel that there must be some reason for the complete lack
of taste and neglect that you feel if you enter the house. What an opportunity lost,I am
sure you do not me to try to point out what has not been ACHEIVED .
However I came to see the Gardens not the house
formal Gardens to be of exceptional quality. The informal grounds are less eye catching,
So much more could be made of this stunning site, more information on trees and shrubs a simple sign giving the visitor the botanical name would be a bonus.
Also for a reasonable sum of money the water cascade could be increased the result
would be well worth the cost. This lovely walk needing a reasonable amount of energy
could be enhanced and the footfall would would be greatly increased.
I now look at the catering and retail side of the attraction. The catering is adequate and the staff friendly and obliging. The shop has a attractive range of merchandise and a great deal of thought has gone into the book section, I was delighted to see Shire Books
And other books dealing with Country matters shown, very refreshing. In all the buyers
have worked hard to produce a first class range of merchandise.
The Garden section again stocked interesting plants at affordable prices. I am sure this
Would be reflected in good sales figures.
Lastly I come to the house. I feel that there must be some reason for the complete lack
of taste and neglect that you feel if you enter the house. What an opportunity lost,I am
sure you do not me to try to point out what has not been ACHEIVED .
However I came to see the Gardens not the house
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2016, David P said about Hestercombe Gardens
We visited Hestercombe last weekend. You need a whole afternoon to do the gardens justice. The site covers 50 acres! Highly recommended.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2016, Tangoj63 said about Hestercombe Gardens
There are super terraced gardens with lovely views and wooded garden walks. Some of the paths are quite steep but fine if you take it slow. There is a nice shop and cafe.
There was a wedding taking place when we visited on Saturday afternoon in the orangery but this does not stop you going in the gardens nearby.
There was a wedding taking place when we visited on Saturday afternoon in the orangery but this does not stop you going in the gardens nearby.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2016, Alison1959 said about Hestercombe Gardens
I recently enjoyed a sunny summers' day at Hestercombe- we had a lovely walk arounf=d the gardens- which are looking stunning in their full herbaceous beauty and then we enjoyed a superb lunch in the Colonnade Restaurant. The service was superb and the beef cheeks main course -outstanding. After lunch we sat in the garden and soaked up the peace and quiet before heading home feeling refreshed, a perfect tonic for a busy life!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2016, FlickingT said about Hestercombe Gardens
Beautiful and peaceful lovely environment. Walks there are amazing lakes, splashing water fall is fun to splash about in, unique buildings, beatiful. The trails are brilliant. The restraunt is relaxing and food is good
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2016, CurlyCasts said about Hestercombe Gardens
Beautiful gardens and an interesting house. The explanation of how the gardens were renovated brought it all to life. Cafe is also good for a roast or Guinness cake!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2016, liverlover-49 said about Hestercombe Gardens
The person who picked the horrible lime green chairs for the café should have gone to Specsavers.They are totally out of keeping with the surroundings.
Gardens are fantastic and a credit to the lady gardeners.
Shame about the house which is crying out to a- turn the downstairs rooms into a large gift shop selling quality gifts instead of the cheap tat in the present shop b- turn the house into a antique / art / craft centre with individual rooms rented out to different traders c- furnish the downstairs with period furniture....I would personally visit regularly if option b were chosen.
Gardens are fantastic and a credit to the lady gardeners.
Shame about the house which is crying out to a- turn the downstairs rooms into a large gift shop selling quality gifts instead of the cheap tat in the present shop b- turn the house into a antique / art / craft centre with individual rooms rented out to different traders c- furnish the downstairs with period furniture....I would personally visit regularly if option b were chosen.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2016, Skippy S said about Hestercombe Gardens
We went here to introduce my fiancé to his new in-laws and it was a lovely sunny day. The scones were bloody massive and the amount of clotted cream and strawberry jam they had in a pot was criminal, there was LOADS! The scones weren't overpriced and other than that (as a Coeliac me) I had some crisps and a coke. Good nosh. :)
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2016, Alan P said about Hestercombe Gardens
Having lived in Taunton since 1960 I am amazed that this was my first visit to the Gardens but it was. My wife and I visited yesterday and it has to be said that the weather was outstanding which helped greatly. The whole of the site was beautiful, restful and well maintained. During school holidays they have a series of children's activities every Tuesday. The fact that there were lots and lots of children on the site did not detract from the enjoyment because one hardly heard them at all and when one did it was just the enjoyment noise that one would expect. The staff at reception were so helpful and explained, not in a condescending way, the best route for my wife's mobility scooter. We were not disappointed at all with the visit. As with everything one can find criticism if one looks deeply enough. For instance there is little shelter in the gardens if the weather should take a turn for the worse and the food in the Stable Café was a little on the expensive side. Having said that, the baguettes we consumed were absolutely marvellous and the chocolate cookies are to die for (don't tell my diabetic nurse!). You are welcome to take your own food and there are ample picnics available in a couple of places. Overall a smashing visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk