Local Reviews
In October 2020, Alan C said about Hestercombe Gardens
A large garden with a good mixture of formal planting and informal bedding on different levels with plenty of colourful planting. There are also woodland walks of varying length centred arond a well landscaped pond. The garden is full of interest, and although rather hard to find is well worth a visit. Nice tearoom serving snacks. The garden is encumbered by an awkward one way system which is really unecessary for a garden this size. I would also question whay they feel booking is needed as the garden is large enough to absorb hundreds of socially distanced visitors
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2020, Phil Griggs said about Hestercombe Gardens
We go quite regularly, this time- lovely autumn colours, just beginning, interesting art exhibition and a lovely Sunday lunch in the Bampflyde hall, friendly non intrusive staff, what more could you want on a bright chilly Autumn day.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2020, Gardens Visitor said about Hestercombe Gardens
Beautiful autumn colours, this is a much loved historical garden. There is plenty of interest here, from formal planting to rose beds, herbaceous perennials, wilder areas, pond and parterre. The tearoom is also very good, well organised and well run. We have visited many times, with family and also with garden groups. It never fails to enchant and delight, as one of Somerset's finest gardens.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2020, David M said about Hestercombe Gardens
WhT a shame the Georgian house had a Victorian makeover. The last thing it could be described as is pretty, but the pictures exhibited inside are very interesting.
The gardens are truly incredible. Not like Helligan, but over a similarly huge area incorporating hills and valleys in the landscape.
Do come here and allow a good few hours. We couldn’t quite see all of it since we arrived slightly late. Nice to have been able to enjoy the tea-room pre-Covid
The gardens are truly incredible. Not like Helligan, but over a similarly huge area incorporating hills and valleys in the landscape.
Do come here and allow a good few hours. We couldn’t quite see all of it since we arrived slightly late. Nice to have been able to enjoy the tea-room pre-Covid
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In February 2021, youngalistai said about Hestercombe Gardens
I visited a few years back but was reminded of this place when watching cothay manor doc. This is a much popular choice than cothey manor god knows why?. It was mid august when I arrived and hot! The gardens were dry very dry! and many areas had gone over by then or simply had not been planted up it was all a bit disappointing. I hope to return when lockdown is over but this place as a garden didn't really grab me a bit like a national trust garden a bit impersonal for the type of people that carry their children's toys with them.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In April 2021, S-Wooden-Top-Clarke said about Hestercombe Gardens
We had a lovely visit, having not been able to get out and about for so long. Claire and co have done a fantastic job under such difficult circumstances. We totally enjoyed the wildness of the walk and when we entered the formal gardens we were delighted to see the spring display, absolutely beautiful. How such few staff in extreme circumstances have managed to maintain such a vast area is amazing. Hats off to you all.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In April 2021, Pamelia Cox said about Hestercombe Gardens
Went on a gloriously sunny Sunday and because of Lockdown there were limited places available, hence beautifully uncrowded! Daffodils just about still going and although, no Summer flowers out, it was such a tranquil and diverse haven to walk around, with water features, stunning trees, and beautiful views ......I cant wait to go back for when the pergola walk is shrouded in blossom and the Gertrude Jekyhill garden is awash with colour
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2021, Helen Feller said about Hestercombe Gardens
My friend took me to see the gardens at Hestercombe. We spent a pleasant 2 hour walk up through the woods seeing the many waterfalls and follies. We also walked round the bluebell garden which although near the end of the season was still beautiful.
The formal gardens and the house were disappointing. As was the choice of cakes and sweet treats in the cafe although the ice cream went down a treat.
The formal gardens and the house were disappointing. As was the choice of cakes and sweet treats in the cafe although the ice cream went down a treat.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2021, MoonsterUK said about Hestercombe Gardens
What fabulous gardens! My 5 year old even said it was astounding and he frequently visits different gardens. We all enjoyed the walk, particularly following the stream up to the top lake and top of the waterfall and back down for a paddle in the stream. We fed the ducks and the fish. Watermill sadly wasn't working.
One way systems seems a bit unnecessary as its not that busy.
We had lunch in the restaurant which was delicious. Strangely this place does not allow picnicking inside, which may explain the lack of visitors. When we visit our local gardens or national trust gardens we like to sit and picnic, but not allowed here. This was a one off visit for us, but if I was local I wouldn't be rushing back unless that was an option.
Two small playgrounds, one by the entrance before you go in and another small one near the top of the walk with some balance logs and a tree den. But not really needed as so many other things to look at and explore.
Dogs allowed but dog poo didn't seem to be an issue.
We used gardeners World 2 for 1 voucher but think would have been expensive without
One way systems seems a bit unnecessary as its not that busy.
We had lunch in the restaurant which was delicious. Strangely this place does not allow picnicking inside, which may explain the lack of visitors. When we visit our local gardens or national trust gardens we like to sit and picnic, but not allowed here. This was a one off visit for us, but if I was local I wouldn't be rushing back unless that was an option.
Two small playgrounds, one by the entrance before you go in and another small one near the top of the walk with some balance logs and a tree den. But not really needed as so many other things to look at and explore.
Dogs allowed but dog poo didn't seem to be an issue.
We used gardeners World 2 for 1 voucher but think would have been expensive without
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2021, Peter C said about Hestercombe Gardens
We were impressed by the ease and friendly but safe experience at reception, followed by an excellent walk around the parkland (one-way-system) and formal gardens...more extensive than we had realised and beautiful views... followed by an great lunch in the Stables Restaurant.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk