Local Reviews
In May 2024, mrandmrssmith2016 said about Hestercombe Gardens
Thoroughly enjoyed our day at the Spring Fair here. It was relatively quiet, there was a nice range of stalls and the formal gardens were beautiful. There was a lovely courtyard with a fountain to have a coffee and sit and listen to the entertainment (the wonderful Grey Dogs jazz band) and the house and exhibition were interesting. The refreshments (especially the ice cream) were quite expensive but I think the entrance fee was half what it usually is which counteracted that somewhat. We only realised on leaving that there was much more of the grounds we could have explored partly because the map we were handed on entering only covered a small area to show where the stands were. Would return for another visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2024, xxjadexx2015 said about Hestercombe Gardens
Lovely gardens. Weather was typical British raining then sunshine but the gardens were nice to mooch around for a few hours. Very disappointed with the house though. No idea what the so called “art gallery” was meant to be. Very strange. Didn’t go in the cafe as I have been before and was expensive. Not too impressed that gift aid was automatically in the ticket price (unless you ask not to do it). I thought gift aid was free anyway? Not making the ticket price more. Need some sort of discount on prices also.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2024, David J said about Hestercombe Gardens
The visit started very well as the lady at the entrance was friendly and helpful. As a wheelchair user my wife and I were both charged half price. The route to the cascade was uphill but doable. The water mill was very interesting and the video excellent. The garden was partly accessible and very picturesque.We ended up eating in the restaurant which served interesting dishes at reasonable prices.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2024, brumlady1 said about Hestercombe Gardens
We had not been here for the last 2 years and was surprised at how the charges for everything had gone up. Entrance is £16.90 and although it is a lovely garden it is not worth so much, 2 very small cups of lukewarm coffee were £7.80. Fortunately we had taken a picnic because the cost of the food was ridiculous. It used to be very popular and the restaurant full but there weren’t many people in the restaurant, it has changed so much. Another niggle, they won’t take cash, only card payment.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2024, Marie Fredericks said about Hestercombe Gardens
Beautiful place to visit for some peace and serenity. My only complaint is that they don't accept cash which is ludicrous.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2024, YvonneAH190730 said about Hestercombe Gardens
We have been members for many years.
It was lovely to walk around the beautiful grounds today and to breathe in the peace.
We stopped for lunch at the cafe. We had a sausage roll and an onion and cheese pasty. Oh my goodness, they are the very best you will taste anywhere!
It was lovely to walk around the beautiful grounds today and to breathe in the peace.
We stopped for lunch at the cafe. We had a sausage roll and an onion and cheese pasty. Oh my goodness, they are the very best you will taste anywhere!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2024, Manda said about Hestercombe Gardens
Visited on a bank holiday Monday and found It very peaceful and quiet. Gardens beautifully maintained and choice of cafe or restaurant was great … neither was too busy and food was good. Spent about 3.5 hours here and felt we had good value for money. A very pleasant surprise after a VERY disappointing visit to a very neglected Barrington Court the previous day.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2024, Rae said about Hestercombe Gardens
We had such a lovely day at Hestercombe House & Gardens yesterday. The gardens are vast & beautiful, and the house is very grand/brimming with historical interest.
We also enjoyed a cake & coffee at the cafe.
A couple of us have accessibility issues and they were really accommodating -- concessions were offered when it came to entrance fees, and there is a flat path route if you have trouble with steps.
The only thing I'd change, is that once you enter the cafe from the house grounds, you can't exit the same way back. This is ok assuming you're visiting the cafe at the end of your visit. But we went at the middle of our visit so would have been forced to do a huge detour to get back to where we were, which would've been hard for my Mum in her 80s. We asked a member of staff if there was a shortcut -- he reluctantly allowed us to go through the private function room and agreed that the entrance to the cafe should also serve as an exit. Hopefully the owners will read this and take note 🙏
Apart from that it was the perfect day & we would definitely recommend 🌸🏰✨️ 💛
We also enjoyed a cake & coffee at the cafe.
A couple of us have accessibility issues and they were really accommodating -- concessions were offered when it came to entrance fees, and there is a flat path route if you have trouble with steps.
The only thing I'd change, is that once you enter the cafe from the house grounds, you can't exit the same way back. This is ok assuming you're visiting the cafe at the end of your visit. But we went at the middle of our visit so would have been forced to do a huge detour to get back to where we were, which would've been hard for my Mum in her 80s. We asked a member of staff if there was a shortcut -- he reluctantly allowed us to go through the private function room and agreed that the entrance to the cafe should also serve as an exit. Hopefully the owners will read this and take note 🙏
Apart from that it was the perfect day & we would definitely recommend 🌸🏰✨️ 💛
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2024, T W said about Hestercombe Gardens
Whilst the gardens are mildly pretty, they are not nearly impressive enough for this to be the main selling point of the venue. Many of the plants looked like they were half dead, and the formal gardens were depressingly small.
The walks themselves are quite enjoyable, although I can’t help but feel there is a lot of missed potential in them- much of the walk is barebones, and none of it was signposted, making navigating them unnecessarily challenging. Not only this, but the walk is not suited for the elderly or anyone who might have mobility issues. The walk would benefit massively from some little play areas, and possibly more signage indicating the history of the area.
The house was not particularly interesting or inviting.
Now for my biggest gripe- the price. We paid £45 for a family, which is extortionate considering the fact that nothing about the place is particularly outstanding, and that we only spent about three hours and had done literally all there was to do, twice over.
I cannot help but feel that the house and gardens are an example of severely missed potential, and that The National Trust or English Heritage would make the most of what could be a really lovely day out.
The walks themselves are quite enjoyable, although I can’t help but feel there is a lot of missed potential in them- much of the walk is barebones, and none of it was signposted, making navigating them unnecessarily challenging. Not only this, but the walk is not suited for the elderly or anyone who might have mobility issues. The walk would benefit massively from some little play areas, and possibly more signage indicating the history of the area.
The house was not particularly interesting or inviting.
Now for my biggest gripe- the price. We paid £45 for a family, which is extortionate considering the fact that nothing about the place is particularly outstanding, and that we only spent about three hours and had done literally all there was to do, twice over.
I cannot help but feel that the house and gardens are an example of severely missed potential, and that The National Trust or English Heritage would make the most of what could be a really lovely day out.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In September 2024, Scott C said about Hestercombe Gardens
Visited on a whim. on 2-1 gardens offer, thus excellent value. Gardens are varied, accessible and dog friendly. All staff very passionate about Hestercombe, except restaurant service was very slow (needs to be sorted). Tea and cake was tasty.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk