Local Reviews
In August 2016, William L said about Hestercombe Gardens
A lovely location with beautiful walks and far reaching views. Something for everyone here and after a lovely walk visit the restaurant for drinks and a light lunch, wonderful and very reasonable membership rates so we can do it again and again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2016, stumpy42 said about Hestercombe Gardens
Had a lovely stroll around the grounds this afternoon with the wife, the last time we visited our sons were boys, We didn't climb the highest routes as wife found it to challenging. Nevertheless it was a lovely afternoon out, We bought some plants which were a reasonable price if not cheaper than a garden centre. Only critism was the prices in the stable cafe were a little steep, £2-30 for the smallest bottle of coke I have ever seen, although tea and coffee did seen reasonable
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2016, Shines1984 said about Hestercombe Gardens
We are members here, so no surprise we love it. Expensive entry (£11 each) if you're not members.
Our boys of 3 and 5 love it. Particular favourite is playing in the stream and waterfall.
Dogs must be kept on leads, which suits us as our Beagle would disappear otherwise!
It is beautiful and very picturesque, especially in the sunshine. Cold clear winter days are my personal favourite.
You are not allowed picnics within the gardens, but there are a handful of picnic benches before the entrance.
Car parking is free. They have charging for electric vehicles.
Our boys of 3 and 5 love it. Particular favourite is playing in the stream and waterfall.
Dogs must be kept on leads, which suits us as our Beagle would disappear otherwise!
It is beautiful and very picturesque, especially in the sunshine. Cold clear winter days are my personal favourite.
You are not allowed picnics within the gardens, but there are a handful of picnic benches before the entrance.
Car parking is free. They have charging for electric vehicles.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2016, g g said about Hestercombe Gardens
Our Grandson got married here to his beautiful girl, the setting was magical, the reception in the Orangery was superb, food and staff were excellent, just a perfect day. The grounds are magnificent and would love to visit again to explore them further.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2016, jmf-maf said about Hestercombe Gardens
Visited Hestercombe with a friend. We wanted a stroll that wouldn't be too taxing and some cake!
We found super friendly staff, incredible gardens and an art exhibition which changes every 3 months.
Food was hard to choose due to the selection but chose a cream tea which didn't disappoint.
There is a longer walk that I will return to complete and the plants on sale require another inspection.
Great day out - thank you. 😊
We found super friendly staff, incredible gardens and an art exhibition which changes every 3 months.
Food was hard to choose due to the selection but chose a cream tea which didn't disappoint.
There is a longer walk that I will return to complete and the plants on sale require another inspection.
Great day out - thank you. 😊
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
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