Local Reviews
In November 2016, KAW687 said about Hestercombe Gardens
Beautiful Autumn colours at the moment, The lady at reception was really welcoming and helpful, advising us on what would be best route for the limited time we had before dusk. Good tea shop with nice cakes and lovely bookshop. All staff very helpful.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2016, J99 said about Hestercombe Gardens
I live in the area and like to visit our local attractions with friends and our children. I felt the entrance fee was steep considering the time of year. Out of peak season and quite honestly not worth the money. 7 pounds i think is a better amount to charge and still a generous one at that. Lowering your prices will encourage locals to visit. I understand you encourage people to buy membership but to charge 11pounds for a cold quiet November day with tractors racing around is too rude. We paid it as we were there. So the grounds are fine. Ive seen better & ive seen worse. Im a fan of water, wAterfalls and bridges so i was content with that. The swan was quite vicious, attacking us and the children. Biting etc. The children were petrified but this cannot be helped.
The cafe near the entrance was cute however 2 pounds for a child's cupcake is beyond an insult. I used to own two coffee shops before relocating to taunton and 2 pounds for a cupcake is un necessary.
I appreciate i dont have to buy it but its nice to stop for refreshments. It makes for a better, longer trip out.
This is just my opinion of course and the business has much potential but on the grounds of the entrance fee, i shall not be recommending to my friends.
The cafe near the entrance was cute however 2 pounds for a child's cupcake is beyond an insult. I used to own two coffee shops before relocating to taunton and 2 pounds for a cupcake is un necessary.
I appreciate i dont have to buy it but its nice to stop for refreshments. It makes for a better, longer trip out.
This is just my opinion of course and the business has much potential but on the grounds of the entrance fee, i shall not be recommending to my friends.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In December 2016, Nicholas M said about Hestercombe Gardens
Went here for a family celebration and absolutely loved every minute of it!! The food was lovely and the views were so idyllic! The staff were so polite and attentive and the building is lovely!! I would recommend this for a great event location!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In December 2016, Philip H said about Hestercombe Gardens
My wife and I visited Hestercombe house and gardens with friends on a cool December afternoon. After formal plantings near the house, the path ascends and takes you into a less formal wooded valley with lakes, passing a series of 'follies' set within the woods. A pleasant sheltered scenic undulating walk, mostly on surfaced pathways. The path then leads past a historical 'orangery ' building and back to the house.
Back at the main house, we visited the art gallery, book shop and restaurant. For a more modest fare, there is the main cafe, which did excellent home cooked food, tea, coffee, soft drinks and local beer. The main shop had a good selection of gifts, books etc.
The grounds are extensive and child friendly, and there were several activities available for younger children.
An interesting privately owned house and grounds, well worth a visit, and a change from National Trust properties. I recommend it for lunch and a modest afternoons ramble.
Phil
Back at the main house, we visited the art gallery, book shop and restaurant. For a more modest fare, there is the main cafe, which did excellent home cooked food, tea, coffee, soft drinks and local beer. The main shop had a good selection of gifts, books etc.
The grounds are extensive and child friendly, and there were several activities available for younger children.
An interesting privately owned house and grounds, well worth a visit, and a change from National Trust properties. I recommend it for lunch and a modest afternoons ramble.
Phil
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In December 2016, Becky J said about Hestercombe Gardens
Went for a works do
Decorated beautiful stunning views fantastic spot good food friendly staff really good night good location xxx
Decorated beautiful stunning views fantastic spot good food friendly staff really good night good location xxx
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In December 2016, TanyaSkye said about Hestercombe Gardens
I have visited Hestercombe gardens in both summer and winter. In summer the gardens are beautiful, especially the formal gardens - although they aren't huge. In winter the gardens weren't so vibrant however they had added some different festive activities which are great for children. They could meet Father Christmas in his grotto and ice skating was available too. Also the garden was illuminated at dusk which made up for the lack of daytime colour. The downsides are the house - used as a modern art gallery but in need of some TLC - and the cost. Entry is pretty expensive and then any extra activities cost more on top of that. I would advise checking whats on before you visit and then you can make a more informed choice over how much to spend.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In December 2016, pipwhiston said about Hestercombe Gardens
Lovely place, good food well worth the visit. As I knew the place about 60 years ago when it was a run down area I think the staff have done a wonderful job with the gardens . Really beautiful in the spring and summer.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In December 2016, Clive J said about Hestercombe Gardens
Just North of Taunton is Hestercombe which is advertised as Paradise Restored. Looking for somewhere to go on a cold, overcast December day we found the website for Hestercome. This is another beautiful, historic complex of buildings and gardens with origins dating back to 1280. Free parking and a comprehensive visitor map when you arrive at Reception. You soon find that some of the paths and steps are not for the faint hearted but if you can make it around the estate there are rich rewards. I quite like formal gardens in the Winter and Hestercombe displays over 300 years of garden design including one of the finest examples of an Edwardian garden designed by Gertrude Jekyll and Edwin Lutyens. The Green Man water spout adorns some of the water gardens; tiny buds were appearing on many of the plants and there were interesting photographic opportunities everywhere. What a pity all the plant labels were blank as we would have loved to know the names of many of them. Several areas were closed - including the main restaurant, visitor information films, pump room, octagon summerhouse and the bat roost which had an open door leading to a blank TV and no explanation. On the plus side, a covered ice rink had children squealing with delight as did a star trail offering children a chance to collect visit stamps as they ran along the numerous trails. Lakes, waterfalls, woods, delightful second-hand book shop, art gallery and many historic building - particularly Hestercombe House. Stables Cafe in the Courtyard was doing a roaring trade which made fining a seat in the warm inside difficult. Most diners, including us, seem to have opted for the bowl of tomato and herb soup with baguette. The chef must have made gallons - the soup was delicious and the bread crisp and tasty. Hestercombe has enough to amuse everyone for several hours and is a must for us to return in the Spring.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In December 2016, 995rossb said about Hestercombe Gardens
Hestercombe is so convenient, yet tucked out of the way in a quiet valley, with a lovely mix of part developed further reaches, much left for now in a semi-wild state through to stretches of more formal gardens - still with surprising corners .... then yet more relaxation in a thoughtfully refurbished central courtyard cum café area, light, airy and sheltered. A lovely day here, thank you, and some history too from the friendly advisers and staff.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In January 2017, odonnell160 said about Hestercombe Gardens
Visiting Hestercombe is always a pleasure. Dogs on leads allowed round the grounds and in cafe so enjoyed by all. Cakes are a little pricey but small price to pay after a bracing walk. Well worth the visit for all ages. Tramper can be reserved for those with limited mobility, so useful if you have relatives visiting and want something for everyone.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk