Local Reviews
In June 2020, Brian Parker said about Hestercombe Gardens
Great that these gardens have emerged from lockdown,and such a lot of effort has been put in to accommodate us all.Cafe open and garden seating available.The gardens have been maintained during lockdown by two gardeners who have attended every day.It is a joy to visit again and wander through the gardens and paths which are well signed to keep us well distanced.The whole experience seems new and wonderful to be back.
We can only thank the staff for their efforts which is truly superb.Thank you all
We can only thank the staff for their efforts which is truly superb.Thank you all
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2020, Kate S said about Hestercombe Gardens
Our first proper family day out since the COVID-19 lockdown began 3 months ago, and it was wonderful. The skeleton staff of Ben (general manager)& Claire (head gardener) have worked so hard to keep the gardens beautifully maintained and make the whole place safe for visitors. The two cafe staff were also fantastic, as were the lunches & cakes. (First lunch out in 3 months too). The whole experience was absolutely delightful. Thanks for carefully letting the visitors back into Hestercombe - can’t wait to come back again soon!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2020, aliwoollacott said about Hestercombe Gardens
We were only here for a short time on Saturday but were really impressed by the varied and spectacular array of flowers there.
It is a huge area and we only had time for the gardens by the house. I think you could spend the whole day there amongst the different areas.
Robert (general manager) was especially helpful with assisting our booking.
It is a huge area and we only had time for the gardens by the house. I think you could spend the whole day there amongst the different areas.
Robert (general manager) was especially helpful with assisting our booking.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2020, AnonBristol1 said about Hestercombe Gardens
A beautiful place to stroll around. Lovely to see the gardens in a relaxed state, like the horticultural equivalent of a lockdown haircut. A current bonus is 'Jackdaw Line' by Richard Long, although there didn't seem to be any information about it.
Things that could do with improving:
- staff on entry were rather bossy and flustered; no real welcome; used my open car window as a surface on which to write, which I disliked intensely - it felt very intrusive
- the member of staff in the cafe (when it was quiet and I was the only customer) seemed surly - I only bought refreshments to support Hestercombe as I had provisions in my car, and felt it wasn't appreciated
- some of the items on the menu, eg cream tea, are for two - why discriminate against solo visitors?!
- there are only portaloos and they don't have hand-washing facilities, although there is sanitiser. The cubicles are tiny and the doors are always closed, which didn't seem a good idea - if they faced a different direction the doors could perhaps be left open between users, which would be safer, or maybe some other ventilation could be arranged. I really didn't feel happy using them in these circumstances but had travelled some distance so didn't have a choice.
Things that could do with improving:
- staff on entry were rather bossy and flustered; no real welcome; used my open car window as a surface on which to write, which I disliked intensely - it felt very intrusive
- the member of staff in the cafe (when it was quiet and I was the only customer) seemed surly - I only bought refreshments to support Hestercombe as I had provisions in my car, and felt it wasn't appreciated
- some of the items on the menu, eg cream tea, are for two - why discriminate against solo visitors?!
- there are only portaloos and they don't have hand-washing facilities, although there is sanitiser. The cubicles are tiny and the doors are always closed, which didn't seem a good idea - if they faced a different direction the doors could perhaps be left open between users, which would be safer, or maybe some other ventilation could be arranged. I really didn't feel happy using them in these circumstances but had travelled some distance so didn't have a choice.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2020, Christine M said about Hestercombe Gardens
I appreciate that Covid has made most staff furloughed but these gardens looked neglected for much longer than that. The woodland garden was a pleasant walk, left to nature but the formal gardens really weren't that imaginative and poorly maintained. Looks like it needs a real investment and for the entrance price it wasn't good value.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2020, Bru B said about Hestercombe Gardens
Such a lovely place
The gardens are so good this time of year and the woodlands are great for those walks.
The flowers were beautiful and covered in bees, butterflies and other insects.
In the woods and the surrounding fields many different birds were spotted, sparrow hawks, kestrel, a lazy buzzard soaring overhead.
This was quite the most lazy walking day I’ve had just taking in the beauty of an old English garden
At the end we had a very nice afternoon tea, well made and reasonably priced
The gardens are so good this time of year and the woodlands are great for those walks.
The flowers were beautiful and covered in bees, butterflies and other insects.
In the woods and the surrounding fields many different birds were spotted, sparrow hawks, kestrel, a lazy buzzard soaring overhead.
This was quite the most lazy walking day I’ve had just taking in the beauty of an old English garden
At the end we had a very nice afternoon tea, well made and reasonably priced
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2020, Sam H said about Hestercombe Gardens
Hestercombe gardens is a unique and wonderful place Whatever the time of year . You could be anywhere in the world in different parts of the gardens . Well worth a visit , or many
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2020, Ian W said about Hestercombe Gardens
An enjoyable walk thru the gardens and are still interesting and beautiful despite the issues in plants. Also had an enjoyable lunch in the cafe. Excellent service from the courteous staff. Highly recommended
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In September 2020, Coastal761708 said about Hestercombe Gardens
I visited Hestercombe Gardens during a short break to Taunton, walking the three miles from the town centre. It was a pleasant enough visit but in common with other recent visitors was rather disappointed with the formal gardens themselves. I suspect neglect is not simply as a result of Covid-19 this summer. I hoped to see more variety of plants and more imaginative use of the space. That said, I enjoyed the trail around the grounds and the views on a gloriously sunny day. The ladies at the welcome kiosk were lovely and the cafe serves a mean (excellent) selection of cakes.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In September 2020, C.j. S said about Hestercombe Gardens
This is a beautiful part of the West Country to visit and an absolute Must Do if you're in Taunton or the nearby area. The gardens are really beautiful at this time of year too (September) when the leaves are starting to fall and the whole place is bathed in a golden light at the close of each day. Fish and duck food are available and an honesty box is provided. How they are managing to keep it looking so tidy with just TWO gardeners is beyond me but the areas in the landscape garden where it's 'returning to wilderness' don't look out of place at all. We have visited before and the shop, now in the main house, looks stunning with the extra light coming in and the surrounding views, and all the goods are so expertly chosen and displayed. It's very easy to social distance in there now where before it was not so easy and often felt a bit claustrophobic. Now it is clean and bright. It offers a wide range of local crafts and gifts at reasonable prices from beeswax candles to artisan fruit bowls and birthday cards and the odd Hestercombe souvenir too. It really compliments the whole ethos of the place - a great end to our visit. My little dog was made very welcome (on a lead) and was even offered a treat which made his day. Great customer service in the cafe and friendly faces all round. Plenty of socially-distanced picnicking going on and children are well catered for in the play area and follies where their imagination can run amok - especially in the spooky Witch's House up in the woods! Loved it. A true credit to the area.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk