Local Reviews
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
In June 2021, DS526 said about Hestercombe Gardens
Bit disappointed
Came to visit the gardens as pics on website looked good. Not too commercialised, helpful staff on arrival explaining the route also loaned us an umbrella as showers anticipated. The walk round the grounds and lake was nice but not much in the way of colour, just left to nature. And smaller than I thought - ok for an hour or so but not a half or whole day. Lovely little waterfall and stream / stepping stone area which would appeal to children. The gardens in front of the house have great potential, lovely stone paving, steps, walls, places to sit and great views to the hills beyond. Lots of tiny flowers spread around the stones which were very pretty and some nice irises flowering. A lovely stepped entrance with wisteria and clematis intermingled.
But the grassed areas there and everywhere needed mowing and edging, weeds abundant and generally looked like in need of some gardeners.
Lots of trip hazards for those at risk due to uneven steps and exposed water ‘features’ - sort of long narrow ditches - so be careful if unsteady on feet or small children.
Ornamental ponds were thick with weed -if cleared and maybe add some goldfish they would be nicer.
Facilities for refreshments could be enhanced. Instead of ugly red plastic seats in the enclosed area of garden centre why not provide seating on the lawned area as you approach the refreshments turnstile? Much more attractive views there. There is a lawned area for people with picnics but there weren’t any tables left (could fit more in as loads of space).
So, overall pleasant but in need of more garden maintenance. The house looked ugly and views to it from outside looked like rooms were full of general clutter like someone’s garage. We didn’t bother going in to look at gallery as looked so off-putting from outside.
Came to visit the gardens as pics on website looked good. Not too commercialised, helpful staff on arrival explaining the route also loaned us an umbrella as showers anticipated. The walk round the grounds and lake was nice but not much in the way of colour, just left to nature. And smaller than I thought - ok for an hour or so but not a half or whole day. Lovely little waterfall and stream / stepping stone area which would appeal to children. The gardens in front of the house have great potential, lovely stone paving, steps, walls, places to sit and great views to the hills beyond. Lots of tiny flowers spread around the stones which were very pretty and some nice irises flowering. A lovely stepped entrance with wisteria and clematis intermingled.
But the grassed areas there and everywhere needed mowing and edging, weeds abundant and generally looked like in need of some gardeners.
Lots of trip hazards for those at risk due to uneven steps and exposed water ‘features’ - sort of long narrow ditches - so be careful if unsteady on feet or small children.
Ornamental ponds were thick with weed -if cleared and maybe add some goldfish they would be nicer.
Facilities for refreshments could be enhanced. Instead of ugly red plastic seats in the enclosed area of garden centre why not provide seating on the lawned area as you approach the refreshments turnstile? Much more attractive views there. There is a lawned area for people with picnics but there weren’t any tables left (could fit more in as loads of space).
So, overall pleasant but in need of more garden maintenance. The house looked ugly and views to it from outside looked like rooms were full of general clutter like someone’s garage. We didn’t bother going in to look at gallery as looked so off-putting from outside.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2021, Lisa Stonehouse said about Hestercombe Gardens
We came for the Formal Gardens - only to find sections closed off for a wedding. If notice had been given on the booking website, or even at the door I would have returned another day. As it was I had a pleasent walk around some woodlands, extravagantly described as a landscape garden (they may have been once, but it is clear work is needed to attain that description). What I saw was worthwhile, but I'm disappointed at being turned away from the landscape garden, orangery, and rememberance garden. To cap it all, the website said no need to book for the restaurant - wrong. In summary, disappointing and expensive for what was available.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2021, jo said about Hestercombe Gardens
We went to Hestercombe house primarily for lunch. We ate at the restaurant in the courtyard. The staff were super. All Covid secure, very polite and nothing was too much trouble. We had the vegan option with potatoes as a side done in olive oil instead of butter to keep it vegan. Excellent. The chef knows what he is doing !!! So exciting to have so many vegan options on the menu well done Chef !! We both had mochas made with soya and they were great.
Toilets are very clean.
We are visiting again and will walk around the grounds as well. 10/10 and even better totally dog friendly!!! Faultless.
Toilets are very clean.
We are visiting again and will walk around the grounds as well. 10/10 and even better totally dog friendly!!! Faultless.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2021, Phil Griggs said about Hestercombe Gardens
We are members , and visit regularly. Always something new. The has always been good, but just gets better and better. very efficient and attentive waiting staff
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2021, Andrew C said about Hestercombe Gardens
Lovely place to visit with very helpful staff. Please do not drop your car keys in the lake as they will never be found despite the brave efforts of Dan the man going in and under the water , many thanks to Dan and the head gardener who helped as much as they could.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2021, MYLES B said about Hestercombe Gardens
A wonderful garden with so many areas to explore. Treat yourself to a meal in the restaurant. The food is amazing!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2021, Emma C said about Hestercombe Gardens
So peaceful and beautiful walking through the woods around the water. Some pretty buildings to see, but would have been nice to have some more info on them. Cafe did the most amazing cakes. Nice selection of plants for sale, but not cheap. Formal garden underwhelming, but worth going for the woodland walk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk