Local Reviews
In September 2022, David M said about Hestercombe Gardens
What a shame the Georgian house had a Victorian makeover. The last thing it could be described as is pretty, but the pictures exhibited inside are very interesting.
The gardens are truly incredible. Not like Helligan, but over a similarly huge area incorporating hills and valleys in the landscape.
Do come here and allow a good few hours. We couldn’t quite see all of it since we arrived slightly late. Nice to have been able to enjoy the tea-room pre-Covid
The gardens are truly incredible. Not like Helligan, but over a similarly huge area incorporating hills and valleys in the landscape.
Do come here and allow a good few hours. We couldn’t quite see all of it since we arrived slightly late. Nice to have been able to enjoy the tea-room pre-Covid
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In September 2022, Sarah H said about Hestercombe Gardens
Came here about 10 years ago and remembered the gardens were very formal. Came here today 14th September and was quite disappointed at the lack of care and maintenance of the gardens despite the £15 entry fee. Very little flowers and mostly ground cover plants . Pathways and steps full of weeds. Also there was a lack of handrails as there were lots of steps.
Called in at the house but shouldn't have bothered as there was nothing to see as rooms empty.
Called in at coffee shop for coffee and on
Looking at bill when we came home, noticed there was a 10% gratuity charge which was not mentioned to us. Surely this is illegal..
Don't think we will come again .
Called in at the house but shouldn't have bothered as there was nothing to see as rooms empty.
Called in at coffee shop for coffee and on
Looking at bill when we came home, noticed there was a 10% gratuity charge which was not mentioned to us. Surely this is illegal..
Don't think we will come again .
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2022, Juliet G said about Hestercombe Gardens
Beautiful gardens with panoramic views. Enjoyed delicious vegan roast in the Stables restaurant. A lovely afternoon.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2022, Jean said about Hestercombe Gardens
I love these gardens. Beautiful and full of variety. Real shame about the restaurant/ cafe. The staff are discourteous and some border on rude.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2022, Charlie M said about Hestercombe Gardens
Beautiful views and is a great place for a stroll to relax and unwind. The cafe is rather subpar though and could do with improvement.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2022, keith h said about Hestercombe Gardens
We visited on a beautiful late Summer day. The gardens are certainly attractive & of course historically important given the Jekyll / Lutyens collaboration. Have not visited before but I could discern that the gardens , particularly the formal areas around the house , are suffering a slow decline in quality & maintenance. They are labour intensive. The more naturalistic areas further up the valley are still very peaceful & pleasant , water being a recurrent theme . The views away from the formal gardens are stunning.
The House was a great disappointment apart from the superb staircase & a wood panelled room. At the time of our visit , many rooms were housing an art exhibition cum installation exhibition which , at the risk of appearing to be a complete Philistine , I can only describe as hideous.
The House was a great disappointment apart from the superb staircase & a wood panelled room. At the time of our visit , many rooms were housing an art exhibition cum installation exhibition which , at the risk of appearing to be a complete Philistine , I can only describe as hideous.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2022, Charlotte P said about Hestercombe Gardens
Dog friendly and the member of staff that served us was absolutely delightful, couldn’t have wished for better. Lovely light lunch, something different.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2022, Springbreak said about Hestercombe Gardens
Loved the gardens! Beautiful scenery, just stunning. Gorgeous grounds surrounded by mature trees, very relaxing. The three ponds and the many different structures along the walking routes provide lovely rest stops to fully appreciate the amazing views.
Visited the house to find three ground floor rooms, one an impressive looking but pricey gift shop, another housing just family portraits and a third displaying information easels. Found a fantastic second-hand book shop down a corridor. Great choice of books all under £3. There's an art gallery on the upper floor, the exhibition sadly didn't interest us at all although the views were worthwhile. The house seems to be a bit neglected in some areas but it has a great double access gallery staircase adorned by a giant painting.
The cafe is situated behind another gift shop in a large atrium with a fountain. Nice surroundings, good choice of food options but again pricey. We didn't have enough time left to sample the food but the coffee was good.
We will definitely re-visit, mainly for the spectacular grounds.
Visited the house to find three ground floor rooms, one an impressive looking but pricey gift shop, another housing just family portraits and a third displaying information easels. Found a fantastic second-hand book shop down a corridor. Great choice of books all under £3. There's an art gallery on the upper floor, the exhibition sadly didn't interest us at all although the views were worthwhile. The house seems to be a bit neglected in some areas but it has a great double access gallery staircase adorned by a giant painting.
The cafe is situated behind another gift shop in a large atrium with a fountain. Nice surroundings, good choice of food options but again pricey. We didn't have enough time left to sample the food but the coffee was good.
We will definitely re-visit, mainly for the spectacular grounds.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In December 2022, Annie said about Hestercombe Gardens
The experience was alot quicker than expected. The elf welcomed us where the children made reindeer food and did some word searches and wrote letters to Santa to post in the box. It would have been good to have some general colouring or Christmas card making/sticking for smaller children who are not able to do word searches yet. The children enjoyed Santa and loved their presents.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In December 2022, Angie L said about Hestercombe Gardens
I treated my husband for a birthday present to see the illuminations. Wow! We were not disappointed, they were amazing. Such a beautiful evening, so many to see. We walked around the lake with lights all around. Thank you to Hestercombe for all their hard work.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk