Local Reviews
In August 2024, T W said about Hestercombe Gardens
Whilst the gardens are mildly pretty, they are not nearly impressive enough for this to be the main selling point of the venue. Many of the plants looked like they were half dead, and the formal gardens were depressingly small.
The walks themselves are quite enjoyable, although I can’t help but feel there is a lot of missed potential in them- much of the walk is barebones, and none of it was signposted, making navigating them unnecessarily challenging. Not only this, but the walk is not suited for the elderly or anyone who might have mobility issues. The walk would benefit massively from some little play areas, and possibly more signage indicating the history of the area.
The house was not particularly interesting or inviting.
Now for my biggest gripe- the price. We paid £45 for a family, which is extortionate considering the fact that nothing about the place is particularly outstanding, and that we only spent about three hours and had done literally all there was to do, twice over.
I cannot help but feel that the house and gardens are an example of severely missed potential, and that The National Trust or English Heritage would make the most of what could be a really lovely day out.
The walks themselves are quite enjoyable, although I can’t help but feel there is a lot of missed potential in them- much of the walk is barebones, and none of it was signposted, making navigating them unnecessarily challenging. Not only this, but the walk is not suited for the elderly or anyone who might have mobility issues. The walk would benefit massively from some little play areas, and possibly more signage indicating the history of the area.
The house was not particularly interesting or inviting.
Now for my biggest gripe- the price. We paid £45 for a family, which is extortionate considering the fact that nothing about the place is particularly outstanding, and that we only spent about three hours and had done literally all there was to do, twice over.
I cannot help but feel that the house and gardens are an example of severely missed potential, and that The National Trust or English Heritage would make the most of what could be a really lovely day out.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In September 2024, Scott C said about Hestercombe Gardens
Visited on a whim. on 2-1 gardens offer, thus excellent value. Gardens are varied, accessible and dog friendly. All staff very passionate about Hestercombe, except restaurant service was very slow (needs to be sorted). Tea and cake was tasty.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In December 2024, Sue P said about Hestercombe Gardens
Illuminate lights. Friendly staff.
The lights were amazing even though our English weather had broken some the previous night in a bad storm. We didn't know what had been broken, a few visual signs but it didn't ruin the evening. The colours and displays were spectacular, absolutely loved it. Because we were unable to see everything we were given tickets to come back at any time within the next 6 months which we look forward to.
We ended the evening with a delicious turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce roll and a cuppa.
The lights were amazing even though our English weather had broken some the previous night in a bad storm. We didn't know what had been broken, a few visual signs but it didn't ruin the evening. The colours and displays were spectacular, absolutely loved it. Because we were unable to see everything we were given tickets to come back at any time within the next 6 months which we look forward to.
We ended the evening with a delicious turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce roll and a cuppa.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In December 2024, helgre2016 said about Hestercombe Gardens
Even though its December the garden still held loads of interest. We were not here for the light show but it looked like it would be very good.
Lots of little seating areas all the way around, good paths for the buggy, there were off raod paths but as a bit muddy we left them for a return visit.
Interesting house with history being displayed. Interesting history display in the mill house with types of alternative power.Lovely gift shop, santas grotto and tea shop.
Weve not been here before but there was something for us all and we will definately return in the new year.
Lots of little seating areas all the way around, good paths for the buggy, there were off raod paths but as a bit muddy we left them for a return visit.
Interesting house with history being displayed. Interesting history display in the mill house with types of alternative power.Lovely gift shop, santas grotto and tea shop.
Weve not been here before but there was something for us all and we will definately return in the new year.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In December 2024, Yvonne said about Hestercombe Gardens
We visited their Illuminated gardens, which run over the Festive period. It was amazing and well thought out. We had to pre book a time slot, I assume , to stop having too many people at one time. Even then, it was busy. Some of the paths were steep and rugged so care to be taken in the dark.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In February 2025, Yvonne T said about Hestercombe Gardens
We went for an anniversary treat, to see the Illuminated Gardens. We booked on the internet for 5.15 and was quite busy, although only just opened. We were not disappointed, it was amazing and magical. Although it was a misty evening it was briilaint.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In February 2025, A P said about Hestercombe Gardens
The afternoon tea was a good size for the 2 of us. We each had 3 finger sandwiches with tasty fillings, a sausage roll slice, a huge scone with a generous portion of jam and clotted cream plus 5 other sweet treats. We really enjoyed our afternoon tea and ended up taking some of it home with us as there was plenty to eat. My only negative was that it was half an hour from sitting at our reserved table before it arrived. As we had booked in advance I assumed we would be served fairly quickly.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In March 2025, Sarah D said about Hestercombe Gardens
We had lovely morning here. Started off with a Cappuccino and cake. Then we had a nice hour walk with our two dogs around the gardens. Enjoy seeing the waterfall and the swan.
We then and had lunch in the cafe. I had a burger and chips. My partner had chicken leg curry. Both were really tasty. We were impressed there was a non alcoholic choice. I had a Taunton cider company 0% & my partner had a Peroni 0%. Very enjoyable visit.
We then and had lunch in the cafe. I had a burger and chips. My partner had chicken leg curry. Both were really tasty. We were impressed there was a non alcoholic choice. I had a Taunton cider company 0% & my partner had a Peroni 0%. Very enjoyable visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In April 2025, Nigel S said about Hestercombe Gardens
Gardens are amazing all year round plenty to see as you walk around formal gardens are varied and well kept and the woodland/park areas offer interesting mix. Gallery was ok but overall let the whole thing down a little and had the feel of needing a bit more work. Internal visit of building could do with more information about history. Cafe provides a varied menu but certainly not cheap.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In April 2025, Daydream20759995959 said about Hestercombe Gardens
Ordering tea coffee cake or savoury snack used to be pleasurable.
Now there is a Please wait to be seated sign.Quite unnecessary on a quiet day.
Worse still one is not permitted to enter purchase and pay for hot drinks cake etc
Hence this is no longer a place where I feel happy to lunch or bring friends.
I prefered it when it had a less elitist feel.
Your small cafe is better but rarely open.
PG tea bags are a disappointing feature.I would expect better.
A more casual relaxed feel would be better suited to a garden visit.
If I wanted fine dining and table service I would go elsewhere.
I would like cosy casual and much rather pay as I order.
Sadly it was lovely and now it isn't.
Now there is a Please wait to be seated sign.Quite unnecessary on a quiet day.
Worse still one is not permitted to enter purchase and pay for hot drinks cake etc
Hence this is no longer a place where I feel happy to lunch or bring friends.
I prefered it when it had a less elitist feel.
Your small cafe is better but rarely open.
PG tea bags are a disappointing feature.I would expect better.
A more casual relaxed feel would be better suited to a garden visit.
If I wanted fine dining and table service I would go elsewhere.
I would like cosy casual and much rather pay as I order.
Sadly it was lovely and now it isn't.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk