Local Reviews
In July 2025, Yorkshire_Lass195725 said about Hestercombe Gardens
We last visited here about 7 years ago and really enjoyed our visit. As we were staying in the area we decided to visit again but this time with our daughter. We had a lovely walk round & visited both the house, saw the jacuzzi, and the book shop. It was a shame the waterfall wasn’t flowing but I found a previous photo on my phone to remind us! A good days visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2025, Beti-Blodyn said about Hestercombe Gardens
As part of a coach trip, I and several others from the Midlands visited Hestercombe Gardens for the morning during the August heatwave. I'd never heard of this place before but we'd been given a little background info on the coach that Hestercombe was previously used as the headquarters and control room for the Devon & Somerset Fire Service. Currently the house is 'in between' functions - we'd just missed an exhibition there - so the main attraction is the garden.
You're still allowed to walk around the property, which I did. There's a little bit on the history of Hestercombe on the ground floor but the most interesting parts were (funnily enough) the disused rooms above, as it's so rare you can walk around a grand residence in such a state of emptiness. Of course, I hope Hestercombe takes advantage of their great USPs in the months and years to come, but the transience of it all felt like an extravagant house viewing.
After leaving the house, I wandered around the grounds for a while. The recent heat has been harsh on gardens across the country, and as a result Hestercombe sadly did look a little dried out (as you can see from my photos). That being said, it was still a very peaceful walk - not many visitors around at all - and the views of the unspoilt Somerset countryside are top notch.
As it was so warm, I stopped by the restaurant for some refreshments before checking out the second-hand bookshop. There's a surprisingly extensive menu including brunches and light-bites, so I plumped for a savoury scone with cream cheese and a pot of tea. It's a shame the pancakes are brunch-only as they sounded delicious! Prices are similar to National Trust and it's all table service - professional with a smile - so as a lone diner I could sit back and relax for a while. The restaurant has a beautiful fountain in its centre and is covered just enough to not have direct sun overhead, so it felt much cooler than sitting outside.
I'd personally rather funding go into the house and gardens rather than generating trinkets so it hasn't affected my overall blob-rating, but the 'gift shop' was a tiny makeshift shelter hidden around the back with (mostly) plastic kids' toys that you could pay for in the bookshop. The bookshop is definitely worth a browse though, there's some excellent finds in there - I only went in for a browse and came out with an armful! The shop was kept at a lovely cool temperature too which was a bonus. The volunteer manning the tills was friendly and best of all, you can tell she loves books!
All in all - not sure if I'd have paid £17 to visit had I been alone, but as I was here due to a pre-planned holiday itinerary it was a pleasant way to spend a couple of hours. I look forward to hearing/seeing what Hestercombe do in future.
You're still allowed to walk around the property, which I did. There's a little bit on the history of Hestercombe on the ground floor but the most interesting parts were (funnily enough) the disused rooms above, as it's so rare you can walk around a grand residence in such a state of emptiness. Of course, I hope Hestercombe takes advantage of their great USPs in the months and years to come, but the transience of it all felt like an extravagant house viewing.
After leaving the house, I wandered around the grounds for a while. The recent heat has been harsh on gardens across the country, and as a result Hestercombe sadly did look a little dried out (as you can see from my photos). That being said, it was still a very peaceful walk - not many visitors around at all - and the views of the unspoilt Somerset countryside are top notch.
As it was so warm, I stopped by the restaurant for some refreshments before checking out the second-hand bookshop. There's a surprisingly extensive menu including brunches and light-bites, so I plumped for a savoury scone with cream cheese and a pot of tea. It's a shame the pancakes are brunch-only as they sounded delicious! Prices are similar to National Trust and it's all table service - professional with a smile - so as a lone diner I could sit back and relax for a while. The restaurant has a beautiful fountain in its centre and is covered just enough to not have direct sun overhead, so it felt much cooler than sitting outside.
I'd personally rather funding go into the house and gardens rather than generating trinkets so it hasn't affected my overall blob-rating, but the 'gift shop' was a tiny makeshift shelter hidden around the back with (mostly) plastic kids' toys that you could pay for in the bookshop. The bookshop is definitely worth a browse though, there's some excellent finds in there - I only went in for a browse and came out with an armful! The shop was kept at a lovely cool temperature too which was a bonus. The volunteer manning the tills was friendly and best of all, you can tell she loves books!
All in all - not sure if I'd have paid £17 to visit had I been alone, but as I was here due to a pre-planned holiday itinerary it was a pleasant way to spend a couple of hours. I look forward to hearing/seeing what Hestercombe do in future.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In September 2025, Daydream20759995959 said about Hestercombe Gardens
As such a gloomy afternoon A cup of coffee seemed a reasonable ask at 15 35.
No the cafe had closed .
I had a glass of tap water when I asked and luckily hone not far off.I feel sorry for people who come from further afield !
All this INFO SHOULD BE UPDATED ON WEB DITE to avoid disappointment.
If the cafe is going to close at 3 30 people should have that info before visit or at least a blackboard at reception with that info.
No the cafe had closed .
I had a glass of tap water when I asked and luckily hone not far off.I feel sorry for people who come from further afield !
All this INFO SHOULD BE UPDATED ON WEB DITE to avoid disappointment.
If the cafe is going to close at 3 30 people should have that info before visit or at least a blackboard at reception with that info.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In September 2025, LizandDaveBarrett said about Hestercombe Gardens
We have wanted to go to Hestercombe for a long time and finally got there today. I had already checked out the admission prices so was not surprised at the cost. Was it worth it? Yes I think so. Would I pay it again? Probably not. We stopped for lunch and thought there was a good variety of food and cost. Again though by the time you have bought lunch for two plus the admission cost it is not a cheap day out. I am glad we went when we did and wish the property all the best for whatever lays ahead.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In September 2025, SandVP said about Hestercombe Gardens
We had a visitor staying with us in Taunton who could not walk far. We inquired by phone about the possibility of hiring a tramper vehicle at the site. The response could not have been more helpful, both on the phone and at the site. We hired the tramper for a couple of hours and were provided with a map of the landscape gardens showing the routes suitable for trampers. The vehicle was easy to drive and felt very stable. We were able to reach all areas of the landscape gardens in the hire period. The tramper hire was reasonably priced and allowed our visitor to enjoy the site to the full. Thank you Hestercombe.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In September 2025, Jane N said about Hestercombe Gardens
The gardens are lovely but that is more than you can say for our meal in the Stables Restaurant.
We only wanted a snack so opted for the cheese and ham toastie. You imagine cheese melting inside the bread and combining with the ham. We we got was bread in the verge of being toasted ie dry, cheese that had only just started to melt with thick ham , some almost 1cm thick (more like a ham steak) stuck on the top.
My husband managed less than a quarter and I managed only slightly more. Our complaint was met with indifference as we were presented with the bill.
We only wanted a snack so opted for the cheese and ham toastie. You imagine cheese melting inside the bread and combining with the ham. We we got was bread in the verge of being toasted ie dry, cheese that had only just started to melt with thick ham , some almost 1cm thick (more like a ham steak) stuck on the top.
My husband managed less than a quarter and I managed only slightly more. Our complaint was met with indifference as we were presented with the bill.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2025, Dunc51 said about Hestercombe Gardens
Visited today - I have to say that the staff were superb - all of them to friendly and enthusiastic. Also, an excellent selection of gluten free cakes :)
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In December 2025, NicoleO513 said about Hestercombe Gardens
We have been visiting on and off for years. The gardens have several aspects and will delight visitors. The walks on the wider estate are through a wooded valley and up to a glorious view point over the whole of Taunton vale. There are several paths, each offering different surprise vista points with views across to the cascade (waterfall) or to the various follies or right down to Taunton. The follies are all completely individual and all have brilliant character. The ducks and swans obviously enjoy the small lakes. It is often quiet up here and tranquil and it’s great to sit and enjoy the amazing birdsong. The formal gardens are a complete contrast, but brilliant in their own way, with straight lines, traditional planting schemes, fountains and more views over Taunton. The gardens are extremely well kept and dogs are allowed everywhere. The house is open but now has fewer exhibits than in years gone by. The staff in the ticket office are outstanding with a wealth of knowledge and always a big smile and friendly words. This garden is historic and great pains were undertaken to restore it. It is well worth supporting and in doing so you will have a lovely and rewarding day out!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In January 2026, S T said about Hestercombe Gardens
A lovely winter visit to the charmingly pastoral 18C Landscape garden and spectacular formal Lutyens/Jekyll garden. There was a frosting of snow. It is always worth a visit and we enjoyed our coffee in the Stables which is always very welcoming.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In March 2026, Francesjay said about Hestercombe Gardens
Visited today with a friend and had a wonderful day in the sunshine. The valley was awash with daffodils and the cascade was in full flow.
The lakes were tranquil with a solitary swan and several pairs of ducks.
We enjoyed a delicious lunch in the Stables restaurant, and enjoyed the exhibition in the house. All the staff were friendly and helpful. I would recommend you visit Hestercombe for a happy day out.
The lakes were tranquil with a solitary swan and several pairs of ducks.
We enjoyed a delicious lunch in the Stables restaurant, and enjoyed the exhibition in the house. All the staff were friendly and helpful. I would recommend you visit Hestercombe for a happy day out.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk