Local Reviews
In August 2021, Beverley Meredith said about Hestercombe Gardens
We are members of Hestercombe Gardens and have visited this lovely place many times. We were, however, very disappointed on our recent visit to find that The Stables Cafe has now turned into a 'posh restaurant' with formal meals at lunchtime (waitress service) and rather expensive afternoon tea. What a pity this lovely friendly cafe where there was such a good choice of food - soup and crusty bread, baguettes with a choice of fillings etc. has now gone. The new restaurant, we feel, is too formal and too expensive - not sure how young families would be able to afford it.
We will still visit Hestercombe, as this this one of our favourite places, but will be bringing our own packed lunch in future!
We will still visit Hestercombe, as this this one of our favourite places, but will be bringing our own packed lunch in future!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2021, lyndajanethomas said about Hestercombe Gardens
As a group of four we visited Hestercombe in August. Two of us had visited previously and were disappointed to see how run down the formal gardens were. One of the ponds was empty and another overfilled with water lilies. The standard roses had suckers needing pruning and the pergola was badly overgrown. The shrubs and perennials looked in need of pruning. Not a gardener in sight. The formal restaurant seemed out of place in the mainly outdoor setting and the wait times were long. The previous cafe offering soup and sandwiches was quicker and much more affordable. The house is very utilitarian looking and the toilets badly signposted. If you want a pretty country walk with views to the local hills, this place would suit you but we won’t be returning.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2021, Nigel C said about Hestercombe Gardens
Hestercombe includes a variety of venues. While you are at your wedding reception other people will be wandering the lawns or gardens as guests of the National Trust or English Heritage, whichever it is. Each individual aspect of the venue seems excellent but maybe the overall business of the location may not be what you individually want.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In September 2021, alisonHereford said about Hestercombe Gardens
Easy to find from Taunton as well sign posted. Lovely walk around the woodland gardens with water falls and folly's. Then the main formal gardens are beautiful even in September. Price for entry a little high and the chance to return within a set time (say a week or month) would have been nice as there was a lot to see in one visit. Very steep and uneven paths in places, anybody disabled or needing a wheelchair or pushchairs in places would struggle although there were paths marked as suitable.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In September 2021, Jean P said about Hestercombe Gardens
Beautiful interesting and inspirational gardens, well signposted walks and a great restaurant with the most delicious food. Well worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In September 2021, Butler said about Hestercombe Gardens
Really enjoyed my day here. Arrived at 10.30 and left at 16.30. Good value for money. Used cafe for cup tea and cake and was more than happy with service/price. Took packed lunch and there was plenty of seats to choose from. Ornamental gardens were stunning. Views across countryside stunning. Lovely location and we'll worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2021, familytravel4x4 said about Hestercombe Gardens
Visited at the beginning of October taking advantage of the 2 for 1 offer from Gardeners World (so only £9.50 for two). The house itself offers a somewhat odd modern art exhibition in most of the upstairs rooms - not to our taste at all. Nothing else to see in the house given it was formerly used to house the local fire brigade - so no furniture or splendid interiors. By contrast, the formal gardens (Lutyens design with Jekyll planting) was a delight, despite being past it best given the time of year. But the design is really wonderful with the longest pergola in the UK and lots of features to enjoy and admire - the orangery is a gem of a building.
As to the other woodland garden, it is from a less formal era and offers a chance to stroll up through trees finding follies and vistas enroute, with a lovely cascade into to stream which meanders down to one of several ponds - delightful on a sunny day.
There is also a cafeteria and restaurant to enjoy, albeit we only had a drink and cake at the cafe before starting our exploration - but good quality fare. Thereafter we had a picnic in the gardens sitting on a Lutyens bench!
All-in-all a pleasant experience, albeit a little expensive if paying full price when the garden’s are past their best at the end of the season.
As to the other woodland garden, it is from a less formal era and offers a chance to stroll up through trees finding follies and vistas enroute, with a lovely cascade into to stream which meanders down to one of several ponds - delightful on a sunny day.
There is also a cafeteria and restaurant to enjoy, albeit we only had a drink and cake at the cafe before starting our exploration - but good quality fare. Thereafter we had a picnic in the gardens sitting on a Lutyens bench!
All-in-all a pleasant experience, albeit a little expensive if paying full price when the garden’s are past their best at the end of the season.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2021, 858disgruntled said about Hestercombe Gardens
High expectations, but disappointed. Towards the end of October there was no colour. A Wedding was going on, so unable to visit the Orangerie. There are dozens of N.T. Gardens or Open Garden Schemes much better than this. Over £11 each. Restaurant was overpriced. Cappachinos poor. The house was a sad, neglected place. The second hand bookshop was well stocked and well run. Even if we lived nearby (we don’t) we would be loathe to bother visiting again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2021, Ellyxox said about Hestercombe Gardens
We didn’t really intend to book Hestercombe as our wedding venue, we’d been to a couple of venues and were disappointed that they didn’t blow us away. We went to Hestercombe for the wedding fair/open day without really knowing they actually held weddings. We suddenly fell in love, and knew it was where we wanted to get married!
Throughout the planning of the wedding, Julie had been an absolute star, helping us understand all the different things we needed to organise, and being such a calming influence! Also being so incredible helpful and understanding with us having to postpone our wedding several times due to Covid!
On the day, Cazz was on hand to make sure everything went smoothly, and I cannot tell you how impressed we are! The whole day was an absolute dream, everything was perfect, and we didn’t even notice the staff running around in the background. They even had to deal with someone not turning up in the morning and rearranging an entire table that had been laid and decorated.
All of our guests commented on how lovely the venue was, even our evening guests kept commenting on how pretty and nice it was, and they didn’t even get to see the gardens and orangery.
We’re so grateful to Hestercombe and all their wonderful staff for making our wedding the best day ever.
Throughout the planning of the wedding, Julie had been an absolute star, helping us understand all the different things we needed to organise, and being such a calming influence! Also being so incredible helpful and understanding with us having to postpone our wedding several times due to Covid!
On the day, Cazz was on hand to make sure everything went smoothly, and I cannot tell you how impressed we are! The whole day was an absolute dream, everything was perfect, and we didn’t even notice the staff running around in the background. They even had to deal with someone not turning up in the morning and rearranging an entire table that had been laid and decorated.
All of our guests commented on how lovely the venue was, even our evening guests kept commenting on how pretty and nice it was, and they didn’t even get to see the gardens and orangery.
We’re so grateful to Hestercombe and all their wonderful staff for making our wedding the best day ever.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2021, nickrashtead said about Hestercombe Gardens
The gardens are magnificent. It clearly is a brave challenge to take on the gardens and the house (which remains work in progress) and it will be some time before the house is restored. Outside is a delight and much work has taken place and there is lots of information about what has happened. All in all it’s a great place.
The catering lets the place down. We arrived at 1pm and bought some sandwiches and there was just one guy behind the counter. 3 hours later we came back for a drink and he was still there on his own with a queue!
We will bring our own food next time.
The catering lets the place down. We arrived at 1pm and bought some sandwiches and there was just one guy behind the counter. 3 hours later we came back for a drink and he was still there on his own with a queue!
We will bring our own food next time.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk