Local Reviews
In December 2021, Paul F said about Hestercombe Gardens
The best Father Christmas ever congratulations. A 3 year old sometimes scared of animals or people invading his personal space He was at ease with Father Christmas, whose setting was in his own woodland hideaway with his Elves, engaged and relaxed out grandson. A really special occasion. Congratulations to all.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In March 2022, rapide13 said about Hestercombe Gardens
I came to hestercombe gardens yesterday and was amazed at how beautiful this place really is. I came with a friend and 2 dogs and it’s extremely pet friendly. Well worth a visit I will definitely be returning!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In April 2022, June H said about Hestercombe Gardens
Had two visits to Hestercombe during the Easter holidays,one to a wedding and another for a birthday outing both very enjoyable.The wedding was very well organised with lovely places to take photographs( l was the photographer) and the wedding went very smoothly.The second visit went equally as well with my daughter, and my sister a treat for her birthday the cream tea was beautifully laid out and so much we had to take some of the cakes home in boxes the staff provided.The staff were very attentive and nothing was too much trouble highly recommended
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In April 2022, Stuart B said about Hestercombe Gardens
Thanks to Monty Don we went to these gardens and were not disappointed. The pathways are well cared for and the map is easy to follow, which we did and didn't get lost!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2022, Lucy N said about Hestercombe Gardens
This was a truly beautiful place. We went a week ago with the dog, and the gardens were gorgeous. We visited the little cafe and had THE BEST cream tea of my life.
Sadly, there was a wedding going on, so it did feel a little like 'we shouldn't be here.' If we had known there was a wedding we would have visited a different day. OTHERWISE, it was brilliant.
Also - the book store was adorable
Sadly, there was a wedding going on, so it did feel a little like 'we shouldn't be here.' If we had known there was a wedding we would have visited a different day. OTHERWISE, it was brilliant.
Also - the book store was adorable
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2022, LauraBray said about Hestercombe Gardens
A wonderful visit with our family to Hestercombe. There was plenty to keep the grandchildren amused and interested. The little play area at the entrance was perfect for young children (3 and 5); they enjoyed the follies and seeing ducklings and fish in the lower pool. The highlight was the fountain in the formal area where they played with the water spouts. We adults loved the magnificent trees, waterfall, water mill, stunning orangery and formal gardens. We had a delicious lunch in The Stables Restaurant (see separate review) and enjoyed coffee and ice creams. We visited the main house for the gift shop and the well organised second hand book shop. The children loved climbing the magnificent staircase. Finally I loved all the variety of colours and especially the stunning rhododendrons and tree blossom. Overall a great day out. Thanks to al staff concerned.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2022, Wanderlust Hols said about Hestercombe Gardens
I first visited Hestercombe Gardens many years ago for a wander and would love to return to the gardens again at some point. For our last visit though in December 2021, my husband, 5-year-old daughter and I came to see 'Illuminate' - a special Christmas event which I believe was new.
Hestercombe Gardens is approximately 40 minutes drive from where we live. We booked for an early evening slot and when we arrived parking was easy in the large car park.
We were greeted by a friendly lady at reception and off we went. 'Illuminate' was not quite what we were expecting. It started off with pink, purple and blue lit shrubs and trees - I loved this section. Then we were directed left up a hill by a member of staff - here the lights were more spread out with some colourful lit up trees and a red and yellow wall. It was particularly dark in places. Luckily we had brought a torch with us, but it could have been quite tricky without. I did particularly enjoy the long pathway of shrubs that were covered in hundreds, if not thousands of warm twinkly lights! We took some pretty photos here. After this we found ourselves in front of the house which had blue/purple lights shining at it and lots of cool colourful ground lights on the lawn that changed colour and sequence.
But that was it! That was the end of 'Illuminate!' At first we couldn't quite believe it - it had only taken us approximately 10 minutes to walk around it all! With this realisation we made our way to the cafe which had covered outdoor seating and a huge pretty firepit in the centre. My daughter and I enjoyed hot chocolate drinks before making our way back to the car.
Overall we had a pleasant festive evening out at 'Illuminate' and I was happy to be out and about again at Christmas. However, given the size of 'Illuminate' and the 40 minutes drive to get to Hestercombe Gardens, this isn't something we would do again - nor would I recommend it to family. I know it didn't cost as much as light trails by others, such as National Trust, but we did expect a bit more than what we got. It could be fantastic - but Hestercombe Gardens need to make it bigger!
Hestercombe Gardens is approximately 40 minutes drive from where we live. We booked for an early evening slot and when we arrived parking was easy in the large car park.
We were greeted by a friendly lady at reception and off we went. 'Illuminate' was not quite what we were expecting. It started off with pink, purple and blue lit shrubs and trees - I loved this section. Then we were directed left up a hill by a member of staff - here the lights were more spread out with some colourful lit up trees and a red and yellow wall. It was particularly dark in places. Luckily we had brought a torch with us, but it could have been quite tricky without. I did particularly enjoy the long pathway of shrubs that were covered in hundreds, if not thousands of warm twinkly lights! We took some pretty photos here. After this we found ourselves in front of the house which had blue/purple lights shining at it and lots of cool colourful ground lights on the lawn that changed colour and sequence.
But that was it! That was the end of 'Illuminate!' At first we couldn't quite believe it - it had only taken us approximately 10 minutes to walk around it all! With this realisation we made our way to the cafe which had covered outdoor seating and a huge pretty firepit in the centre. My daughter and I enjoyed hot chocolate drinks before making our way back to the car.
Overall we had a pleasant festive evening out at 'Illuminate' and I was happy to be out and about again at Christmas. However, given the size of 'Illuminate' and the 40 minutes drive to get to Hestercombe Gardens, this isn't something we would do again - nor would I recommend it to family. I know it didn't cost as much as light trails by others, such as National Trust, but we did expect a bit more than what we got. It could be fantastic - but Hestercombe Gardens need to make it bigger!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2022, Hilary G said about Hestercombe Gardens
Beautiful gardens, (designed by Gertrude Jekyll) . An excellent walk in a mix of natural surroundings not overly 'manicured', and formal garden designs -we fed the fish and the ducks on the extensive ponds -and fed ourselves of course! The food in the cafe is the best we've had in a long while, pleasant and helpful staff too -we'll be re-visiting soon.
The house is undergoing work, and there were not many areas to visit as the galleries were closed awaiting a new exhibition -so not ready for comment yet. (The bookshop is good though). To be honest we were just happy going around the gardens -and as a bonus it was a beautiful day.
The house is undergoing work, and there were not many areas to visit as the galleries were closed awaiting a new exhibition -so not ready for comment yet. (The bookshop is good though). To be honest we were just happy going around the gardens -and as a bonus it was a beautiful day.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2022, tonyinbrighton said about Hestercombe Gardens
Wonderful gardens - the level of detail in the landscaping is breathtaking and the planting is a joy.
Plenty of car parking and an excellent restaurant and cafe make for a great visit - easy to spend half a day here!
Plenty of car parking and an excellent restaurant and cafe make for a great visit - easy to spend half a day here!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2022, DJ59 said about Hestercombe Gardens
Hestercombe gardens are beautiful. The day started well with the very helpful lady who took time with the map to show us where to walk. The formal gardens by the house are wonderfully laid out and full of colour in June. From there we walked up one side of the small valley and back down the other which is a little steep but we’ll worth the walk. Lots of interesting buildings, a fabulous waterfall and plenty of seats to enjoy the views.
We also went into the house which is starting to establish itself as an arts centre which will be an interesting development.
From there we went to the Stables restaurant for afternoon tea. We sat outside in the pretty courtyard and enjoyed what was possibly the best afternoon tea we have had (and we’ve enjoyed a few)
There were 3 sandwiches, the star of which was the creamed goats cheese with pickled beetroot and a very tasty sausage roll.
We then had the most perfect scones with clotted cream and jam. We had to box the cakes as we were so full but enjoyed them we got home. They also serve very good loose leaf tea.
Add to all this the excellent service and you are on to a winner. It was also extremely good value compared to other places we have been.
The whole day out was perfect and we will visit again soon
We also went into the house which is starting to establish itself as an arts centre which will be an interesting development.
From there we went to the Stables restaurant for afternoon tea. We sat outside in the pretty courtyard and enjoyed what was possibly the best afternoon tea we have had (and we’ve enjoyed a few)
There were 3 sandwiches, the star of which was the creamed goats cheese with pickled beetroot and a very tasty sausage roll.
We then had the most perfect scones with clotted cream and jam. We had to box the cakes as we were so full but enjoyed them we got home. They also serve very good loose leaf tea.
Add to all this the excellent service and you are on to a winner. It was also extremely good value compared to other places we have been.
The whole day out was perfect and we will visit again soon
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk