Local Reviews
In June 2016, Moorpool said about Hestercombe Gardens
Some parts are excellent but others were a bit disappointing. It's not made clear that you don't have to pay the higher Gift Aid price and may feel awkward just offering the lower price.
You are given a very good map/guide which has all the paths and is easy to follow. Some of these paths behind the house in the Georgian Landscape Garden are steep and being gravelly can be slippery. You do though, gave a choice of routes to take - long or short. Several of us came 11 years and thought it now more overgrown and lacking in interest.
The Watermill was new to us. It would have been helpful to have some notices explaining what all the exhibits were.
The Edwardian Formal Garden was looking a bit tired with a drab colour scheme but the Pergola was as good as ever. The rills were filled with a rampant lily, they used to be clear of plants and just had water which made them stand out more.
The house still has an institutional feel, not surprising given its long history as the Somerset Fire Service HQ but there are some grand rooms on the ground floor. The current art exhibition was not to our taste but the second hand bookshop was a real gem and many of us bought books.
The other gem was the Stables Kitchen Cafe. Lots of seats, inside or out, but under cover. The food is delicious and anyone who can resist their array of cakes deserves a medal. The lunches were very good and were highly recommended.
I get the impression that the Trust is working as hard as it can with the resources it has. They have a mammoth task, 50 acres of ground and a huge house to maintain. It is worth supporting so do go.
You are given a very good map/guide which has all the paths and is easy to follow. Some of these paths behind the house in the Georgian Landscape Garden are steep and being gravelly can be slippery. You do though, gave a choice of routes to take - long or short. Several of us came 11 years and thought it now more overgrown and lacking in interest.
The Watermill was new to us. It would have been helpful to have some notices explaining what all the exhibits were.
The Edwardian Formal Garden was looking a bit tired with a drab colour scheme but the Pergola was as good as ever. The rills were filled with a rampant lily, they used to be clear of plants and just had water which made them stand out more.
The house still has an institutional feel, not surprising given its long history as the Somerset Fire Service HQ but there are some grand rooms on the ground floor. The current art exhibition was not to our taste but the second hand bookshop was a real gem and many of us bought books.
The other gem was the Stables Kitchen Cafe. Lots of seats, inside or out, but under cover. The food is delicious and anyone who can resist their array of cakes deserves a medal. The lunches were very good and were highly recommended.
I get the impression that the Trust is working as hard as it can with the resources it has. They have a mammoth task, 50 acres of ground and a huge house to maintain. It is worth supporting so do go.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2016, roger w said about Hestercombe Gardens
Really beautiful garden with a good variety of interesting scenery and features including lakes and a high waterfall. Some formal gardens as well and an excellent cafe, gift shop and plant sales. It's a bit steep in places but plenty to see on the flat and mobility scooters areavilable fo hire apparently. Extra treat was a seeing wedding reception. NB They they no longer take the Tesco days out vouchers - since December 2015 so maybe a bit expensive for .a quick visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2016, Hullabaloo said about Hestercombe Gardens
Hestercombe is one of the loveliest of gardens I've visited. My three year old loved the water all over the place - ponds, little streams, the occasional puddle - and the flowers were stunning. The house isn't fantastic, but that's not why you go to Hestercombe, you go for the gardens, and they were stunning. Handy that they're a member of the HHA so, as Friends of the HHA, our entry was free.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2016, Rosie J said about Hestercombe Gardens
I enjoy coming here with my four year old son. The views across the surrounding countryside are outstanding. The landscaping of the gardens with the valley and pond are so beautiful. It's worth having an annual membership to enjoy the gardens throughout the seasons.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2016, Tim C said about Hestercombe Gardens
We were looking for an open garden with pleasant walks and nice house. The Gardens were a real pleasure being both open woodland and formal garden.
The slight let down is the house, which after being used by the fire service is in a poor state of repair. If you are into Modern Art you will enjoy the artwork on display throughout the house. Sorry this was not quite my cup of tea so cannot give a fair review on this artwork.
The slight let down is the house, which after being used by the fire service is in a poor state of repair. If you are into Modern Art you will enjoy the artwork on display throughout the house. Sorry this was not quite my cup of tea so cannot give a fair review on this artwork.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2016, diana_eames said about Hestercombe Gardens
We visited Hestercombe as part of a package with an overnight stay at the castle hotel in Taunton,which as previously mentioned in my review of the hotel was a gift so I am unable to say whether it is value for money. As reviewed by others the gardens were overgrown but they are woodlands and the paths are clear. The formal gardens are laid out lovely but lack colour, just blues and silver. For the time of year we expected to see a variety of colour. As other reviewers have remarked the house is a wasted visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2016, cathbee said about Hestercombe Gardens
This is a beautiful place exactly halfway (90 mins )between my Devon friend and I.
The kids just love it ! The lawns, the lake , the exploring !
They particularly love the very well stocked shop.
On Sat we prepared to have a picnic with our very well behaved 4,7,8 and 10 year olds. Litter bags at the ready !
Some very rude middle aged woman and her daughter took it upon themselves to tell us not to disturb the stone work on the floor of some water features which were dry.
The childrens ' feet didn't even reach !!!
They said we shouldn't picnic due to litter !
We would NEVER drop litter !
We pointed out there were no signs .
The place was almost deserted on a Saturday . In my opinion these busy bodies are doing more harm than good !
Wonderful book shop and we will return in spite of the pompous volunteers / visitors !
The kids just love it ! The lawns, the lake , the exploring !
They particularly love the very well stocked shop.
On Sat we prepared to have a picnic with our very well behaved 4,7,8 and 10 year olds. Litter bags at the ready !
Some very rude middle aged woman and her daughter took it upon themselves to tell us not to disturb the stone work on the floor of some water features which were dry.
The childrens ' feet didn't even reach !!!
They said we shouldn't picnic due to litter !
We would NEVER drop litter !
We pointed out there were no signs .
The place was almost deserted on a Saturday . In my opinion these busy bodies are doing more harm than good !
Wonderful book shop and we will return in spite of the pompous volunteers / visitors !
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2016, grannye said about Hestercombe Gardens
Hestercombe gardens are a great place for walks, in both formal and informal settings. The restaurant and cafe are good eating places and there is a sweet little shop. My favourite thing is also to visit the second hand bookshop in the main house - lts of good stuff and as its manned by volunteers, all the money goes to keep the place restored.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2016, John Tolfree said about Hestercombe Gardens
Great this time of year.Has great potential but not as good as it could be for wild life.Quite dead in the winter.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2016, andrea19452015 said about Hestercombe Gardens
I visit Hestercombe several times a year as it is ever changing depending on the seasons. Stunning gardens, with incredible views of the vale of Taunton Deane. My grandchildren love the freedom to run, walk and climb. The Cascade waterfall is a particular favourite. It is a great place to meet with friends for a stroll followed by a lovely lunch or coffee and cake! A great shop for gifts and plants next to the cafe! I have yet to try the beautiful new restaurant in the house but it looks lovely for a special occasion. There is an art gallery and 2nd hand book shop in the house too. You'll have great time!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk