Local Reviews
In November 2012, El_TelSomersetUK said about Hestercombe Gardens
I used to work in the house when Somerset Fire and Rescue Service used it as their HQ before we were taken over by Devon FRS and I used to walk the gardens every day at lunchtime. The gardens are spectacular for most of the year and a relaxing walk around the ponds is well worth the effort.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In December 2012, David B said about Hestercombe Gardens
We went on a bright sunny winter day and while this is not ideal for a garden of this sort were impressed by the sheer scale of it all. There was plenty of water in the lakes and cascades and we were able to walk most of the paths - some closed because of recent heavy rain and flooding. There was colour from berries and the spindles contrasting against the frosty ground!
The only downside was that there was no one at the ticket sale point and we could have simply walked in without paying. We were directed to go to the shop to buy the tickets which - of course - we did. I was a few steps in front of my companion and was gruffly told to "shut the door" by the sales person. The shop was not busy but she was serving and it took some while to buy our tickets. To be fair she did thaw out a bit and told us about the garden. If the door needs shutting the site should fix the spring! My companion got in free and I got a discounted on-line ticket which made it good value. If it really is £9/10 per head as reported elsewhere I would have hesitated to have paid that!
The toilet facilities are exxcellent!
The restaurant area and food was good with a very outgoing server. See separate review.
The only downside was that there was no one at the ticket sale point and we could have simply walked in without paying. We were directed to go to the shop to buy the tickets which - of course - we did. I was a few steps in front of my companion and was gruffly told to "shut the door" by the sales person. The shop was not busy but she was serving and it took some while to buy our tickets. To be fair she did thaw out a bit and told us about the garden. If the door needs shutting the site should fix the spring! My companion got in free and I got a discounted on-line ticket which made it good value. If it really is £9/10 per head as reported elsewhere I would have hesitated to have paid that!
The toilet facilities are exxcellent!
The restaurant area and food was good with a very outgoing server. See separate review.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In January 2013, freddy_gratts said about Hestercombe Gardens
Love it here, tranquil, just a beautiful place to behold. We walked around and looked at may flowers and saw quite a lot of wildlife also, excellent day out
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In February 2013, ca922 said about Hestercombe Gardens
We live locally, have a season ticket and come here regularly throughout the year. We bring family and friends and have found it an invaluable reource for a bracing walk when so much of the countryside has been a quagmire this year.
We prefer the woodland walks to the formal garden which is overlooked by the incredibly ugly house. It has been a pleasure to see the gradual transformation of the woodland area as some of the worst aspects of its former management by the forestry commission are eradicated and the original 18th century pavilions and views are restored or replaced.
Our three year old grandson loves it here, sometimes it is difficult to get him further than the little children' play area!
Only objection was to the very ghoulish and unnecessary Halloween displays which were frightening to young children and detracted from other people's pleasure in the natural environment.
We prefer the woodland walks to the formal garden which is overlooked by the incredibly ugly house. It has been a pleasure to see the gradual transformation of the woodland area as some of the worst aspects of its former management by the forestry commission are eradicated and the original 18th century pavilions and views are restored or replaced.
Our three year old grandson loves it here, sometimes it is difficult to get him further than the little children' play area!
Only objection was to the very ghoulish and unnecessary Halloween displays which were frightening to young children and detracted from other people's pleasure in the natural environment.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In February 2013, Sj25 said about Hestercombe Gardens
The lady we went to meet here did everything she could to put us off having our wedding at Hestercombe gardens and kept us waiting for over half an hour for our scheduled appointment. Everywhere else we went to, did what ever they could to persuade us. I thought this was extremely unprofessional! The coffee shop and the grounds are gorgeous. better staff=better customer service!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In February 2013, TOM G said about Hestercombe Gardens
First time here not too bad Very Expensive not sure if Value for money, Cafe not great dont think we will be Back.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2018, Cinderanna said about Holiday Inn Preston
At first glance this hotel appears extremely unappealing, perched on the ringway overlooking the bus station and multi storey car park, but once you get inside it's a different story. The staff, without exception, couldn't have been more helpful or welcoming, the level of customer service put some 5 star hotels to shame. The rooms are a good size and very clean, with comfortable beds and nice little touches, like biscuits on the tea tray and shower caps in the bathroom. The car park being very small is the only negative, but reception are happy to help with alternatives if there are no spaces. Overall it is the staff who make this hotel and I would definitely stay here again because of them.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2018, SarahBee32 said about Holiday Inn Preston
Arriving late parking at the hotel was a nightmare (non existent as totally full) so I ended up in the bus station car park over the road... although this was well lit with loads of space and £4 for 12hrs.
Welcome at the hotel was good, room service prompt, delivered with a smile and good value.
Room on the small side but perfectly adequate. Clean. Shower lovely and hot.
Breakfast good, welcoming and staff were very friendly. It was busy but not overcrowded.
All in all a good stay and if I’m in the area I would stay again. Good value for money for a business stay over.
Welcome at the hotel was good, room service prompt, delivered with a smile and good value.
Room on the small side but perfectly adequate. Clean. Shower lovely and hot.
Breakfast good, welcoming and staff were very friendly. It was busy but not overcrowded.
All in all a good stay and if I’m in the area I would stay again. Good value for money for a business stay over.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2018, johnthefox1234 said about Holiday Inn Preston
My daughter and I have used this hotel many times. We are from the Lake District. We went 14 years ago when she got her wedding dress. Fond memories. We have used it many times since. Every year we have a mother and daughter weekend Xmas shopping. We go on the train. The hotel is just away from the town which I like . We have a nice meal and a good catch up. The staff are lovely and food good. We will be booking again for next year. Apparently next year it is going to be refurbished. Keep up the good work and standard.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2018, Leo said about Holiday Inn Preston
Stayed here twice in two weeks time. Clean rooms and nice staff. Warm welcome as gold member. Breakfast is good, also for continental breakfast. Also had meals in the restaurant (Nineteen 75, see reviews). Carpark very small, but you can use carpark of the neighbours (till 7 a.m.) or the carpark at the busstation (payed).
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk