Local Reviews
In October 2015, family_manDevon said about Hestercombe Gardens
Firstly, Hestercombe is not owned by the National Trust but by its own small independent charity. It is a lovely, somewhat undiscovered, gem with a mixture of landscape gardens, formal gardens and woodland walks. At each turn there is a different view, something else to look at and a variety of plants to explore. It is different at every season so it does not matter when you come here - there are always delights to see. I have brought family members of all ages here ranging from age 5 up to 85 and all have enjoyed the experience.
For the young there is a small play area, witches hut, swan, ducks and fish to feed and plenty of space to run around. A lot of the gardens are wheel chair friendly, although it was not designed with accessibility in mind back in the 18th century so there are some areas that are not accessible. You are able to borrow wheel chairs and there is also a motorised cross country disabled scooter for hire.
The house is now a contemporary art gallery with varying exhibitions on. Sadly it is suffering from the ravages caused by previously being owned by a local authority and only slowly managing to get back to a little of how it may once have looked. There is a second hand bookshop, and a most excellent tea room which is open for lunch and afternoon tea. This is the Column Room restaurant and serves a more upmarket menu than that available in the cafe at the main visitor centre.
The visitor centre has a gift shop, plant centre and an excellent cafe serving hot and cold food, all prepared to order, and excellent home made cakes. My wife and I had lunch here and she declared that the food was "just as good as on the Orient Express" - high praise indeed!
This makes for a lovely day/afternoon out no matter what the season and what I like is the friendliness without the "educational" element that you get at a National Trust property. Very much recommended.
For the young there is a small play area, witches hut, swan, ducks and fish to feed and plenty of space to run around. A lot of the gardens are wheel chair friendly, although it was not designed with accessibility in mind back in the 18th century so there are some areas that are not accessible. You are able to borrow wheel chairs and there is also a motorised cross country disabled scooter for hire.
The house is now a contemporary art gallery with varying exhibitions on. Sadly it is suffering from the ravages caused by previously being owned by a local authority and only slowly managing to get back to a little of how it may once have looked. There is a second hand bookshop, and a most excellent tea room which is open for lunch and afternoon tea. This is the Column Room restaurant and serves a more upmarket menu than that available in the cafe at the main visitor centre.
The visitor centre has a gift shop, plant centre and an excellent cafe serving hot and cold food, all prepared to order, and excellent home made cakes. My wife and I had lunch here and she declared that the food was "just as good as on the Orient Express" - high praise indeed!
This makes for a lovely day/afternoon out no matter what the season and what I like is the friendliness without the "educational" element that you get at a National Trust property. Very much recommended.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2015, BOBOK777 said about Hestercombe Gardens
Our visit greatly exceeded our expectations - interesting walks,beautiful gardens,really good cafe!
We'd known of the gardens for some years when staying in Somerset with friends however never made the effort to visit, I only wish we had - a really enjoyable few hours.
Of particular note was the welcome,in the lower lake,from the resident kingfisher!
So good also not to feel 'ripped off' in an attraction's cafe - here we met friendly,helpful staff serving very good food at reasonable prices.
We'll be back!
(Our Somerset friends were so impressed they took out a season ticket!)
We'd known of the gardens for some years when staying in Somerset with friends however never made the effort to visit, I only wish we had - a really enjoyable few hours.
Of particular note was the welcome,in the lower lake,from the resident kingfisher!
So good also not to feel 'ripped off' in an attraction's cafe - here we met friendly,helpful staff serving very good food at reasonable prices.
We'll be back!
(Our Somerset friends were so impressed they took out a season ticket!)
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2015, Barbara said about Hestercombe Gardens
If you haven't been to Hestercombe for a few years it is worth a visit to see how it has changed. The industrial mill has been restored and there is a cafe and shop. The gardens are a mixture now of restored formal and meandering paths around less formal areas. Worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2015, ShanM77 said about Hestercombe Gardens
We spent a happy couple of hours wandering round the lovingly restored formal garden and park and the house. The house is imposing, with a bookshop, cafe, restaurant and gift shop. Staff - mostly volunteers - were all very welcoming. The formal garden is beautiful, and there are easy walks around the small lake and park. It's always particularly enjoyable to discover an attraction run by an independent trust - the whole place has a very special and intimate feel to it.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2015, Rachel E said about Hestercombe Gardens
We've been here many times and although it's not cheap to get in, there are often events on for kids that makes it worth it. We also attended a wedding fair there - it's such a good location for an event. The cafe is always good too, I've had many a chocolate brownie there! Not great for rainy days as it really is about the gardens but it's stunning in the summer with great views and walks to take.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2015, brains15 said about Hestercombe Gardens
This place is lovely . Although I think expensive for viewing the gardens. Their Christmas fair is brilliant and so is the ice skating at Christmas. Thus is mainly for kids.
Lunch... As ladies do lunch!!! .food was excellent although took a little time as they were busy. We didn't mind as we were talking!!
Would I go again... Yes many times!
Lunch... As ladies do lunch!!! .food was excellent although took a little time as they were busy. We didn't mind as we were talking!!
Would I go again... Yes many times!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2015, fishypioneer said about Hestercombe Gardens
We arrived one afternoon to find the garden quite empty of visitors. We enjoyed a leisurely few hours walking and sitting in the sunshine looking at all the plants and trees. It was a wonderful day. Part of the 2 4 1 with the Gardner's World magazine. Will be back!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2015, GORDON R said about Hestercombe Gardens
We visited the first day of the Xmas Fayre, many stalls all with excellent variety of quality wares on sale, Superb for pre Xmas shopping. Lovely, friendly Café with excellent choice of snacks through to main meals. adequate seating and reasonably priced
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In December 2015, BoxxerBoy said about Hestercombe Gardens
We had a family visit to Hestercombe and enjoyed some food and a round of cakes.
Having visited before we knew what expect but everyone agreed that the food has come up a level we asked one the waitresses if the there was a change in the Kitchen and while she didn't say she did point out Matt as working in the kitchen.
Good work keep it up please.
Having visited before we knew what expect but everyone agreed that the food has come up a level we asked one the waitresses if the there was a change in the Kitchen and while she didn't say she did point out Matt as working in the kitchen.
Good work keep it up please.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In December 2015, Vicky7878 said about Hestercombe Gardens
This is a lovely place to go for medium to short walk. Pram friendly. The restaurant has some lovely food but a little expensive.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk