Local Reviews
In September 2023, Lis B said about Hestercombe Gardens
A great visit to Hestercombe Gardens today with a group of 39, from the planning of the day with Caroline to the day itself everything worked perfectly. Our gardener guides gave us such an interesting tour in the afternoon relating some of the history of how the gardens came to be, from around 1750 to today, and interesting details of the families that have owned the estate. We had these tours after some had lunch in The Stables (really good menu) and others ate their picnics in the beautiful gardens. We had plenty of time to explore as much as we could of the various gardens and everyone we met was friendly and helpful, a lovely relaxed feeling about the place - there were plenty of places to sit and take in the wonderful views. A place to visit more than once for sure.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2023, ELEN J said about Hestercombe Gardens
Wonderful gardens to visit . The guide map is really useful to get the most out of your visit making sure you don't miss any follies and secret place. Highly recommend for dogs lots of treats offered plenty of and bins and friendly staff. Don't miss the shop in the main house. Great choice of unique little gifts the staff were were so welcoming dogs aren't just welcomed they are made to feel special.
The cafe is a great spot for lunch and again a section of the cafe for dogs and owners. Really nice menu great choices would definitely recommend the focaccia toasties the BLT was one of the best ever.
The cafe is a great spot for lunch and again a section of the cafe for dogs and owners. Really nice menu great choices would definitely recommend the focaccia toasties the BLT was one of the best ever.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2023, w0rkingt0travel said about Hestercombe Gardens
The gardens are really interesting and a lot of effort goes into maintaining all the different areas and buildings. It’s hard to find a spot which doesn’t have something beautiful to look at. However; entrance price is very strong at £16 just for the gardens with a weird discount if you don’t choose to ‘Gift Aid’ your entrance fee so you pay £14.50 if you don’t elect Gift Aid. Surely it should be the other way around? If the Gardens are reclaiming your income tax shouldn’t you pay the same or less if you agree which is better for both parties in the transaction? Anyway, the gardens are lovely and once you are past the entrance, the experience is enjoyable.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2023, Jess F said about Hestercombe Gardens
We took our 2YO and his older cousin. The half term activities were fantastic. We loved the trail discovering the different spooky set-ups across the garden. The bubble show was a real hit with them both, followed by the free bubble play. I thought this was really well thought out - it was really well attended with lots of children and seemed to be enjoyed by all. We also enjoyed a selection of delicious hot drinks and cakes from the cafe (the cookies are to die for!). It was great to have these on the lawn enjoying the view and allowed the children to continue playing. Often you have to pay extra for these activities, it was great that they were included with entry.
Our LO always loves the little play area near the entrance, and the newer forest play area further into the garden has been a recent hit. Visiting the chickens and ducks is always a must too!
Our LO always loves the little play area near the entrance, and the newer forest play area further into the garden has been a recent hit. Visiting the chickens and ducks is always a must too!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In December 2023, Erika L said about Hestercombe Gardens
What a wonderful experience. The garden trail of lights and music was beautiful and very well worth the entry cost. I've recommended it to several friends and neigh bours and will look out for it next year.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In December 2023, Sophie R said about Hestercombe Gardens
We went this evening for the illuminations which were lovely! Unfortunately two members of staff were rude and dismissive and this gave us a bitter taste as did the Yule logs aftertaste.
Such a shame as such beautiful gardens.
Such a shame as such beautiful gardens.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In January 2024, GBGinaC said about Hestercombe Gardens
We attended a chocolatier experience day and it was fantastic. Chef Paul is a wonderful host. He is extremely knowledgeable and generous with his time, knowledge (and the chocolate). The day includes making lots of moulded chocolates and enrobed chocolates, a two course lunch and you can walk around the gardens after the experience is finished. We left with arms loaded with our handmade chocolates and huge smiles on our faces. Absolutely recommend this treat to everyone.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In January 2024, Dorothy C said about Hestercombe Gardens
A very big thank you to Paul Rutledge for a brilliant chocolate experience today.
Paul was very informative, answered all questions, made everyone feel comfortable and welcome.
We came away with so much chocolate and more knowledge about how chocolate is made.
I’ve had a throughly lovely day, couldn’t ask for more.
Paul was very informative, answered all questions, made everyone feel comfortable and welcome.
We came away with so much chocolate and more knowledge about how chocolate is made.
I’ve had a throughly lovely day, couldn’t ask for more.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In January 2024, Ron Scales said about Hestercombe Gardens
The formal gardens are quite rightly resting before spring and a lot of felling was going on in the wooded area putting much of it out of bounds for safety reasons. In the house the upper floor comprises large white painted rooms containing ‘art’ that seems more designed to tick boxes, environmental damage/ racial inequality etc., than to entertain. That’s alright but I had to pay for the privilege of being educated in this manner. I’m sure the curator and artists involved patted themselves on the back but art can also include sculpture and painting from time to time. I thought that the guide downstairs was almost apologetic when he handed us the accompanying leaflet for what we were about to see.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In February 2024, Lizzie W said about Hestercombe Gardens
A lovely walk up through the woodlands and past the impressive waterfall. Great views over the countryside although it was rather misty.
Lovely lunch in the cafe filleted by a walk round the formal gardens and exploring the house.
Lovely lunch in the cafe filleted by a walk round the formal gardens and exploring the house.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk