Local Reviews
In June 2026, Helen G said about Hestercombe Gardens
The staff are friendly and welcoming and very informative and helpful. The admission fee is reasonable. We spent a couple of hours wandering round the well kept tranquil gardens and then had a lovely lunch in the cafe. The menu is varied and the food is very tasty. A trip round the house in the afternoon was interesting.
We all had a very pleasant day and the weather was glorious
We all had a very pleasant day and the weather was glorious
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2026, 522sarah104 said about Hestercombe Gardens
From reading reviews I wasn't sure what to expect but was very pleasantly surprised. On arriving we were made to feel very welcome and given a great explanation of the garden. We started with the army barracks before going up the Georgian landscape garden which had a peaceful feel to it. After a picnic at the mill pond we saw the watermill, watched the video of the garden revival and then saw the formal area which for us was the highlight of the day. The Dutch garden and Orangery area was picturesque with Mexican daisies softening all the cracks in the paving and steps. The formal terraces across the different levels with the views out to the countryside were amazing, yes they could do with a bit of TLC (deadheading and weeding) but it didn't spoil our enjoyment of them. The roses up the pergola were beautiful and smelt heavenly. Inside the house was full of amazing photos, videos and history and well worth a visit. We looked in the well stocked bookshop and at the plants and overall had a very lovely day out.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2026, David H said about Hestercombe Gardens
HESTERCOMBE HOUSE AND GARDENS
Situated just outside my home town of Taunton, this is well worth a visit.
The original gardens were later influenced by Gertrude Jekyll, who laid out the Victoria Terrace, and by Edwin Lutyens who both designed parts of the garden and the orangery.
A lot of the history is on display in the house with an introductory film.
There is a book shop and plants for sake and the cafe using local produce has a covered seating area.
Free to Historic Houses member.
Situated just outside my home town of Taunton, this is well worth a visit.
The original gardens were later influenced by Gertrude Jekyll, who laid out the Victoria Terrace, and by Edwin Lutyens who both designed parts of the garden and the orangery.
A lot of the history is on display in the house with an introductory film.
There is a book shop and plants for sake and the cafe using local produce has a covered seating area.
Free to Historic Houses member.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2021, 910brygom said about Mercure Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa
The hotel has changed a lot since our last visit 20 years ago. There was a queue at reception due to an awkward group of guests tying up one receptionist. Our room was massive, very clean, super comfortable beds and plenty of towels for the three of us. Breakfast was generally good, but only a limited range of cereals and the hot selection was not replenished quickly enough whilst we were there. Excellent value for money compared to the wedding venue where we had spent the two previous nights. We will certainly return if the need arises.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2021, heavoh86 said about Mercure Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa
I attended the SPA having been bought a voucher (Buy a gift) for Christmas 2019 (Due to COVID we had to extend voucher - there was no issues with this) I went with my Sister in Law and we both agreed we will be going again. It was a lovely relaxing day. We both had a facial and a massage along with some lunch, the Tapas was amazing, not something I would normally choose, however I was not disappointed. All staff are very friendly and approachable. I did find before visiting it was difficult to get through to somebody on the phone, I manage it in the end, but I do feel an answering machine may possibly assist! We had the pleasure of the sun on our day so was able to sit in the nice garden out front. Hopefully be back soon with my partner. We didn't go in the hotel.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2021, Debbie H said about Mercure Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa
A lovely country hotel and lady who greeted us at reception was lovely and friendly. Booked into a twin room which.was very spacious and had had 2 double beds, lovely bathroom but that's where it ends. Room boiling hot and no fan plus one of the big windows was painted shut so you couldn't open it. Room view was lovely, but the roar of the M65 in the distance wasn't, so bring earplugs! Asked to book a table for dinner, but was asked if we were on a package?!!! Said no, so was asked to come back after 5pm to see if space as that's when their package guest list comes out. Went back and no availability at all for dinner. Suggested we go to local town for dinner. Erm no that is not what I wanted to do after a 4 and a half hour drive, but had no choice. Had to pay for a taxi there and back with only 1 restaurant open as it was a Monday. On our way out heard reception guiding people who had just checked in to restaurant area, wanted to say no chance of dinner unless you're on a package!!. I have never been to a hotel where you can't book a table to eat. Also the bar area or outside seating area can't serve food as asked to sit there to eat. How ridiculous is that! Luckily the £10 car park fee has been suspended for now, as I certainly wouldn't have paid it due to the above. Thank goodness we only stayed for 1 night. Heard other people complaining too about the fact they couldn't book a table, so wasn't just us.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2021, Sally_Andrew said about Mercure Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa
We booked a package for my best friend birthday. I was beginning to regret it after reading the reviews but couldn’t have been happier. The staff without exception were so friendly and helpful- special shout out to Alissa and Aziz who were superb.
The dinner and breakfast we’re excellent, house wine was good, service great, rooms large, clean and comfortable.
A really good stay and we would definitely return.
The dinner and breakfast we’re excellent, house wine was good, service great, rooms large, clean and comfortable.
A really good stay and we would definitely return.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2021, Jane B said about Mercure Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa
The long awaited Wedding Day finally day came and it was everything we had hoped for and more.
Karen and her team made the whole process stress free and took care of every last detail to ensure that we were in a position just to enjoy the day.
The venue - The Dunkenhalgh hotel is the perfect venue from the approach down a tree lined driveway and then to be greeted by a 700 year old manor house full of character and style...simply stunning with lots of great places for lovely wedding pics
The staff - the reception staff were warm and welcoming, the wedding day mc, Edweena, was friendly, efficient, always smiling and had absolutely everything under control at all times. Although there had been some relaxation to the covid rules, Edweena and her team managed the day and it felt totally normal
The room - we used the Townley Suite and had around 70 guests and it was just perfect, although room for a few more if required. The room opened out in to the gardens and because it was such a lovely day Edweena arranged for garden furniture to be laid out . It was like a beautiful summer garden party, being served canapes and fizz, with the string quartet playing in the background
The food - everyone at the wedding could not praise the food highly enough, it was absolutely delicious and where necessary the kitchen catered for the veggies and vegans. We couldn't have asked for more
The accommodation - the entire hotel had been refurbished during one of the lockdown periods and it now looks modern, contemporary and fresh. What a transformation. Our guests commented on how lovely their bedrooms were and would definitely be back for a longer stay.
All in all, impossible to fault any of the organising, flow of the day, surroundings, environment, food, service, people. It was all just perfect and to top it off terrific value for a venue of this calibre.
Thanks you Dunkenhalgh Team
Karen and her team made the whole process stress free and took care of every last detail to ensure that we were in a position just to enjoy the day.
The venue - The Dunkenhalgh hotel is the perfect venue from the approach down a tree lined driveway and then to be greeted by a 700 year old manor house full of character and style...simply stunning with lots of great places for lovely wedding pics
The staff - the reception staff were warm and welcoming, the wedding day mc, Edweena, was friendly, efficient, always smiling and had absolutely everything under control at all times. Although there had been some relaxation to the covid rules, Edweena and her team managed the day and it felt totally normal
The room - we used the Townley Suite and had around 70 guests and it was just perfect, although room for a few more if required. The room opened out in to the gardens and because it was such a lovely day Edweena arranged for garden furniture to be laid out . It was like a beautiful summer garden party, being served canapes and fizz, with the string quartet playing in the background
The food - everyone at the wedding could not praise the food highly enough, it was absolutely delicious and where necessary the kitchen catered for the veggies and vegans. We couldn't have asked for more
The accommodation - the entire hotel had been refurbished during one of the lockdown periods and it now looks modern, contemporary and fresh. What a transformation. Our guests commented on how lovely their bedrooms were and would definitely be back for a longer stay.
All in all, impossible to fault any of the organising, flow of the day, surroundings, environment, food, service, people. It was all just perfect and to top it off terrific value for a venue of this calibre.
Thanks you Dunkenhalgh Team
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2021, rebeccahodgson2 said about Mercure Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa
I had rang two days before to secure room 72 and told this would be put against my details, on the system as loyalty card holder. Room had been given away to someone else. My room booking had not been made however the girl on reception was a little hostile.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2021, W6837QWstephenc said about Mercure Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa
We stayed there on Wednesday the 5/8/2021. From start to finish everything was spot on. We got there a little earler than expected so went into the bar and had a coffee and some soup. Checked in and found the room to be fantastic, could not fault it in any way. Every staff member we cam in contact with was so friendly, helpful and smiling. They couldn't do enough for us. The spa was superb, everything clean and sanitised, pool was a good size (personally would prefer a deeper pool than the 3ft something the pool is but it was very clean). Jacuzzi was good although not easy to turn on, but maybe that was just us. We tried the sauna and the steam room, all a great temperature. I tried the plunge shower (maybe called something else technically) it certainly woke me up.
The evening meal was great. I had the pizza but could not finish it because of the size. It was delicious (as was the soup and the cheesecake.
I can see why this hotel would be a favourite for weddings etc.
The hotel grounds were well kept but too much opportunity to walk round it.
If your looking for somewhere to stay or have your wedding or other 'get together' this is the hotel for you.
We will certainly be back.
Thank you to all the staff who made our stay so memorable.
The evening meal was great. I had the pizza but could not finish it because of the size. It was delicious (as was the soup and the cheesecake.
I can see why this hotel would be a favourite for weddings etc.
The hotel grounds were well kept but too much opportunity to walk round it.
If your looking for somewhere to stay or have your wedding or other 'get together' this is the hotel for you.
We will certainly be back.
Thank you to all the staff who made our stay so memorable.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk