Local Reviews
In March 2020, K2sfb said about Hestercombe Gardens
We visit Hestercombe gardens on a regular basis as we are members so can go all year round.The gardens are beautifully maintained with formal gardens and walks around more naturalised areas. Lovely orangerie where it is possible to get married and secluded seating areas scattered around the gardens. At any time of year the gardens can be admired with short films showing to inform about the family and history. Thoroughly recommended šš
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In March 2020, S-Wooden-Top-Clarke said about Hestercombe Gardens
Visited today (14/03) Had a lovely light lunch Cider & Onion soup - very tasty. The cafe staff are always polite, friendly and helpful. We then took a walk around the extensive grounds. The Primroses and Daffodils are beautiful and it was lovely to see the Magnolias and early Rhododendrons. The waterfalls are marvellous after all the rain. The Sun even shone for us. We were particularly looking forward to seeing the Swans and were delighted to see that there were also a pair of Canada Geese. In all good the years that weāve been visiting we have never seen them here - wonderful. All in all, at this grim time we had a very ācheeringā experience.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2020, Brian Parker said about Hestercombe Gardens
Great that these gardens have emerged from lockdown,and such a lot of effort has been put in to accommodate us all.Cafe open and garden seating available.The gardens have been maintained during lockdown by two gardeners who have attended every day.It is a joy to visit again and wander through the gardens and paths which are well signed to keep us well distanced.The whole experience seems new and wonderful to be back.
We can only thank the staff for their efforts which is truly superb.Thank you all
We can only thank the staff for their efforts which is truly superb.Thank you all
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2020, Kate S said about Hestercombe Gardens
Our first proper family day out since the COVID-19 lockdown began 3 months ago, and it was wonderful. The skeleton staff of Ben (general manager)& Claire (head gardener) have worked so hard to keep the gardens beautifully maintained and make the whole place safe for visitors. The two cafe staff were also fantastic, as were the lunches & cakes. (First lunch out in 3 months too). The whole experience was absolutely delightful. Thanks for carefully letting the visitors back into Hestercombe - canāt wait to come back again soon!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2020, aliwoollacott said about Hestercombe Gardens
We were only here for a short time on Saturday but were really impressed by the varied and spectacular array of flowers there.
It is a huge area and we only had time for the gardens by the house. I think you could spend the whole day there amongst the different areas.
Robert (general manager) was especially helpful with assisting our booking.
It is a huge area and we only had time for the gardens by the house. I think you could spend the whole day there amongst the different areas.
Robert (general manager) was especially helpful with assisting our booking.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2020, AnonBristol1 said about Hestercombe Gardens
A beautiful place to stroll around. Lovely to see the gardens in a relaxed state, like the horticultural equivalent of a lockdown haircut. A current bonus is 'Jackdaw Line' by Richard Long, although there didn't seem to be any information about it.
Things that could do with improving:
- staff on entry were rather bossy and flustered; no real welcome; used my open car window as a surface on which to write, which I disliked intensely - it felt very intrusive
- the member of staff in the cafe (when it was quiet and I was the only customer) seemed surly - I only bought refreshments to support Hestercombe as I had provisions in my car, and felt it wasn't appreciated
- some of the items on the menu, eg cream tea, are for two - why discriminate against solo visitors?!
- there are only portaloos and they don't have hand-washing facilities, although there is sanitiser. The cubicles are tiny and the doors are always closed, which didn't seem a good idea - if they faced a different direction the doors could perhaps be left open between users, which would be safer, or maybe some other ventilation could be arranged. I really didn't feel happy using them in these circumstances but had travelled some distance so didn't have a choice.
Things that could do with improving:
- staff on entry were rather bossy and flustered; no real welcome; used my open car window as a surface on which to write, which I disliked intensely - it felt very intrusive
- the member of staff in the cafe (when it was quiet and I was the only customer) seemed surly - I only bought refreshments to support Hestercombe as I had provisions in my car, and felt it wasn't appreciated
- some of the items on the menu, eg cream tea, are for two - why discriminate against solo visitors?!
- there are only portaloos and they don't have hand-washing facilities, although there is sanitiser. The cubicles are tiny and the doors are always closed, which didn't seem a good idea - if they faced a different direction the doors could perhaps be left open between users, which would be safer, or maybe some other ventilation could be arranged. I really didn't feel happy using them in these circumstances but had travelled some distance so didn't have a choice.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2020, Christine M said about Hestercombe Gardens
I appreciate that Covid has made most staff furloughed but these gardens looked neglected for much longer than that. The woodland garden was a pleasant walk, left to nature but the formal gardens really weren't that imaginative and poorly maintained. Looks like it needs a real investment and for the entrance price it wasn't good value.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2020, Bru B said about Hestercombe Gardens
Such a lovely place
The gardens are so good this time of year and the woodlands are great for those walks.
The flowers were beautiful and covered in bees, butterflies and other insects.
In the woods and the surrounding fields many different birds were spotted, sparrow hawks, kestrel, a lazy buzzard soaring overhead.
This was quite the most lazy walking day Iāve had just taking in the beauty of an old English garden
At the end we had a very nice afternoon tea, well made and reasonably priced
The gardens are so good this time of year and the woodlands are great for those walks.
The flowers were beautiful and covered in bees, butterflies and other insects.
In the woods and the surrounding fields many different birds were spotted, sparrow hawks, kestrel, a lazy buzzard soaring overhead.
This was quite the most lazy walking day Iāve had just taking in the beauty of an old English garden
At the end we had a very nice afternoon tea, well made and reasonably priced
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2020, Sam H said about Hestercombe Gardens
Hestercombe gardens is a unique and wonderful place Whatever the time of year . You could be anywhere in the world in different parts of the gardens . Well worth a visit , or many
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2020, Ian W said about Hestercombe Gardens
An enjoyable walk thru the gardens and are still interesting and beautiful despite the issues in plants. Also had an enjoyable lunch in the cafe. Excellent service from the courteous staff. Highly recommended
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk