Local Reviews
In September 2020, C.j. S said about Hestercombe Gardens
This is a beautiful part of the West Country to visit and an absolute Must Do if you're in Taunton or the nearby area. The gardens are really beautiful at this time of year too (September) when the leaves are starting to fall and the whole place is bathed in a golden light at the close of each day. Fish and duck food are available and an honesty box is provided. How they are managing to keep it looking so tidy with just TWO gardeners is beyond me but the areas in the landscape garden where it's 'returning to wilderness' don't look out of place at all. We have visited before and the shop, now in the main house, looks stunning with the extra light coming in and the surrounding views, and all the goods are so expertly chosen and displayed. It's very easy to social distance in there now where before it was not so easy and often felt a bit claustrophobic. Now it is clean and bright. It offers a wide range of local crafts and gifts at reasonable prices from beeswax candles to artisan fruit bowls and birthday cards and the odd Hestercombe souvenir too. It really compliments the whole ethos of the place - a great end to our visit. My little dog was made very welcome (on a lead) and was even offered a treat which made his day. Great customer service in the cafe and friendly faces all round. Plenty of socially-distanced picnicking going on and children are well catered for in the play area and follies where their imagination can run amok - especially in the spooky Witch's House up in the woods! Loved it. A true credit to the area.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In September 2020, Natalie said about Hestercombe Gardens
We were given a map to find our way around the gardens at first and our dogs made welcome with a dig biscuit.
We loved the waterfalls and all the different monuments around the gardens. Our dogs loved having a drink and paddle by the waterfall.
Finish our trip off with coffee, and lovely cakes from the stable cafe.
Definitely worth a visit including dog owners.
We loved the waterfalls and all the different monuments around the gardens. Our dogs loved having a drink and paddle by the waterfall.
Finish our trip off with coffee, and lovely cakes from the stable cafe.
Definitely worth a visit including dog owners.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In September 2020, Tim Desmond said about Hestercombe Gardens
Had a fantastic time exploring the Gardens with the very knowledgeable Chris to guide me through..thank you!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2020, brains15 said about Hestercombe Gardens
Excellent lunch..
Ordered the boxed special lunch. We had a roll and sausage roll, quiche with strawberries and cream.. a lovely lunch with the girl- friends
A pic-Nic in a box lovely idea.
Thank you
Ordered the boxed special lunch. We had a roll and sausage roll, quiche with strawberries and cream.. a lovely lunch with the girl- friends
A pic-Nic in a box lovely idea.
Thank you
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2020, Alan C said about Hestercombe Gardens
A large garden with a good mixture of formal planting and informal bedding on different levels with plenty of colourful planting. There are also woodland walks of varying length centred arond a well landscaped pond. The garden is full of interest, and although rather hard to find is well worth a visit. Nice tearoom serving snacks. The garden is encumbered by an awkward one way system which is really unecessary for a garden this size. I would also question whay they feel booking is needed as the garden is large enough to absorb hundreds of socially distanced visitors
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2020, Phil Griggs said about Hestercombe Gardens
We go quite regularly, this time- lovely autumn colours, just beginning, interesting art exhibition and a lovely Sunday lunch in the Bampflyde hall, friendly non intrusive staff, what more could you want on a bright chilly Autumn day.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2020, Gardens Visitor said about Hestercombe Gardens
Beautiful autumn colours, this is a much loved historical garden. There is plenty of interest here, from formal planting to rose beds, herbaceous perennials, wilder areas, pond and parterre. The tearoom is also very good, well organised and well run. We have visited many times, with family and also with garden groups. It never fails to enchant and delight, as one of Somerset's finest gardens.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2020, David M said about Hestercombe Gardens
WhT a shame the Georgian house had a Victorian makeover. The last thing it could be described as is pretty, but the pictures exhibited inside are very interesting.
The gardens are truly incredible. Not like Helligan, but over a similarly huge area incorporating hills and valleys in the landscape.
Do come here and allow a good few hours. We couldn’t quite see all of it since we arrived slightly late. Nice to have been able to enjoy the tea-room pre-Covid
The gardens are truly incredible. Not like Helligan, but over a similarly huge area incorporating hills and valleys in the landscape.
Do come here and allow a good few hours. We couldn’t quite see all of it since we arrived slightly late. Nice to have been able to enjoy the tea-room pre-Covid
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In February 2021, youngalistai said about Hestercombe Gardens
I visited a few years back but was reminded of this place when watching cothay manor doc. This is a much popular choice than cothey manor god knows why?. It was mid august when I arrived and hot! The gardens were dry very dry! and many areas had gone over by then or simply had not been planted up it was all a bit disappointing. I hope to return when lockdown is over but this place as a garden didn't really grab me a bit like a national trust garden a bit impersonal for the type of people that carry their children's toys with them.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In April 2021, S-Wooden-Top-Clarke said about Hestercombe Gardens
We had a lovely visit, having not been able to get out and about for so long. Claire and co have done a fantastic job under such difficult circumstances. We totally enjoyed the wildness of the walk and when we entered the formal gardens we were delighted to see the spring display, absolutely beautiful. How such few staff in extreme circumstances have managed to maintain such a vast area is amazing. Hats off to you all.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk