We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

Hestercombe Gardens

Cheddon Fitzpaine, Taunton TA2 8LG, England
01823 413923
Website
Update attraction details
Ranked #2 of 19 attractions in Taunton
Type: Gardens
Owner description: Hestercombe is a unique combination of three centuries of garden design: Coplestone Warre Bampfylde's Georgian landscape garden, the Victorian terrace... more » Owner description: Hestercombe is a unique combination of three centuries of garden design: Coplestone Warre Bampfylde's Georgian landscape garden, the Victorian terrace and shrubbery and the stunning Edwardian garden design by Sir Edwin Lutyens and Gertrude Jekyll. All have undergone acclaimed restoration work and today provide important examples of gardens in contrasting styles that continue to grow and develop. The award-winning visitor facilities include the warm and welcoming Stables Restaurant & Coffee Shop with a bright, airy, stylish Courtyard.Copyright © Hestercombe Gardens « less
Write a Review

114 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    51
    43
    12
    3
    5
Date Rating
Guildford, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
26 reviews 26 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 June 2013 NEW

Ugly house with stunning gardens. A must see in this area. Excellent care too. My wife raved about the garden design (Lutyens) and planting (GJ). I could not care less about gardens really but even I was impressed.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by aj t for Taunton
Taunton, United Kingdom
Contributor
19 reviews 19 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 June 2013

A fantstic place to visit whether your your or old , but bloody expensive to get in ,i know the gardens need a lot of upkeep but please dont turn it into some sort of theme park for plants sometimes the natural beauty of something is bettter

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 8 more reviews by 855David for Taunton
Somerset
Senior Contributor
33 reviews 33 reviews
19 attraction reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 June 2013

We went to the 'fete' and booked on line for a discount. Take a pic nic but leave it in the car and go back at lunchtime as the picnic benches are outside the gardens, but by a small play area & have a great view & some shade. The gardens are beautiful, from large landscaped expanses to the idyllic... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Taunton, United Kingdom
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
11 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 June 2013

A world famous garden, incorporating designs from the eighteenth and twentieth ceturies by important architects and garden designers, and magnificently restored and tended. Well worth a visit, although I thought the restaurant was a shade pricey.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 4 more reviews by francis b for Taunton
Gosport
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 June 2013

The introductory film showing the history of the reclaiming of the gardens is fascinating, such a lot of hard work and it shows, the gardens are extensive with beautiful walks through woods and by the large ponds etc. Wonderful views of the surrounding countryside from the top meadows. The formal gardens are still undergoing restoration but still very interesting. The... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Taunton, United Kingdom
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 1 June 2013

We've visited here on numerous occasions, on our own, with family, and with friends. We've been on different times throughout the year, spring, summer, autumn, winter, and it's always memorable, relaxing and very beautiful. our dogs love it here too and are always welcomed.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 8 more reviews by kaff206 for Taunton
swindon
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 May 2013

Wonderful late spring day out visiting this historic garden which did not disappoint even though it rained the whole day. Beautifully restored and cared for and a must for all garden enthusiasts. Surprisingly large, a slow amble round the whole site takes at least two hours although the important formal Edwardian garden can be visited in an hour. A real... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Hertfordshire UK
Senior Contributor
33 reviews 33 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 26 cities Reviews in 26 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 May 2013

We were very disappointed with Hestercombe when we visited, several years after first going, on May Bank Holiday Sunday. Whilst the woodland walks are still lovely, the formal gardens are a shadow of their former glory. Large gaps in planting, not much colour and a distinctly "municipal" planting scheme on the terrace below the house. We concluded that several years... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Hestercombe G, Manager at Hestercombe Gardens, responded to this review
4 June 2013

The gardens at Hestercombe are a historically accurate collection and both the planting scheme in the Formal Gardens and the design of the Landscape Garden strictly follow the plans of the original designers, down to the very last detail. For the Formal Gardens this includes a pared down planting scheme over the winter months as the Portman family dictated when... More

Bristol
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 May 2013

Went for a wedding reception and the venue was outstanding. From what we saw both walking around and from photos a beautiful place

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by Beverley A for Taunton
Lancaster, England, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
34 reviews 34 reviews
13 attraction reviews
Reviews in 28 cities Reviews in 28 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 May 2013

These are lovely gardens that have been painstakingly restored. Not an easy garden to walk around, plenty of hills but the effort paid off with the wonderful bluebell woods. Later in the year one can see where more colour will appear in the garden. A bit more in spring would help, especially in the more formal part of the gardens.... More

Was this review helpful? Yes

Travellers who viewed Hestercombe Gardens also viewed

 
Taunton, Somerset
Taunton, Somerset
 

Been to Hestercombe Gardens? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Hestercombe Gardens, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing