Hestercombe House & Gardens - Taunton

Ella A.

This is the first time visiting Hestercombe Gardens and I was pleasantly surprised at how lovely and well kept the gardens are. As you can see I visited on a chilly January day, but there was still enough with the landscaping, formal gardens, planting, water, trees and far reaching views to be very enjoyable. Perhaps because there were few visitors it had a very peaceful energy to the gardens. Lunch was very tasty, but a better choice of dairy free/vegan would be welcome.

Nigel M.

We went for a Christmas season visit to enjoy the seasonal "Illuminate" light show and a walk around the gardens in the dark. The staff have had a lot of fun setting up lights in the trees, bushes and waterfalls, with a spectacular finale on the front of the house. There were quite a lot of people, with a bit of path congestion in places, but then it is a brilliant place for a family trip. Definitely a fun and unusual way to see these beautiful gardens and the exterior of the house

Adam C.

Really lovely experience at for the Christmas lights.
Really well done, and perfect to make you feel all festive.
The paths were all accessible, even after a fair bit of rain.

Not been during the day, but keen to revisit after this time!

James C.

Working as the wedding photographer at Hestercombe House and Gardens this year was an experience I won’t forget anytime soon. From the moment I arrived, I was struck by the sheer beauty of the venue. The blend of natural landscapes, architecture and elegant garden spaces provided countless opportunities for stunning photography, and I found myself spoilt for choice when it came to capturing memorable moments.

But what truly made the day extraordinary was the exceptional team behind the scenes. The staff at Hestercombe House and Gardens were simply incredible, showing a level of care and attention to detail that ensured the day flowed effortlessly. They were always on hand to assist with anything the couple or their guests needed, all while maintaining a calm and cheerful presence.

It’s no wonder this venue is so highly regarded. I’m already looking forward to returning for weddings in 2025 and 2026 and am confident that those couples will experience the same unforgettable day.

Thank you for making my couple’s wedding so special and for creating an atmosphere of pure joy and celebration.

Warm regards,

James Clarke at Just James Wedding Photography.

Julian D.

This only came into the ownership of the Trust in 2013 after being council run since just after WWII. This is a long term project which deserves support, it is also interesting to see it evolve as changes are implemented.

Super restaurant in the old stables which have been painstakingly preserved and the gardens are really enjoyable. The house is a work in progress and it is a delight to see it come back to life.

Serena

Great day out for a long ramble. Lots of beautiful places to stop and picnic, ramble about and explore.
Witchy huts, secluded woods, old barrack buildings and temple style buildings. Several large ponds and a waterfall, ponds with lots of ducks and a resident swan too. (You can get bags of duck/fish food from reception)
Some of the pathways are very steep and unsuitable for people with limited walking function, but these paths are clearly marked. Plenty of meadows and winding pathways to explore for the dogs, and a small play area at the start of Hestercombe. (There were dog water bowls placed about the grounds too)
There are toilets at the start, the restaurant area, and the building with the old farm machinery by the duck ponds and in the main house. There's a good selection of hot foods and cakes from the restaurant with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. Lots of benches are scattered throughout the grounds for regular rest stops. The more formal gardens are beautiful with their flower beds and walkways, overall a very enjoyable day out.

mark S.

Christmas Lights

A fantastic night out at Hestercombe’s light show! The atmosphere was magical, with beautifully arranged Christmas lights and mesmerizing displays that brought the gardens to life. The hot chocolate was a treat – warm and delicious, perfect for keeping cozy on a winter evening. Highly recommend this for families or anyone looking to get into the festive spirit!

31 R.

Gardens are gorgeous but entrance fee is steep and it's not clear where the money goes. The house is owned by the Crown Estate, l think. Or at least it was handed over in lieu of death duties. A bit of transparency about finances would be helpful.