Hestercombe Gardens Reviews 

If you try to buy membership and select 'no gift aid' (eg if you don't pay tax - like many pensioners) you get the rather odd message:

"By asking us not to treat your payment as a Gift Aid donation we cannot make the maximum use of your donation. If you cannot Gift Aid your order but are happy to proceed with a donation please continue, otherwise please choose alternative tickets."

Clearly, there are no "alternative tickets" so that is just guff. And what "donation" are they talking about?

If you do proceed then the payment page indicates the payment is "gift aid eligible" so despite clicking the no gift aid option they are going to reclaim tax on it - which means you will now be liable to HMRC for that payment.

I'd be surprised if this was actually legal, but in any event it makes it impossible to buy membership as far as I'm concerned.

We just shared my daughter's wedding day at this romantic and beautiful setting. We did have perfect weather which enhanced the magical gardens and scenery. The day was further enhanced by the attention to detail met by the staff, led by the wedding's organiser Courtney. Thank you all for making this day so memorable. A great place to visit and even better for a wonderful wedding.

Nice gardens , but overpriced food in the restaurant, I recently visited July 2004. But felt awkward when paying for admission by the woman at the kiosk. A donation was automatically added . But was told I could decline it if I wanted. I said yes to decline. But she was quite rude when I did .

Lovely to see this property being restored but pathways aren’t all well maintained unless you stay in the formal garden and pump room area. Fabulous restaurant/coffee shop in a nice setting. Well worth coming back for.

Wonderful food in a stunning setting. We had a truly delicious afternoon tea - a real treat!

As a wedding photographer, I have had the opportunity to photograph a wedding at Hestercombe, and I must say it is one of the most idyllic and spectacular wedding venues I have ever had the privilege to capture. Nestled in tranquil countryside, the venue boasts sweeping lawns, three stunning historic gardens, and the iconic Ham Stone Lutyens-designed Orangery, all of which provide the perfect backdrop for a truly unforgettable wedding.

The couple getting married at Hestercombe are given access to the entire fifty acres of beautiful landscape and formal gardens during their big day, ensuring that their wedding is private and exclusive. The venue's focus on exclusivity is truly what sets it apart, as it is the only wedding taking place that day, and the friendly and accommodating team is dedicated to making the day perfect.

One of the most convenient aspects of Hestercombe is its license for civil ceremonies, allowing the couple to hold their ceremony, drinks reception, wedding breakfast, and evening party all at one spectacular and spacious location. The experienced team works closely with the couple to make their special day truly unforgettable.

In conclusion, as a wedding photographer, I highly recommend Hestercombe to anyone looking for an idyllic, exclusive, and unforgettable wedding venue in Somerset. The tranquil countryside, stunning gardens, and friendly team all make it a truly special place to celebrate your special day.

Kindest regards
The Kensington Photographer