Hall Place & Gardens Reviews Summary

Gardens and Grounds

Pros:

• "Lovely gardens and park with lots of flowers and features."
• "Plenty of space for games/picnics/groups to gather."
• "The gardens themselves are great for a gentle stroll."
• "Wonderful grounds full of stunning planting."
• "The grounds are very well maintained and in pristine condition."
• "The gardens are so beautiful and well cared for with ducks and geese roaming around not being bothered by people."
• "The gardens and grounds are very well kept and the topiary is excellent."

Cons:

• "The flower beds need attention."
• "Disappointing gardens. Perhaps not yet planted out fully yet but many bare borders, dry soil and not much to see flower wise."
• "The gardens are looking a little tired and neglected."
• "Cut backs are showing all over the park area. The greenhouse is closed, the weeds have taken over all the gardens."
• "We were very disappointed to find the orchard and fruit growing area overgrown."
• "Gardens are however let down by noise from the adjacent A2 arterial road."
• "Some of the plants in the gardens were sick and needed attention."

Cafe and Food

Pros:

• "Cafe had a good selection of food/snacks (cakes) hot and cold drinks."
• "Café connected to gardens (and overlooking the river) serves very good quality food at reasonable prices."
• "Cafe was well priced and food was delicious."
• "The cafe does some nice food and drinks at a reasonable price."
• "Good coffee and sensible pricing too. A roll for less than £1.50 is great when kids get it and then don’t always eat it!"
• "Nice cafe and prices are very affordable."
• "Good, well priced food in the café."

Cons:

• "Today was very disappointing... No toast for the other breakfast!... There was no apology and the general attitude of all the staff... was surly."
• "Cafe and visitor centre not open due to Covid and sadly no toilet facilities at the moment either."
• "The only thing that lets this place down is the quality of food in the cafe."
• "Riverside cafe terrible with some sparse airplane prepackaged baguettes or sandwiches served with bad coffee in a paper cups,do not recommend."
• "However, the cafe here is rubbish. The service is slow, inefficient and closes promptly at 4:30 on a sunny Saturday afternoon!!"
• "Riverside cafe is very slow and food is not brilliant."
• "The restaurant is convenient, but we found the food to not be very good."

Parking and Accessibility

Pros:

• "Parking is free."
• "Easy parking."
• "So easy to park (and it's free!)."
• "There is a huge car park which is free."
• "Parking is free and plentiful."
• "CURRENTLY PARKING IS TOTALLY FREE! no matter how long you're there."
• "Ample free parking."

Cons:

• "The gardens themselves are great for a gentle stroll. However, they shut quite early in summer."
• "Lovely day out very interesting only downside was the fact it's not really suited for anyone with a disability although there was a small electric mini bus type thing that would take you back up the hill."
• "It's quite close to the road so need to be careful while playing."
• "Only down side is that there's not a specific kids play zone with frames etc."
• "Parking can get quite busy when the sun comes out."
• "I think cafe and toilet facilities should stay open to at least 7pm during the summer months."
• "The park closed at 4pm... Although it said the carpark gates would close at 4:30, they were still open at 5pm when we parted ways."

Events and Activities

Pros:

• "The Jambs Owls was amazing! We all got to hold an owl."
• "We were lucky to go on a market day, with plenty of excellent produce available."
• "Attended Fairy School with my 4 year old daughter and her friend and we all loved it."
• "There always seems to be some kind of event going on here, especially during half terms and holidays."
• "Extra visits are the butterfly and owl exhibits which for a small fee you can experience also."
• "We visit Hall Place many times during the year the children love the themed activity trails, the butterfly garden and the owl enclosure."
• "Craft days are held and walks are organised by the RSPB and local groups."

Cons:

• "It's such a shame that an entry fee to the gardens is now going to be charged."
• "No exhibits in the gallery."
• "Butterfly experience ok but think overpriced for the size of room."
• "They are also going to close The Stables gallery and use it as their shop."
• "The house wasn't open but it was a Sunday and I don't know if this is the same on weekdays."
• "House closed, large greenhouse closed."
• "The only thing that lets it down a bit is the house is always closed and the green house is closed for good which is a real shame."