With long, hot summer days giving way to something more balmy, it’s the ideal time to visit one of North Wales’s award-winning gardens. It’s slightly cooler but the days are still long, giving you plenty of time to explore and linger among the last blooms of the season. Don’t be fooled into thinking that the best floral shows of the year are over; there’s a particular beauty and tranquillity in late season flowers that’s really special. There’s also a hint of things to come; a new, cooler season, just as bright and beautiful but also very different. Why not discover our favourite garden gems in North Wales on your next visit?
Visiting these gardens by public transport couldn’t be easier! Many of the region’s finest gardens are accessible on the Conwy Valley and the North West Wales Coast lines, with a short onward journey by bus.
Please keep in mind that, when planning your green-fingered day out, we recommend you check with Traveline Cymru for the most up-to-date public transport and travel information before you go.
BODNANT GARDEN, Conwy Valley
Image Credit: © Hawlfraint y Goron / © Crown copyright (2023) Cymru Wales
Alight at: Llandudno Junction (then 25 minutes by bus)
Bodnant Garden, managed by the National Trust and located in the beautiful Conwy Valley, is a must-visit garden. Covering over 80 acres, it is home to a magical forest, waterfalls, shaded pathways and well-maintained terraces, ensuring there’s something to appreciate all year round.
As well as the stunning array of flora and fauna, visitors can choose to follow one of a number of trails around the garden. These trails showcase some of Bodnant’s most beautiful features, including Furnace Wood, the Old Mill and The Poem. Throughout the year, the National Trust also runs a packed programme of family activities and events at Bodnant, such as guided walks with the head gardener, children’s trails and crafts, and seasonal celebrations.
It’s recommended to pre-book tickets during busy periods like the summer holidays. Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome from Thursday to Sunday between April 1st and September 30th.
We love: after a lovely few hours exploring the garden, take home a memento of your visit from Bodnant Garden Centre. Selling a selection of National Trust goodies plus a range of boutique items, you’ll find the perfect keepsake.
PLAS CADNANT HIDDEN GARDENS, Anglesey
Image Credit: © Hawlfraint y Goron / © Crown copyright (2023) Cymru Wales
Alight at: Llanfairpwll (then 30 minutes by bus)
Since the commencement of restoration work in 1996, the historical estate and gardens of Plas Cadnant have transformed through the dedicated efforts of its management team and volunteers. The transformation was not without its trials, including major storm damage in 2015, but nationwide support helped bring the gardens back to their former grandeur.
The gardens here cater to diverse interests, comprising three unique spaces. The formal Walled Garden displays an impressive water feature, the Valley Garden houses beautiful waterfalls, and the tranquil Upper Woodland Garden offers a serene escape.
The garden is open from 12 noon to 5pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Visit the Plas Cadnant website for more details on events, such as the popular Gardener’s Guided walks.
We love: treating ourselves to a delicious afternoon tea after a leisurely stroll through the gardens. Indulge in a tempting selection of homemade sandwiches, cakes and, not forgetting, the ubiquitous scone with clotted cream and jam!
PLAS NEWYDD HOUSE & GARDENS, Anglesey
Alight at: Llanfairpwll (then 30 minutes by bus)
Situated on the Menai Strait, Plas Newydd is another grand country estate cared for by the National Trust. The garden, which covers 40 acres, extends to an additional 129 acres of scenic woodland and parkland, offering diverse flora and fauna for exploration.
This imposing stone manor on Anglesey is a living history exhibit and a haven for plants. The walls of the house create a protected microclimate, ideal for exotic plants, while the Sunroom Courtyard features a beautiful floral wall.
The Italianate Terrace is a must-see, with its display of colourful flowers, and the woodland area with its Chilean beeches and eucalyptus trees is a peaceful retreat. The Southern Garden is a spectacle in spring with its rhododendron and magnolia blooms. Wildlife enthusiasts will be thrilled to know that the gardens are also home to over one hundred red squirrels.
Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcomed in most areas of Plas Newydd, excluding the Italianate Terrace.
We love: just how family-friendly Plas Newydd is! For such an imposing building it couldn’t be more welcoming; there’s so much to do here for youngsters, including the amazing adventure playground in Dairy Wood and garden games on the lawn during the summer months.
READY TO VISIT?
So, there you have it – three compelling reasons to discover the vibrant gardens of North Wales this summer. The delightful scenery and the variety of flora on display will certainly impress, and as autumn nears, you’ll find yourself planning your next visit.