What to do and see in Wales, Wales: The Best Gardens

Please note: admission is by prebooked tickets only. Tickets can be obtained from the website www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bodnant-garden Nestled in the foothills of Snowdonia in North Wales, Bodnant Garden National Trust is a garden for all seasons. Located on a Conwy Valley hillside the 80 acre garden descends dramatically from neat lawns and grand, flower-filled terraces, through informal shrub borders, meadows and woods, to a valley of water gardens and giant trees. In the spring enjoy displays of daffodils, camellias, magnolias and rhododendrons; rose gardens, lily ponds, billowing flower beds and wildflower meadows in summer; a treescape of rich leaf colour in autumn; and acres of bright, frosty landscapes in winter.

One of Europe's finest examples of an 18th-century picturesque landscape, Hafod Uchrtrydd is a wooded estate located in the foothills of the Cambrian mountains of Ceredigion, Wales. The 9 miles of restored footpaths offer the visitor a unique experience which encompasse: the rich historic, a valuable and diverse ecology and the opportunity to be with wild nature.

Open from April until October, Gardens and Woodland Playground . Caerau Uchaf has the highest private garden open to the public in North Wales at over 1000 ft. We are Toby and Stephanie Hickish, who started building the gardens from scratch in 1994. They were a sideline to our garden design business and have been added to over the years. The cafe has become a significant part of the whole thing and we aim to produce really good home cooked lunches as well as Stephanie's great cakes. We also sell gifts and plants. Caerau Gardens and Cafe is open from Thursdays to Monday’s incl. from 10.00am until 5.00 pm. Dogs are welcome, we have two of our own who will willingly show you around the gardens. There is plenty of space to explore and quite a few unusual plants. Up in the woodland there is a wooden fort and a zip wire. If the weather is cooler we have a large room with a wood burner where you can enjoy great coffee and lovely food!

Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens have undergone a spectacular transformation and are being restored to their former glory. First laid out in 1804 in the 'picturesque' style of Humphrey Repton, the famous Victorian landscape designer, the gardens had become derelict by 1996. There are 10 acres of gardens, included a 2 acre Walled Garden, fantastic valley gardens packed with unusual and interesting plants, flowering shrubs and trees; river and waterfalls. Home made cakes are served in the traditional Tea Room. Visitor Centre describing the history and restoration of the gardens. In 2017 open 12noon-5pm on Weds/Thurs/Suns in April; Tues/Weds/Thurs/Suns May-Sep; Weds/Thurs/Suns in October. Pre-booked private group tours by appointment.

Bwlch y Geuffordd Gardens in Bronant is an ideal place to visit . Featured in the last series of “Pobl a’u Gerddi”, and also featured in ITV's Love Your Garden with Alan Titchmarsh, aired March 2020. Joint runner up of Gardeners World “Garden of the Year” competition, category “Challenging Plot”. There is something here for everyone. The garden is open daily, and is an adventure and fantasy garden for children (and adults). It is also a water garden, sculpture park, sumptuous flower garden, and so much more. Although the individual gardens differ widely in character, they still hang together as a delicious whole. It is peaceful, inspiring and colourful, wacky and wonderful, full of surprises, and a great day out for all the family.

This medieval castle, originally built as a fortress, houses one of the most beautiful and extensive collections of treasures from India.

Aberglasney was made famous by the BBC television series "A Garden Lost in Time" which followed its restoration. Today it is quite simply one of Wales' finest gardens. A renowned plantsman's paradise with a unique Elizabethan cloister garden at its heart, Aberglasney offers the opportunity to explore more than 10 acres of ancient gardens as well as the award winning Ninfarium: a special indoor garden filled with exotic plants from around the world. The gardens and the fully restored ground floor of Aberglasney's grade II* listed mansion offer a stunning venue for exhibitions and events. Aberglasney Gardens, the highly regarded tearooms, our shop and plant sales area are OPEN EVERY DAY (except Christmas Day.)The gardens are largely wheelchair friendly, (wheelchairs can be pre-booked.)

Covid-19 Update ~ Plas Newydd Tearooms will be open 10AM - 4PM daily. The Gardens and Grounds are open daily and free to explore! Plas Newydd Historic House will unfortunately be closed until further notice. Home of the ‘Ladies of Llangollen’ Miss Sarah Ponsonby and Lady Eleanor Butler captured the imagination of Regency society when they ran away and set up home together in Wales. Visit their extraordinary gothicised home and hear of the stream of famous visitors they received. Learn how they won the hearts of local people and turned a simple cottage into a fantasy of oak carvings and stained glass. Stroll through the gardens they developed and try homemade cakes in the tea rooms.