While the horticultural fanatics amongst you may already know
about locations such as Bodnant Gardens in North Wales, there are
many lesser known, but no less worthy, gardening delights
throughout the area. This is one of the best regions in the UK to
take garden breaks - North Wales offers sweeping country panoramas
where the right road leads to a surprising garden destination.
If you are spending time at one of the beautiful North Wales
holiday cottages in the area then put at least one of these
splendid gardens top of your list for a visit:
Plas Brondanw
Set between the Snowdonia mountain range and the Irish Sea, Plas
Brondanw has been inspired by the garden landscapes of the Italian
Renaissance and was the brainchild of Sir Clough Williams-Ellis,
perhaps better known for his design of Portmeirion. Everything
about these gardens elicits a sense of drama, from the stone walls
to the tree avenues that act as an inspiring foreground to the
mountains in the distance.
Opening Times: The gardens are open generally between April and
September, 10am to 5pm, but private tours can also be arranged. For
more information, visit the Plas
Brondanw site.
Plas Newydd
Not far from the shores of the Menai Straits, Plas Newydd is one
of the most architecturally impressive buildings in North Wales.
The surrounding landscape and gardens are suitably large with
plenty to see. The 40 acre garden boast a range of fiery colours
and you can walk beneath a canopy of Chilean beeches or wonder
through the Rill Garden. A word of warning - it may take more than
just a day to see everything at Plas Newydd.
Opening Times: The gardens and tea rooms are open most of the year
round between 11am and 3pm. Find out more from their website.
Plas yn Rhiw
The gardens of this beautiful manor house are perfect for all
seasons. From the daffodils and tulips of spring, through to the
mopheads and lacecops of summer and the magnolias in autumn, Plas
yn Rhiw is a delightful place to visit. Situated on the Llyn
Peninsula, the gardens are surrounded by some of the most
spectacular countryside in North Wales.
Opening Times: The gardens are open between April and September
and some weekends during the winter season. Discover what Plas yn Rhiw has to offer on their
website.
Bodnant Gardens
Perhaps one of the best known garden breaks in North Wales,
Bodnant is found near the head of the Conwy Estuary and covers some
80 acres. From the upper terraces to the lower gardens, it boasts
plants from all around the world and is truly one of the most
magnificent sites in North Wales, especially in late spring when
their famous laburnum arch begins to bloom.
Opening Times: The gardens are open from the end of February
through to the end of October between 10am and 4pm. Find out what
more Bodnant has to offer from their website.
Plas Tan y Bwlch
Overlooking the valley of the River Dwyryd, the gardens at Plas
Tan y Bwlch are blessed with a backdrop of impressive scenery,
based as it is in the heart of Snowdonia National Park. If you want
to visit a rhododendron tunnel that is over 120 years old then this
is a great place for a gardening break in North Wales. It's also a
centre for learning and runs many courses throughout the
year.
Opening Times: The gardens are open all year round between 10am
and 4pm and you can find more on their website.
For garden breaks, North Wales provides more than its fair share
of places to visit, whether you are a green fingered enthusiast
looking for ideas for your own home or someone who loves the bright
colours and romantic landscapes of a country that always leaves a
grand impression.