As summer draws near, now is the ideal time to immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of the region's renowned and award-winning gardens, basking in the resplendence of the remaining spring blossoms.
While most garden attractions welcome visitors throughout the year, we firmly believe that spring is an exceptional season to pay them a visit. Undoubtedly, it is a time of vibrant colours, with a multitude of flowers and blooming shrubs that will captivate and delight. Why not explore our favourites on your next visit to North Wales?
Plas Cadnant
Menai Bridge, Anglesey (25-minute drive from our hotel)
The restoration of this historical estate and its gardens commenced in 1996 and has been an ongoing labour of love ever since. It's not been without its challenges, including severe storms like Storm Eva in 2015, which wreaked havoc on the gardens, prompting a nationwide outpouring of support. Fortunately, Plas Cadnant has now been fully restored to its former glory and, it should be noted, is no longer the hidden gem it once was.
Featuring three distinct garden spaces, this remarkable location offers something for everyone. The formal Walled Garden showcases a majestic water feature, while the wild Valley Garden boasts cascading waterfalls. For those seeking solace in nature, the Upper Woodland Garden provides a sanctuary to lose oneself in.
Please note that the garden's current opening hours are from 12 noon to 5pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Visit the Events section on the Plas Cadnant website for a comprehensive list of activities, including the popular Gardener's Guided walks that provide a behind-the-scenes glimpse into daily life in the gardens.
Bodnant Garden
Tal-Y-Cafn, Conwy (a 45-minute drive from our hotel)
Renowned worldwide, the National Trust's Bodnant Garden, nestled in the Conwy Valley, is adored by tourists and dedicated horticulturalists alike. Spanning over 80 acres, this garden offers a fairytale forest, sparkling waterfalls, tranquil shaded pathways, and meticulously manicured terraces. Here, there is something to marvel at throughout the year.
Currently, the gardeners at Bodnant are eagerly awaiting the first signs of buds that will transform the Laburnum Arch into a glorious golden tunnel in just a few short weeks. This breathtaking spectacle lasts for only a brief period, and initial estimates suggest that the arch will burst into bloom between the end of May and the beginning of June.
Please note, visitors have the option to pre-book tickets due to high demand during peak times, such as during the Laburnum Arch flowering period. Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome at Bodnant every Thursday - Sunday between April 1st and September 30th.
Portmeirion
Pwllheli (50-minute drive from our hotel)
This distinctive Italian-style village, painstakingly crafted over several decades by architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, offers a taste of the Mediterranean in North Wales. Did you know that the geography of North Wales benefits from the moist weather brought by the Gulf Stream? This unique climate makes it an ideal environment for cultivating Mediterranean and tropical flora and fauna.
This characteristic is evident throughout Portmeirion, which is adorned with a splendid assortment of magnolias, azaleas, rhododendrons, and camellias, as well as a variety of subtropical trees, including ginkgo biloba, monkey puzzles, and cabbage palms.
Take your time to explore the charming village with its quirky shops and delightful eateries, and then allow yourself to get lost in the breathtaking gardens. Prepare to be amazed by the panoramic views of the estuary, the hidden woodland glades, and the enchanting gardens that seem straight out of a storybook.Please be aware that both the village and gardens are open seven days a week, from 9:30am to 5:30pm. It is essential to pre-book your visit through the Portmeirion website to ensure entry. Only registered guide dogs or assistance dogs are permitted within the premises.
Plas Newydd
Llanfairpwllgwyngyll, Anglesey (30 minute drive from our hotel)
Plas Newydd, perched upon the Menai Strait, is one of the most magnificent residences in North Wales. This National Trust stately home also boasts a stunning garden that is equally captivating.
Spanning an impressive 40 acres, the garden unfolds alongside an additional 129 acres of picturesque woodland and exquisite parkland. Within this expansive landscape, a diverse array of intriguing plants and wildlife awaits exploration.
This grandiose stone manor on Anglesey serves not only as a captivating piece of living history but also as a veritable greenhouse. The towering walls of the main house create a sheltered microclimate, nurturing exotic plants, while the Sunroom Courtyard hosts a stunning wall adorned with naturally-blooming flowers.
Be sure not to overlook the enchanting Italianate Terrace, adorned in a vibrant tapestry of blossoms and blooms. Delve into the leafy woodland, where Chilean beeches and majestic eucalyptus trees cast a tranquil ambiance. And no visit would be complete without marvelling at the Southern Garden, teeming with vibrant rhododendron and magnificent magnolia flowers in springtime.
Plas Newydd is also a wonderful place for getting to know the local wildlife. A decade ago, six red squirrels found solace here and now the gardens are home to a thriving community of over one hundred of these endangered British mammals.
Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome at Plas Newydd, apart from on the Italianate Terrace due to the precise planting in this area.
Ready to visit?
So there you have it, four great reasons to immerse yourself in North Wales' flourishing gardens this spring. With a multitude of captivating blooms and stunning landscapes, these remarkable destinations will leave you wanting more but, don't worry, summer's just around the corner... your perfect excuse to visit again!