Gardens of North Wales
North Wales is full of gardens. So many, in fact, you’d be forgiven for wondering where one ends and the next one starts. Things grow bigger and better in the great outdoors, too. It’s the climate that does it. Being so close to the sea, and all that rain. Which could explain why there are 18 record-breaking trees at Bodnant Garden. And why Dibleys nursery has picked up 18 gold awards at the Chelsea Flower Show.
You won’t be surprised that Portmeirion has plants usually found in the Brazilian rainforest growing happily outdoors. And that Medwyn Williams’ vegetables have won him ten gold medals at Chelsea. Or that Erddig’s crop of apples is so big they have to throw a festival in its honour.
Perfect Time To Go
April - October
Number Of Nights
3
Find out how we can customize this package for you:
For further information and bookings please contact us:
Email: enquiries@best-of-scotland.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1592 752990
Fax: +44 (0)1592 331680
Toll Free: 1-888 678 1567 USA/Canada
Day 1
Start your journey at the National Trust’s 100-acre Bodnant Garden – a ‘must see’ place for every true garden lover. The setting is breathtaking, with views down to the River Conwy and across to Snowdonia. Bodnant has 5 Italianate terraces and manicured lawns leading down to a wooded valley with a sparkling stream running through a secluded wild garden.
Why not pop into one of the friendly pubs for a snack before crossing the Menai Strait to another classic – Plas Newydd on Anglesey. Again, the position is stunning, with the garden offering fabulous Menai views. The spring displays of acid-loving azaleas, camellias and rhododendrons are out of this world. Overnight Anglesey or Caernarfon.
Day 2
Travel along the Aberglaslyn Pass through the rugged scenery of the Snowdonia National Park to Plas Brondanw Gardens and Portmeirion, both created by the architect Clough Williams-Ellis.
Plas Brondanw is a quirky Edwardian garden, divided into rooms – each surrounded by its own different shaped hedges. The outlook tower provides amazing views over Snowdonia and the sea. You’ll also find decorative painted metalwork, ponds and statues.
Portmeirion is nearby. It’s an architectural fantasy with beautiful planting on a wooded hillside on its own peninsula. It’s also famous for being the filming location of the cult TV series ‘The Prisoner’! This extraordinary village is surrounded by the wild ‘Gwyllt’ gardens that contain many rare Himalayan flowering trees.
Just a ten minutes drive takes you to Plas Tan y Bwlch Gardens, an ornamental garden surrounded by oak woodland and owned by Snowdonia National Park. The Victorian mansion is a study centre but the gardens are open to the public. The higher parts of the garden have formal terraces, a water garden, a Japanese garden, rhododendron, azalea walks and a wildlife garden. Overnight Porthmadog, Portmeirion, Bala or Llangollen.
Day 3
On the east side of North Wales, near Wrexham, you will find 2 national trust properties – Chirk Castle and Erddig.
Chirk Castle has been home to the Myddleton family for more than 500 years. The historic award-winning garden has clipped yews, herbaceous borders, shrub and rock gardens with a terrace with views over 9 counties!
Erddig’s 18th century country house is one of Britain’s finest historic houses. The formal walled garden and romantic landscape park is home to the National Ivy Collection, a canal, pond, some rare fruit trees and 13 miles of footpaths.
If there’s time visit Powis Castle and Garden in Welshpool. It has a world famous terraced garden, overhung with clipped yews, shelters rare and tender plants with an Italian and French influence. High on a rock above the terraces you’ll find the medieval castle. Overnight Llangollen, Wrexham or Welshpool.
Included in this package:
- 3 nights hotel accommodation on a bed & breakfast basis
- Hire of a self-drive rental car
- VAT at 20%