There are many wonderful gardens to visit in Wales. Here are just a handful of the gardens to visit in Wales that you should be sure not to miss:
National Botanic Garden of Wales
This garden is a popular visitor attraction and a key centre for botanical research and conservation. Many people come here to explore the 568-acre site with its many horticultural displays, flowering meadows, woodlands, lakes and the largest single-span glasshouse in the world. This garden set in the beautiful Carmarthen countryside also has a butterfly house and a Bird of Prey Centre. There are many events here throughout the year.
This is another wonderful site in the Tywi valley to explore. Here you will discover a mediaeval house surrounded by stunning gardens. The gardens were praised during the 15th Century but had almost vanished before being restored in the 1990s. The garden’s restoration was followed by a BBC television programme – “A Garden Lost in Time”. And those with a love of plants are sure to be enchanted as they make their way around this 10-acre site.
Picton Castle and Gardens, Pembrokeshire
There are many beautiful natural environments in Pembrokeshire to explore. And yet this 40 acres site around a stately home feels a magical world apart. The beautiful woodland gardens and grounds here are wonderful to explore. A grand walled garden has recently been restored and there is a remarkable collection of medicinal herbs in the heritage centre courtyard. There is also the Welsh Owl Garden. In addition, there are many other beautiful garden areas, from shady woodlands to an exotic jungle garden, willow dens, family trails, and plenty of wonderful wildlife.
Many people are familiar with the breathtakingly beautiful Italianate village of Portmeirion. This was created by the Welsh architect Clough Williams-Ellis between 1925 and 1976, to show how a naturally beautiful site can be developed sympathetically. The Gwyllt (wildwood) at Portmeirion is a sub-tropical paradise of around 70 acres, with miles of pathways, hidden lakes, temples and stunning views. There are plenty of gems here to explore.
While in the area, you should also venture to Plas Brondanw Gardens – another legacy of the architect. He inherited this property and set about creating beautiful gardens with yews, an orangery and breathtaking mountain views, investing a lot into the property and its plants over his lifetime.
Those who have an interest in gardens that are functional and food-producing, not just ornamental, should consider a visit to one of Wales’ many sustainable sites. Lammas Eco village Saturday tours allow visitors to learn more about a series of smallholdings – their landscapes and the food and other resources they grow as well as their lifestyle and sustainable architecture. Learn more about permaculture gardening and permaculture in practice, and gain inspiration for your transition to a greener way of life.
Another very interesting garden to visit for those who are interested in sustainable gardening and low-impact food production is Cwn Cou Forest Garden, in Ceredigion, near Newcastle Emlyn. You can take a two-hour tour to learn more about forest gardening – a key permaculture gardening approach. Here you can explore gardens designed to work with and mimic natural systems, and discover the bountiful yields they can provide.
Nestled within the picturesque landscapes of North Wales, Bodnant Garden is a botanical paradise that enchants visitors with its harmonious blend of vibrant flora, tranquil water features, and awe-inspiring views. Spread across 80 acres of land, this horticultural gem offers a captivating journey through time and nature, captivating the senses and providing a peaceful escape from the bustling world.
