Hidden Gardens of Wales

The Welsh Borders are a fascinating region, famous for its rolling soft countryside, rich history, festivals, and gastronomy. Discover more about life in a special Welsh Country House at Erddig. Its walled garden, rose garden and topiary form one of the most important and largest surviving 18th century gardens in Britain. Enjoy its garden spaces, riverside walk, and trails, all bordered by wildflowers. Meander through the Welsh countryside to something quite different at Powis Castle. Situated beneath a medieval castle, this fine garden takes inspiration from Italian and French styles and boasts spectacular yews, an orangery, and Edwardian gardens. Take in the atmosphere of Llangollen, an historic town filled with Welsh charm through which the waters of the River Dee tumble. Its unique place in Welsh culture is assured by its annual Musical Eisteddfod, it’s also part of the World Heritage Site that stretches along its famous canal and spectacular Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, the ‘stream in the sky.’

Head north and explore mythical Snowdonia, which evokes tales of magic, giants, and dragons. Discover the world-famous Bodnant garden, home to National Collections and champion trees, nestled in the foothills of Snowdonia. Experience intimate corners, sweeping lawns, grand terraces, and verdant woodland. Enjoy a glorious afternoon tea and cakes while enjoying the colour and scent from the historic rose gardens, with dramatic views of the Carneddau mountains. Explore the World Heritage Site at Conwy Town, one of Britain’s best-preserved medieval towns. Preserved ancient walls, the most intact in Europe, enclose a town of narrow cobbled streets, nooks and crannies chock-full of historic buildings. Finish the day by at the traditional Victorian seaside resort of Llandudno with a stroll along its promenade and pier.

Journey down the Cambrian Coast, a loosely defined mountain-backed strip of land running from the Llyn Peninsular to Cardigan Bay, on a winding route full of spectacular seascapes. Fall for the eccentricities and architectural whimsy of Portmeirion, inspired by the multicoloured facades of Portofino in Italy. This surreal Welsh village will have you feeling like you’ve been transported to another land. Follow the coastline to the pretty village of Harlech, with an imposing medieval castle perched high like a sentinel overlooking the Irish Sea. The castle was home to the medieval ruler and famous rebel, Owain Glyndŵr, Prince of Wales. Step back in time at the elegant Georgian villa of Llanerchaeron estate, a perfect example of a traditional Welsh villa unaltered for over 200 years. Enjoy the evening sunset in the charming, colourful Georgian town of Aberaeron, where sail boats and fishing vessels line the harbour, and the air carries the scent of the sea.

Tucked into the rugged landscapes of Northern Pembrokeshire, stumble across the across the small yet intimate garden of Dyffryn Fernant. Covering six acres, this former runt of land has been transformed, and an imaginative, wild landscape has emerged, offering beautiful flowers growing from every corner of the garden. Those searching for hidden pleasures might take a detour down the Cwm Gwaun Valley and get lost in time at the Dyffryn Arms in the company of Bessie, the no nonsense proprietor. Climb to the magical mountain of Carningli, ‘the rocky summit of the angels,’ which enjoys panoramic views over the northern coastline and southern Pembrokeshire landscape. Explore the perfect Welsh coastal village of Newport tucked away from the world. A magical place for food-lovers, artisans and dreamers.

Begin your day with a pilgrimage to St David's, de facto ecclesiastical capital of Wales, a magical city with an impressive 12th century Cathedral and Bishops Palace. Journey south to the Cleddau estuary to explore the unusual 13th century buildings at Picton Castle. Once a medieval castle, it’s now been transformed into a stately home surrounded by 60 acres of some of the most beautiful woodland gardens in Wales. Discover the castle’s rich history before taking a stroll through the ancient woodlands filled with wildflowers and enjoy the exotic jungle and walled gardens. Travel on to the Stackpole estate blessed with the softest of dune-backed sandy beaches, wooded valleys and famous lily ponds. End the day in much-loved Tenby. Explore its cobbled streets filled with shops, cafes and galleries, its pretty harbour, and stretches of sandy shoreline which define this remarkable Victorian seaside resort.

Travel into Carmarthenshire, where a heritage landscape awaits. Discover the magic of Laugharne, once famously described by the resident Welsh poet, Dylan Thomas, as “a timeless, mild, beguiling island of a town.” With over 560 acres to explore, The National Botanical Gardens of Wales is fortunately on route. Its great greenhouse, designed by famous British architect Norman Foster, is the centrepiece, housing many rare plant species. You’ll also enjoy its nature reserve with waterfalls and cascades. Nearby, lose track of time at one of Wales’s finest gardens in historic Aberglasney, a medieval house and gardens set in the Tywi Valley. Make sure you find its award winning Ninfarium, that houses sub-tropical and exotic plants.

Journey over the sandstone peaks of the Brecon Beacons to Wales’s capital city. Spend the morning in Cardiff, which boasts a long and fascinating history buoyed by the success of its natural harbour and docklands that now form the Cardiff Bay waterfront. Visit an oasis outside the city at Dyffryn gardens, an ambitious Edwardian garden revival located on more than 55 acres of land. It’s home to intimate garden rooms from the Pompeiian garden, paved court, reflecting pool and a Mediterranean garden. Head into the picturesque Wye Valley to discover Tintern Abbey, a gothic masterpiece, standing roofless on the banks of the Wye. Bask in the tranquillity of the Wye Sculpture Garden nestled among ancient, wooded slopes, providing an ever-changing backdrop of colour and texture throughout the seasons. Settle down for an evening to remember in one of our favourite restaurants, embracing the produce from the region, hedgerows, and woodland.