Bodnant Gardens (National Trust), Conwy, North Wales
Spectacularly beautiful all year round, Bodnant Gardens is one of the most magical gardens in Wales. Now belonging to the National Trust, it’s situated a few miles inland above the River Conwy with breathtaking views across to the Snowdonian Range.
Visit Bodnant Gardens in early spring for carpets of snowdrops, hellebores and daffodils. Later in the season you’ll see displays of rhododendrons and azaleas and the world famous laburnum arch. Foodie Travellers will love its combination of landscapes, exotic plants, stunning flowers and excellent tea shops. Even better, there’s a Welsh Food Centre nearby brimming with gastronomic delights and a Cookery School too.
- Free entry to National Trust Members
- Walk around the garden
- Enjoy lunch or Afternoon Tea
- Visit the Bodnant Welsh Food Centre and Cookery School nearby
Visit Award-Winning Bodnant Gardens
Built in 1792 and occupying 80 acres, Bodnant Gardens and Hall belonged to a liberal politician and his wife, a talented horticulturalist and founder of the Liberal Women’s Suffrage Union. The garden which is open to the public, has previously been voted “The Favourite Garden in the Country” by The Daily Telegraph.
Walk Around The Gardens
Walk around the upper level and you’ll find Italianate terraces, formal borders and sweeping lawns. On the wilder lower level, known as the Dell, you’ll see plants that have come from all over the world, their seeds or cuttings collected over a century ago.
Play Croquet on the Lawn
Buy a delicious soft scoop ice cream and go for a magical wander around the garden. Play croquet on the lawn, soak up the powerful scent of summer roses or simply sit back, relax and watch the dragonflies dart across the lily pond. Earlier in the season, the terraces play host to a spectacular display of camellias and magnolias bursting with spring fragrance.
Warm Up By the Fire With a Mug of Tea
At the bottom of The Dell, cross the waterfall bridge into the lowest part of the garden with its magnificent collection of Redwood trees towering above you. Rest your feet and enjoy a mug of tea in the Dell Tea Shop where, in winter months, you can warm yourself by the blazing outdoor brazier before climbing back up.
Eat Lunch on the Terrace
Recover from your climb with a leisurely lunch in The Pavillion Tea Room and a glass of locally produced wine or beer. The Magnolia Tea Room with its cosier feel and courtyard location serves tea, homemade cakes and scones.
Tips
- Visit Bodnant Gardens in late summer when the fragrant rose gardens are at their best
- Buy picnic food at nearby Bodnant Welsh Food Centre
- Keen cooks can sign up for a course at the Bodnant Cookery School
Where to Stay in North Wales
Bodysgallen Hall
Llandudno, North Wales
A distinguished 17th-century hall set in 200 acres of parkland, with spectacular views of Snowdonia.
Rooms from £151 a night.
Dogs
I’m welcome every day during the winter. From May to the end of August, I’m invited to Wag Wednesday when the garden is open to dog walkers in the evening from 5-8pm.
How to Find Bodnant Gardens
National Trust, Bodnant Gardens, Tal-y-cafn, near Colwyn Bay, Conwy, North Wales LL28 5RE
Visit Website
The Foodie Travel Guide
Sally is the founder and editor of The Foodie Travel Guide. She travels around the UK and beyond in search of the best foodie days out, tasting experiences and delicious places to stay. She loves a glass of English sparkling wine, afternoon tea with friends and escaping London for gastronomic adventures.