Gardens in Wales

Wales has a glowing reputation for its natural beauty and breathtaking landscapes, but it also boasts a wealth of carefully cultivated gardens. From the grandeur of old Victorian estates to the quaint charm of local hidden gems, the gardens of Wales offer a splendid assortment of experiences that draw visitors from around the world. In this article, we will guide you through some of the most notable gardens in Wales for you to add to your itinerary.

National Botanic Garden of Wales, Carmarthenshire

The National Botanic Garden of Wales in Carmarthenshire is a jewel of horticultural and architectural innovation set amidst the lush landscapes of Wales. This extensive garden covers over 568 acres and is a hub for botanical research while offering a great variety of attractions for visitors of all ages.

The Great Glasshouse

At the heart of the garden lies the Great Glasshouse, designed by the acclaimed architect Norman Foster. This striking structure is the largest single-span glasshouse in the world and serves as a sanctuary for a diverse collection of Mediterranean climate zone plants, including many rare and endangered species. The controlled environment within the glasshouse mimics various global conditions, offering a beautiful glimpse into different ecological settings and the plant species they support.

Historical and Productive Gardens

Adjacent to the iconic glasshouse is the Double Walled Garden, an 18th-century feature originally designed for both utility and beauty. It has been restored to its former glory, now bustling with a mix of kitchen garden produce and decorative plants. This area of the garden blends practical gardening techniques with ornamental horticulture, showing the historical evolution of garden design and plant cultivation.

The British Bird of Prey Centre

Adding to the garden’s attractions is the British Bird of Prey Centre, which is a great way to learn about Britain’s native birds of prey. The centre offers daily flying demonstrations and educational talks, giving you a chance to learn and have fun while watching these magical birds in their element.

Heritage Garden of Excellence

Aberglasney Gardens in Carmarthenshire, also known as the Heritage Garden of Excellence in Wales, is an iconic piece of Welsh culture. Renowned for its stunning beauty and unique Elizabethan cloister garden, Aberglasney offers a gorgeous window into the past by showcasing centuries of Welsh gardening tradition.

Unique Architecture and Garden Rooms

Aberglasney is celebrated for its distinctive architectural features, including the iconic cloister garden and the unique Ninfarium – a delightful indoor garden established within the ruins of the mansion. These features are complemented by several formal and informal gardens, including the Pool Garden, the Lower Walled Garden, and the Bishop’s Garden, each offering distinct designs and atmospheres that highlight different aspects of the garden’s historical evolution.

Gardens in North Wales

North Wales is steeped in natural beauty and history, but it also enjoys many meticulously cultivated gardens. The region is home to some of the most well-designed green spaces in Wales, each with a unique character and story to tell.

Bodnant Garden, Conwy

Bodnant Garden is one of the most beloved gardens in North Wales, adored for its stunning formal areas, expansive lawns, and a famous laburnum arch that blooms spectacularly in late spring. Spread over 80 acres, the garden is situated above the River Conwy and offers breathtaking views across the valley towards the Snowdonia range. The garden’s plant collections include national collections of Magnolia, Camellia, and Rhododendron, alongside Italianate terraces, meandering streams, and vibrant floral borders.

Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens

Plas Cadnant, located near Menai Bridge on the Isle of Anglesey, is often described as one of North Wales’s best-kept secrets. These “Hidden Gardens” have been lovingly restored from a state of neglect into a stunning retreat that oozes tranquillity. The gardens are set in a picturesque valley and offer a variety of landscaping styles, including wooded areas, a walled garden, and a waterfall garden, creating a mesmerising experience of discovery for visitors.

Erddig, Wrexham

Erddig, near Wrexham, tells the story of a garden linked closely to its house and the family who lived there. The National Trust property is notable for its formal gardens, which have been restored to their 18th-century formal design. It features clipped yews, herbaceous borders, and a large walled garden that produces a variety of fruits and vegetables. Erddig also offers a poignant glimpse into the lives of the servants who maintained these grounds with great dedication, highlighting the social history intertwined with the garden’s growth and preservation.

Hafod Estate, Ceredigion

The Hafod Estate is one of the finest examples of the Picturesque landscape movement in Britain. Located in the Ystwyth Valley near Aberystwyth, the estate covers over 500 acres of valleys, rivers, and woodlands. Its network of historic walking paths, designed in the late 18th century, invites visitors to explore its diverse landscapes that include rustic bridges, cascading waterfalls, and ancient woodlands.

Powis Castle and Garden, Powys

Although on the edge of what might traditionally be considered Mid Wales, Powis Castle’s gardens are an essential part of the region’s horticultural appeal. This castle is famous for its spectacular terraced gardens, which are adorned with elaborate topiaries, stunningly verdant borders, and a collection of rare plants that blend Italian and French styles.

Gregynog Hall, Powys

Gregynog Hall is another gem in the heart of Wales, known for its historic hall and beautiful gardens. Situated near Newtown, the estate features formal gardens, ancient woodlands, and a decorative lake that reflects the serenity of the surrounding landscape. The hall’s gardens are meticulously maintained, featuring collections of rhododendrons, magnolias, and other specimen trees, which flourish in the Welsh climate. Gregynog also serves as a cultural hub, hosting music festivals and art exhibitions, making it a centre for both natural beauty and the arts.

Gardens in South East Wales

South East Wales, with its varied landscapes ranging from industrial towns to breathtaking rural expanses, offers a fantastic range of gardens that bring together history and botanical interest. This region hosts some of Wales’s most accessible and diverse gardens, providing a fascinating exploration of both historic and contemporary horticultural styles.

Dyffryn Gardens, Vale of Glamorgan

Dyffryn Gardens, located in the Vale of Glamorgan, are perhaps the most exemplary of the South East’s garden offerings. Spanning more than 55 acres, these Edwardian gardens are known for their grand design and structured landscapes. They feature a collection of intimate garden rooms, each with its own unique character and planting scheme. The extensive arboretum at Dyffryn houses a wide variety of trees from around the world, while the impressive glasshouses restore tropical and subtropical plant species.

Tredegar House, Newport

Another jewel in South East Wales’s garden crown is Tredegar House, one of the most significant late 17th-century houses in the British Isles. The gardens and parkland surrounding this historic house offer a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Morgan family, who lived there for over 500 years. The gardens have been restored to their 17th-century baroque layout, featuring elaborate topiary, ornamental ponds, and a restored orangery, all set within an extensive park that offers walks through ancient woodland and along tranquil lakes.

Gardens in South West Wales

South West Wales, with its dramatic coastlines and lush, green landscapes, is home to some of the most historically rich gardens in the country. This region, known for its rugged natural beauty and agricultural heritage, hosts a variety of gardens that range from grand estates to intimate, community-managed spaces. Each garden showcases the diversity and ecological richness of the area, making it a must-visit destination for garden lovers.

National Trust’s Colby Woodland Garden, Pembrokeshire

Colby Woodland Garden in Pembrokeshire is a prime example of a garden that invites you to explore it. Nestled in a tranquil valley, it offers a mix of formal gardens and wild woodland that are perfect for walks. Springtime sees the woodland floor carpeted with bluebells, and in summer, the walled gardens come alive with vibrant displays of rhododendrons and azaleas. The garden’s streams and ponds attract a variety of wildlife, making it a perfect spot for nature enthusiasts. Colby also offers a variety of themed trails and family-friendly activities throughout the year, ensuring that each visit can offer a new experience.

Upton Castle Gardens, Pembrokeshire

Upton Castle Gardens is a lesser-known gem that features medieval structures alongside 35 acres of historic gardens and woodland. This green space includes a formal rose garden, flower borders and a chapel dating back to the 13th century. The surrounding woodlands offer peaceful walks under the canopy of ancient trees, and the seasonal changes bring diverse colors and textures to the landscape, reflecting the rich tapestry of Welsh gardening.

Picton Castle and Gardens, Pembrokeshire

Picton Castle and Gardens, another highlight of South West Wales, combine historical architecture with diverse plantings. The castle itself dates back to the 13th century, while the gardens are a more recent development, showcasing a mix of formal areas, a walled garden, and extensive woodland walks. Known for its collections of rhododendrons, magnolias, and camellias, Picton offers a spectacular display of colour, particularly in the spring and early summer.

Discover the Most Beautiful Gardens in Wales

Although Wales may be best known for its natural beauty, it certainly doesn’t lack perfectly manicured and historically rich gardens. Whether you’re travelling across the country or staying in one region, you won’t struggle to find some of the UK’s most resplendent and loved green spaces in Wales. With the suggestions from this article, you can embark on a journey through Wales’ most iconic and important gardens.