A horticultural paradise featuring stunning landscapes and diverse plant collections, Bodnant Gardens is managed by the National Trust. The garden features 80 acres of formal terraces, lush lawns, and serene woodland areas, captivating visitors year-round.
Where is Bodnant Gardens?
This National Trust property is located in Tal-y-Cafn, in the scenic Conwy Valley in North Wales.
One of Britain’s grandest plantsman’s gardens, it's set out according to the classic recipe of formal spaces around the house, which is overlooked by the Carneddau mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia) and a wilder valley garden below.
What is Bodant Gardens known for?
The writer Harold Nicolson, of Sissinghurst fame, called it “Wales’ wonder of the world”.
Bodnant Garden has a rich history dating back to its creation in 1874 by Henry Pochin. It has been developed and maintained by generations of the McLaren family and the National Trust.
The writer Harold Nicolson, of Sissinghurst fame, called it “Wales’ wonder of the world”.
Which National Collections are at Bodnant Gardens?
Home to five National Collections, including Rhododendron forrestii, magnolias, embothriums (Chilean fire bush), eucryphias and Bodnant Hybrid rhododendrons.
Rhododendrons
Rhododendrons, wild shrubs native to Southeast Asia, were introduced to Bodnant Garden in the early 1900s by notable plant collectors Ernest Wilson and George Forrest during their expeditions in central China.
While over 300 hybrids were originaly grown at Bodnant, today they have reduced to around 185.
Champion trees
In addition to the National Collections, a recent survey by The Tree Register identified around 40 UK Champion Trees and 130 Welsh Champion Trees at Bodnant Garden.
Beeches, oaks, sycamores, and chestnuts were first planted in the late 1700s. Notable Champion Trees include the 35-meter Giant Sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum 'Pendulum'), planted in 1890, and the 20-meter Japanese Umbrella Pinem (Sciadopitys verticillata), believed to originate from a single plant brought to Britain by Thomas Lobb in 1853.
When to visit Bodnant Gardens
Spring:
If you really want to know spring has arrived, lift your eyes to the thousands of pink goblets on a magnolia tree the size of a sycamore, silhouetted against a blue sky. Where better to do that than at Bodnant, on Wales’ north coast?
Swathes of parkland are spangled, naturalistically so, with golden daffodils. Pink and white magnolias of all sizes are everywhere, as well as cherries and bluebells, of course. Camellias and early rhododendrons abound, even blue ones. Streamside ferns unfurl under giant redwoods and, finally, sheets of vibrant, fragrant azaleas fill the air, as white wisteria pours down the terrace walls. It’s an amazing spring spectacle.
Don't miss the Laburnum Arch, one of the most iconic features - a 55-meter-long tunnel of laburnum trees that bloom with cascades of yellow flowers in late spring, creating a stunning display.
Summer:
Explore the beautifully renovated terrace gardens, including the Top Rose Terrace and Lower Rose Terrace, showcasing fragrant English roses from the David Austin collection, blooming from June to October.
The Range flower beds near the Visitor Welcome building, showcase a vibrant display of summer colours from fiery reds and ambers to mellow yellows.
Don't miss new additions like the White Garden, Himalayan Poppy Bed, and the redesigned Canal Terrace borders.
Autumn:
Wander through the Glades, where trees like cornus, prunus, liquidambar, and paulownia create a stunning autumn display. The acers also light up the arboretum from September to November.
Winter:
Visit the Winter Garden, near the top gate to Old Park Meadow, offering a serene setting with cornus, skimmia, cyclamen, iris, and daphne, providing interest even as the colder months approach.
Can you take your dog to Bodnant Gardens?
Yes, dogs are welcome but they need to be on short leads - extendable leads aren't allowed. You can take your furry friend between Thursday and Sunday, from 1 April to the end of September and every day from October to the end of March.
Planning Your Visit:
Check the National Trust website for opening times (which vary seasonally) and current admission prices.
Explore More:
While you're in Conwy, explore the imposing Conwy Castle or stroll the historic town walls for stunning views of North Wales. However, if gardens are your passion, check out our expert guide to the best country gardens in the UK, and the best National Trust houses, which includes Kingston Lacy, Hardwick Hall and Stourhead.
