Castles and Gardens of North Wales for Gardeners World

Make your own way to our hotel in Llandudno, where you will meet our Tour Manager and enjoy a relaxing evening.

This morning we head to Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens. Described as one of North Wales best kept secrets, the hidden world of Plas Cadnant Gardens is situated at the side of the Menai Strait, hidden from view near to the Menai Bridge on the Isle of Anglesey. In 1996 the semi-derelict estate was purchased by Anthony Tavernor, a former dairy farmer from Staffordshire. Work began on a huge programme of restoring the historic buildings and gardens: large areas had disappeared under a dense canopy of self-seeded trees, laurel, and wild rhododendron, and the walled garden and valley areas were only accessible with the use of a chainsaw. Since then, Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens have undergone a dramatic transformation, and now the contrasting formal and picturesque elements extend to some 10 acres. Discover the estate’s history from the early 19th century through to its decline and to the rediscovery and restoration of the gardens over the last 25 years. Appreciate the formal beauty of the walled garden and lose yourself in the stunning valley gardens. On arrival, we relax over tea and coffee and a short talk by the owner, followed by a guided tour, including an area not open to the public. Afterwards, there is time for a further look around before an included lunch of soup and sandwiches with coffee and cake. This afternoon we visit Penrhyn Castle, which you are free to explore at your own pace. The neo-Norman castle is the former home of the Pennant family and was rebuilt between 1820-1833 using profits from the North Wales slate industry and sugar plantations in Jamaica. From the castle itself to the walled gardens, to the Victorian kitchen and little railway museum, there is plenty to see here. Our coach transfers us back to the hotel later this afternoon. Dinner is included at the hotel this evening.

We start our day with a visit to the tranquil Gwydir castle. One of the most important Tudor houses in Wales, Gwydir was acquired in 1994 by Peter Welford and author Judy Corbett. At this point, it was in desperate need of restoration, so they took on the mammoth task of restoring the house and gardens whilst managing to retain Gwydir's timeless atmosphere and natural beauty. Of note is the returned 17th century panelled dining room, which was bought by William Randolph Hearst of Citizen Kane fame, and has now been reinstated in its rightful home of Gwydir. A guided tour will take you back through over 500 years of history as the castle shares its stories and secrets, and is followed by an included cream tea, with further time to explore the gardens and admire the resident peacocks along the way. This afternoon we head to Bodnant Garden where you can wander at leisure. Spanning across 80 acres and over 250 years of horticultural history, the National Trust’s Bodnant Garden is home to five Italianate terraces, wildflower meadows, woodland, and riverside gardens. During spring, you’ll see the champion trees and national botanic collections alongside daffodils, bluebells, camellias, magnolias, the laburnum arch, and rhododendrons. When Victorian industrialist Henry Davis Pochin bought Bodnant at auction in 1874, it was an estate with a walled garden, woods, and plantations. It was Pochin’s grand vision which originally shaped Bodnant into the world-renowned garden that we see today. Gifted to the National Trust in 1949, the donor family continue to maintain a link to the gardens. The 21st century has brought about the opening of previously private areas such as the Winter Garden, Old Park, Yew Dell, The Far End, and Furnace Wood. We return by coach to the hotel where we enjoy dinner together this evening.

This morning we start at Bodrhyddan Hall, the home of Lord Langford and his family. Bodrhyddan has been home to successive generations of the same family and is one of the few remaining family-owned stately homes in Wales. As the hall passed through the generations, styles and tastes shifted, with the most recent additions being designed in 1874 by the renowned architect, William Eden Nesfield. On arrival you will embark on a guided tour of the house, which gives great insight into this beautiful family home. Then we enjoy morning coffee before joining the head gardener, Jane, for a tour of the gardens. The gardens cover around 12 acres and include a formal parterre, cascading lawns, and a Japanese walk of life. The garden is home to several native trees and others from further afield, including giant sequoia, cedar of Lebanon and an Indian bean tree. The tour is followed by an included light lunch before we head to our next visit. This afternoon we take a guided tour of Brynbella Garden with the owner, followed by free time to explore further. Brynbella, built in 1793, was the home of Mrs Thrale, famous in history for rejecting Dr Johnston to marry her daughter's Italian music teacher, Gabrielle Piozzi. Together they built the house and laid out the garden. Best described as a series of rooms, the garden is comprised of an outstanding award-winning gravel garden designed by Andy Sturgeon; a walled garden encompassing an orchard, rose garden, borders, glass houses and a very productive vegetable garden; a woodland garden; an Italian garden; a water garden; and long borders, lawns, and sculptures. The gardens are laid out over 7 acres, adjoined by a further 2 acres of woodland. They are situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty in the Vale of Clwyd and overlook Brynbella’s listed 40-acre park. After our visit we return to the hotel by coach. Dinner in the hotel tonight.

After breakfast you are free to check out of the hotel and depart at leisure. You could even take the opportunity to make your way up the Great Orme in Llandudno or visit the neighbouring town of Conwy before you head home.

**Accessibility Information**

Plas Cadnant Gardens

The valley garden area has steep, sloping paths and for this reason wheelchair access is not recommended. There is however a viewing point from which wheelchair users can look down over the valley gardens. For those on foot, but with more limited mobility, we would remind you that going down can be quite easy but walking back up again can be a challenge.

Bodnant Garden

Some areas of the garden are not suitable for those with limited mobility and if using certain mobility aids, such as small scooters. Most paths are compressed shingle, there are also mown grass paths and gravel paths, and these surfaces can be adversely affected by the weather and may be difficult for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. There are some steep paths within the garden. There are also many steps within the garden, but they are all avoidable. Please ask at the visitor reception for an access map.

Penrhyn Castle, Gwydir Castle & Bodrhyddan Hall

These buildings all have steps inside.