Bodnant Garden North Wales

Bodnant Garden, North Wales

Bodnant Garden & Bodnant Hall, North Wales

The Pin Mill is probably the most recognized feature of Bodnant Garden. — The Pin Mill is probably the most recognized feature of Bodnant Garden

Bodnant Garden is located near Conwy, North Wales and encompasses 80 acres overlooking the Conwy Valley and the Carneddau Mountains.

Founded in 1874 and worked on by five generations of the family the gardens were donated to the National Trust in 1949.

With formal gardens as well as woodlands, meadows, dells, a narrow gorge, a wide range of water features and a waterfall, new sections of the gardens are still being created. There are thousands of different plants and trees collected from all around the world.

Bodnant Garden is a great place to visit whatever the season.

There is a suggested route that takes 2 to 3 hours to walk, but there are also plenty of other paths to explore and you should allow at least half a day for a visit.

The entrance to Bodnant Garden near Conwy, Llandudno, and Colwyn Bay. — The entrance to Bodnant Garden near Conwy, Llandudno, and Colwyn Bay

From the higher parts of the gardens there are views across the valley to the Carneddau Mountains. — From the higher parts of the gardens there are views across the valley to the Carneddau Mountains

History

In 1874 the Bodnant Estate was bought by Henry David Pochin, a wealthy and successful industrial chemist. Pochin hired Edward Milner and together they began converting the lawns and pastures of the estate into gardens.

One of the first things they did was plant many American and Asian conifers that have now grown to stately dimensions. A total of 42 of these majestic trees are now classified as "Champion Trees".

A 55-meter-tall redwood tree is believed to be the tallest in the UK. They also created the Laburnum Arch, one of the garden's most well known features whose 55-meter tunnel will be ablaze with flowers in late spring.

Henry also built The Poem, the name he gave to the family mausoleum located on the path down through the woods towards the Hiraethlyn River which runs through the property.

Henry Pochin's daughter, Laura, took over the development of the gardens and passed on her passion for gardening to her son Henry McLaren who took over care of the gardens in 1901.

He sponsored many plant hunting expeditions around the world and was responsible for creating what are now the National Collections of Magnolia, Embothrium, Eucryphia, and Rhododendron.

With his mother he also began the work on the five terraces of more formal gardens which step down from the main house and from where the most expansive views across the surrounding countryside and mountains can be had.

The family mausoleum called The Poem encountered along the woodland path down towards the river. — The family mausoleum called The Poem encountered along the woodland path down towards the river

Bodnant Hall reflected in the water of one of the formal garden terraces. — Bodnant Hall reflected in the water of one of the formal garden terraces

Canal Terrace

Probably the most iconic of these terraces is the Canal Terrace with the Pin Mill. Originally constructed in 1730 in Gloucestershire, it was dismantled and rebuilt here in 1938. From the second floor you can look out over the Lilly-filled ponds and the Rose Garden.

Since coming under the control of the National Trust the gardens have continued to expand with new features being added. Among the most recent are the Winter Garden, Old Park Meadow, Yew Dell, and a riverside garden, The Far End, all being opened in 2012. In 2017 Furnace Wood & Meadow also opened with a lot of walking trails.

Bodnant Gardens, North Wales. — The Boathouse and Skating Pond, two of the many water features at Bodnant Garden

Flowers can be found blooming throughout most of the year, though obviously spring and summer is the most profuse period.

Autumn brings a full range of changing hues. No matter what your preferences, it will be possible to find something intriguing within the gardens.

For refreshments, lights snacks, and drinks, there are two tea rooms offering indoor eating, and a couple of kiosks with outdoor seating that are open in peak seasons. Of course, there are lots of places to sit and enjoy a picnic.

There is a National Trust Shop, and a very popular place for visitors is the garden shop selling plants from the Bodnant nurseries.

The path runs alongside both banks of the Hiraethlyn River which bisects the gardens. — The path runs alongside both banks of the Hiraethlyn River which bisects the gardens

Access - Getting to Bodnant Garden

Bodnant Road, Tal-y-cafn
Colwyn Bay
LL28 5RE
Tel: 01492 650460

For opening times, entry prices for non-National Trust members, & current Covid restrictions, please see
nationaltrust.org.uk/bodnant-garden

By train the best station is Llandudno Junction in Llandudno from where a 26 bus stops at the garden entrance.

Late summer colors at Bodnant Garden in North Wales. — Late summer colors at Bodnant Garden in North Wales

Nearby

Bodnant Garden is basically due south of both Llandudno and Conwy. If you wish to stay in this lovely part of North Wales try the Bryn Tirion holiday home or The Farmhouse at Bodnant Welsh Food.

The Welsh Mountain Zoo is also a short drive away as is the picturesque town of Llanrwst.