Bodnant Garden and Plas Cadnant

PGG visit to Bodnant Garden and Plas Cadnant.

Bodnant Garden

Bodnant Garden is a National Trust property near Tal-y-Cafn, in the county borough of Conwy, Wales, situated overlooking the Conwy Valley towards the Carneddau range of mountains. With intimate corners, sweeping lawns, grand terraces and verdant woodland, there are many gardens in one at Bodnant.

Created over 150 years, with plants collected and brought to Britain from far afield, and the incredible vision of generations of the McLaren family and Puddle head gardeners, this haven of rarity and beauty with a stunning backdrop of the Carneddau mountains of Snowdonia is a delight for the senses. With year-round colour, the garden can be whatever you want it to be, whether that’s a hive of activity or a haven of tranquility and relaxation, this is truly a special place for all ages.

Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens

A historic garden under restoration, situated between Menai Bridge and Beaumaris on the Isle of Anglesey.
In 1996, the present owner bought the 200 acre Plas Cadnant Estate and work began on the restoration of the historic garden and grounds. Since then large parts of the gardens have undergone a spectacular transformation and have been restored to their former glory.
Described as one of North Wales best kept secrets is the hidden world of Plas Cadnant Gardens, situated at the side of the Menai Strait, hidden from view near to Menai Bridge on the Isle of Anglesey. Former owners of Plas Cadnant were related to the Tremayne family of Heligan House, now famous for its Lost Gardens. A new garden is being created on an historic site, becoming a plantsman’s paradise. Now considered amongst the liveliest twenty gardens of Wales, and featured in a new book ‘The Finest Gardens of Wales’ by Tony Russell’. Also featured in ‘Discovering Welsh Gardens’ written by Stephen Anderton and photographed by Charles Hawes.

Three gardens in one
Three different gardens have been discovered, including an unusual walled garden with curving walls and pool, a secret valley garden with three waterfalls and river, and an upper woodland garden with stone outcrops and the remains of a 19c. folly The first stage was to rescue the house and lodges, and to carefully restore the outbuildings and gardener’s cottage using traditional techniques and materials; these are now let as holiday accommodation to provide some supporting income. Work started on restoring the gardens and grounds in 1997, this was a huge undertaking as large areas had not been maintained for over seventy years. In 1998 the area immediately behind the main house became a ‘herb garden’. The following year the sheltered courtyard between the cottages was planted as a garden.

Programme

10.00am Refreshments on arrival at Bodnant Garden
10.30am Tour of Gardens including a peek behind the scenes led by John Rippon (Head Gardener)
12.45(ish) Buffet lunch 
1.45 Leave for Plas Cadnant on Anglesey
2.30 Tour of Plas Cadnant with Anthony Tavernor (owner)
4.30 Refreshments and depart for home

Address details

Bodnant Garden
Bodnant Rd, Tal-y-cafn, Colwyn Bay LL28 5RE

Plas Cadnant
Cadnant Road  Menai Bridge  Anglesey  LL59 5NN

Cost

The cost of this visit is £17.50.

Booking