We decided to stop off at National Trust.s Bodnant Gardens on the way to our to cottage. Bodnant Gardens has been on our to do list for a while, so I am happy to say that we have now ticked that off our list. We have been National Trust members for years and this year I have created a bucket list of properties to visit across the UK. 🌳🌳
Scroll to the bottom of this post to see our pictures
About Bodnant Gardens
Founded by Henry Pochin, a captain of industry and Scientist who had a passion for plants.
Henry made his name and fortune with the discovery of a distillation process. The family is really interesting and I suggest purchasing a guide book ( We get one from every place we visit) He later married Agnes who was a figure in the suffrage movement. Later in life Henry was a Justice of the Peace, Deputy Lieutenant and Sherriff of Denbighshire, Henry later died in 1895, Agnes in 1908.
Laura Pochin, daughter of Agnes and Henry, also shared a passion for plants and later developed the Arboretum in the far end and the wild garden. Laura later married Charles McLaren and they both continued with the Suffrage campaign. For 85 years the development of Bodnant Garden was a family affair, a partnership between the McLarens and their head gardeners, the Puddles. With an influx of plants from around the world, the garden was transformed. You can find out more about the history HERE
On our visit
We were really surprised actually, the gardens were gorgeous with something to see everywhere you looked. Lots of plants were already flowering and the weather was fantastic! It was like a lovely summers day. We spent around 3 hours here, although we could have spent longer but we had to head to the cottage to get booked in. You can easily make a full day out of it. We found some lovely spots that would make ideal picnic spots, watched some ducks waddle down the path, found a waterfall, and climbed up some steep steps.
There are over 80 acres to explore which includes Informal Gardens, Meadows, woodland, dells, watergardens, laburnum arch, Italianate terraces of roses, lots of plants such as magnolias and rhododendrons. We didn't eat here today but we did walk past a few of the eateries and the menu seemed good with light bites etc. The whole place was spotless with plenty of toilets too. We really enjoyed our visit and would love to go back one day and explore further. The views are amazing with the backdrop of Carneddau Mountains of Snowdonia. The boys said they all enjoyed a walk here and would go back!
I would recommend a National Trust membership as family day ticket costs £37.50. If like us you visit National Trust properties often it is worth considering. We have been members for over 10 years now and we get our moneys worth.
There is no house to go in, it is all outdoors so please check the weather.
Good to know
🌳Large car park with disabled bays and drop off points
🌳Play area is in the car park which also has a willow maze and den building area
🌳Furnace & meadow trail - 2miles
🌳Terrain- Uneven, steep in places although wheelchairs are available to use
🌳Plenty of toilets including accessible
🌳Three places to grab a light bit or drink
🌳Second hand book shop
🌳Dogs are welcome Thursday-Sunday 1st April-30th September
🌳We would recommend wearing sensible footwear and grab a map to take around with you, as the sign posts are not the best.
🌳Large garden centre to have a nosey around although this does not belong to National Trust. Prices were reasonable and there also a gift shop.
🌳No pre booking is needed, however it can get busy during peak times.
Address
Tal-Y-Cafn,
Near Colwyn Bay
Conwy
LL28 5RE
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