Botanical Gardens in Wales to Visit This Autumn
Wales is home to some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the world, with cliffs, mountains, lakes, and gardens that will take your breath away. In this blog, we are taking a closer look at some very special gardens in particular: Botanical.
Many of the botanical gardens in Wales are owned by the National Trust, so whilst you stay at Lake Country House, you can make the most of some of the most beautiful locations in Wales. There are many glorious gardens to explore, and we will be listing the best of the best botanical gardens for you to visit this autumn season.
National Botanic Garden of Wales, Carmarthenshire
The National Botanic Garden of Wales is in the village of Llanarthney in Carmarthenshire. It’s the most visited garden in Wales, which is no surprise as it holds 568 acres of scenic nature with over 6,000 different plant varieties!
There is a range of themed gardens, including the world’s largest single-span glasshouse and the British Bird of Prey centre. These gorgeous gardens are just an hour away from Lake Country House, so enjoy the peaceful countryside drive there when you come to stay with us.
Bodnant Garden, Glan Conwy
Bodnant Garden is a National Trust-owned Garden just off the A55 in Glan Conwy in North Wales. Many people say it’s a must-see location if you’re in North Wales, as it has over 80 acres of gardens and is also home to some stunning seasonal displays.
Its most distinctive display is the vibrant Laburnum Arch which blooms with an array of bright colours in the summer (but only for a few weeks, so you must be quick to see it!). The display attracts more than 50,00 visitors each year, which is no surprise as both the oldest and longest arch in the entirety of Britain! The 55-metre-long avenue was first established in 1880 by the garden’s founder who was Victorian and has been a popular place to visit ever since.
Aberglasney Gardens, Carmarthenshire
Aberglasney Gardens in Llangathen is home to some of the most beautiful displays. Within its 10 acres of luscious nature, you’ll find more than 20 different themed gardens, including the Elizabethan Cloister Garden, the last remaining of its kind in the whole of the UK. These gardens are also home to a Grade II listed mansion known as a venue for weddings and exhibitions.
In the 15th century, the Aberslasney Gardens almost vanished, but in the 1990s, the gardens and mansion were recovered. Since then, themed areas have been erected with several cloisters, pools, parapets, and arches that sit perfectly within the surrounding woodlands. These gorgeous gardens are less than an hour away from our Lake Country House, so why not enjoy a tranquil stay with us whilst you enjoy the nature of Wales when you visit this autumn?
Dewstow Gardens, Monmouthshire
Dewstow Gardens was rediscovered in 2000 by James Pulham & Sons landscapers, rock builders and garden designers, as the original Edwardian gardens were buried since the 1940s. Many ponds, rills and rock gardens were uncovered, as well as a labyrinth of underground grottos, tunnels, and sunken ferneries that were all restored whilst keeping their Edwardian originality. The gardens are one of the most interesting in South Wales, with their decorative beds, waterfalls, pools, and meticulously landscaped paths.
Portmeirion Gardens, Gwynedd
With over 70 acres of sub-tropical forest, 20 miles of scenic trails, and hidden lakes to explore, Portmeirion Gardens are well worth the visit. The enormous grounds of The Gwyllt also feature a Japanese Garden and Shelter Valley, so prepare for a day out you'll remember as there is so much to see at these exquisite gardens.
Wye Valley Sculpture Garden, Monmouthshire
Wye Valley Sculpture Garden sits within the ancient, wooded slopes of the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It’s home to herbaceous borders, a pond, woodland areas, and an orchard with meadows that all provide a highly rich habitat for wildlife.
A local artist named Gemma Wood created sculptures which are an excellent addition to the harmonious garden. Depending on where you are coming from, you could consider visiting these gardens on your travels to stay with us here at Lake Country House this autumn so that you get the balance of Wales’ natural beauty as well as the utmost relaxation at our lakeside spa and hotel.
Book Your Luxury Stay Today
Wales’ botanical gardens are just the start of what lies within the rest of our magical nature reserves and places to visit. We hope that this selection of gorgeous gardens will encourage you to come and visit Wales, as well as stay in the cosy countryside with us here at Lake Country House. To make a booking this autumn, contact us today.