Gardens of North Wales

This morning, after breakfast, we travel to the privately-owned garden of Maenan Hall, a beautiful property on the slopes of the Conwy Valley, with dramatic views of Snowdonia, set amongst mature hardwoods. Both the upper part, with sweeping lawns, ornamental ponds and retaining walls, and the bluebell carpeted woodland dell contain copious specimen shrubs and trees, many originating at Bodnant. Magnolias, rhododendrons, camellias, pieris, cherries and hydrangeas, amongst many others, make for a breath-taking display.

In the afternoon we travel to Colwyn Bay where we visit Bodnant Garden situated above the River Conwy spanning some 80 acres looking across the valley towards Snowdonia.  The garden has two parts – the upper garden around Bodnant Hall, which consists of the terraced gardens and informal lawns, and the lower garden – known as the “Dell”, formed by the River Hiraethlyn and containing the wild garden. Bodnant has a range of beautiful plants from all over the world, particularly China, North America, Europe and Japan, which are suited to the Welsh climate and soil.  Care has been taken to ensure that they enhance each other and contribute to the general beauty of the garden throughout the seasons.  At certain times of year if you are very lucky, you are able to see the stunning Laburnum arch in bloom, which has graced many a postcard and calendar.

Out last visit of the day is to Plas Cadnant, a hidden historic garden which is slowly being uncovered – a Welsh ‘Lost Gardens of Heligan’. Three different gardens have been discovered, including an unusual walled garden with curving walls and a pool, a secret valley garden with three waterfalls and a river, and an upper woodland garden with stone outcrops and the remains of a 19^th century folly. Work started on restoring the gardens and grounds in 1997, which 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. Since then large parts of the gardens have undergone a spectacular transformation and have been restored to their former glory.

We return to the hotel in time for dinner.

This morning, after breakfast, we visit Mynydd Heulog, an 18^th century stone cottage set in approximately 1 acre of sloping garden with amazing views over the Lleyn and Cardigan Bay. Gradually being developed over 25 years, the garden is now an eclectic mix of mature trees, shrubs, perennials and exotics. Highlights include arches, statues, bridges, summer house and shepherds hut. The garden also boasts a raised vegetable garden together with a small copse of various trees and shrubs.

We then visit Plas yn Rhiw, a delightful manor house with ornamental garden and wonderful views. The house is 16th-century with Georgian additions and was rescued from neglect and lovingly restored by the three Keating sisters, who bought it in 1938. The garden contains many beautiful flowering trees and shrubs, with beds framed by box hedges and grass paths. The views across Cardigan Bay are among the most spectacular in Britain.

 We return to our hotel where dinner is served in the evening

Following breakfast, we check out of the hotel, and head for Plas Brondanw, at Croesor, Gwynedd. This Italianate garden was created by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, who inherited the house from his father. On entering the cobbled stables courtyard, the outside world seems to disappear.  All you hear is the sound of running water from the “fireboy” fountain, and the bleating of sheep in the nearby fields. Enclosed by clipped yew hedging punctuated by towering columns of Italian cypress, a narrow gap in the green walls is marked by a low panel of elegant ironwork with views beyond that will take your breath away.  In the shade by the house, grow billowing white-flowered Japanese anemones, purple aconites, astilbes, hostas and ferns. On the sunny side of the path are crocosmias, buddleja, cistus and Hypericum “Hidcote”. Cordyline australis adds a flavour of the Riviera.

We continue to Portmeirion, the famous Italianate village. Sir Clough Williams-Ellis acquired the site for Portmeirion in 1925 for less than £5,000 as it was then "a neglected wilderness - long abandoned by those romantics who had realised the unique appeal and possibilities of this favoured promontory but who had been carried away by their grandiose landscaping and 'improvement enthusiasm' into sorrowful bankruptcy." Over the course of 50 years the village was developed in a unique and wonderfully eccentric style, while at all times staying in harmony with the natural surroundings. Much work has been carried out in recent years to improve the gardens, enhancing the beauty of the architecture. We will take a walk in 'The Gwyllt', a display woodland where the major concentrations of Rhododendron, Azalea and Camellia were planted, with a wide variety of choice trees.  Refreshments (not included) are available in the Portmeirion Hotel, the Town Hall self-service restaurant and Cadwaladers Ice Cream Parlour.

We then depart for home, where we expect to arrive back at our original departure points in the late evening.