Grand Gardens of Wales with Tony Russell
9th Apr 2027
Key Highlights
- Woodland gardens surrounding the castles of Upton and Picton
- An imaginative private garden at Llwyngarreg
- Contrasting visits to the National Botanic Garden of Wales and historic Aberglasney
- The Italianate world of Portmeirion and Plas Brondanw Bodnant Garden’s rich plant collection and valley setting
- Snowdonia’s ever-changing mountain backdrop
Summary
Join Brightwater Holidays as we discover a wealth of garden wonders in Wales set amongst the glorious scenery of the mountains of Snowdonia, dramatic seascapes and ancient castles. This extended tour is the perfect way to see the very best gardens Wales has to offer, in the company of our resident Welsh garden expert Tony Russell. Highlights include the National Botanic Garden of Wales, the first garden of its type to be created in the United Kingdom for 200 years, the superb woodland gardens at Upton Castle and Picton Castle, the elegant Georgian villa Llanerchaeron, the Italianate Garden Plas Brondanw and the private garden of Maenan Hall. In addition, a copy of Tony’s book - The Great Gardens of Wales is also included.
What's included
- Four nights at the Beggars Reach Hotel, Milford Haven and three nights at the Celtic Royal Hotel, Caernarfon, with dinner & breakfast
- Visits as outlined in the itinerary
- Private air-conditioned coach travel
- Service of horticulturalist Tony Russell as Tour Manager
- A copy of Tony’s book The Great Gardens of Wales
Day by Day Itinerary
We depart from our pick-up points and travel to Cardiff to visit the magnificent Dyffryn Botanic Gardens, a Grade I-listed Edwardian garden designed by the renowned landscape architect Thomas Mawson. Set within an elegant historic estate, the gardens are arranged as a series of beautifully designed outdoor rooms enclosed by clipped yew hedges, each revealing a different style and atmosphere.
Explore the Roman garden, Japanese garden, fountains and pools before discovering the impressive arboretum, home to trees collected from around the world, including the celebrated Acer griseum introduced by legendary plant hunter Ernest ‘Chinese’ Wilson.
Here we are joined by renowned garden writer and historian Tony Russell, who leads a guided visit, sharing his expert knowledge of Welsh gardens and the remarkable plants and people behind them. We later continue to the Beggars Reach Hotel in Pembrokeshire, where Tony introduces the gardens we will discover during the week in an informative evening talk.
Meals included: Dinner
Departure Routes
| Location | Pickup Time | Dropoff Time |
|---|---|---|
| London | 00:00 | 00:00 |
| Reading | 00:00 | 00:00 |
| Swindon | 00:00 | 00:00 |
** Please note that all timings are approximate and subject to change. Final timings and pick-up points will be confirmed with your joining instructions approximately 10 days prior to departure. **
Looking for something else?
Enquire about this tour
Have a question? Our team of travel experts is here to help. Simply complete the form, and one of our specialists will be in touch with the information you need. Whether you’re looking for details about the itinerary, availability, or what’s included, we’ll provide the answers and guidance to help you plan with confidence.
