Explore Bodnant Garden, One of Wales’ Most Beautiful Gardens
Published on 20 May 2024 by Amy GreenwoodBodnant Garden, nestled in the Conwy Valley, is one of Wales’ most beautiful gardens, a celebrated horticultural haven and quite simply, a lovely place to visit.
Purchased by Victorian industrialist Henry Pochin 1874, Bodnant was originally a typical estate with a walled garden, woods and plantations, but Pochin’s vision shaped it into what we know today; 80 acres of sweeping lawns and formal gardens, Italiantate terraces, wildflower meadows and ancient woodlands, along with tranquil water gardens and the iconic Laburnum Arch.
This Grade 1 listed garden is renowned for the diversity of its plant species, many of which were sourced around the globe more than a century ago. The garden is now managed by the National Trust and attracts visitors from far and wide due to its enchanting natural beauty.
Celebrating 150 Years Of Bodnant Gardens
The gardens we see today have been 150 years in the making. Established in 1874 by Henry Pochin, the gardens continued to be developed by Pochin’s daughter, Laura McLaren, and subsequent generations, before being handed to the National Trust in 1949.
This year Bodnant Gardens celebrates 150 years since it was bought by Henry Pochin and his wife. 2024 also marks 75 years since Bodnant Garden was gifted to the National Trust. The Old Mill in the Dell is currently open for visitors to discover more about the history of the gardens through a display of information and archive photographs from the last 150 years.
The Laburnum Arch
One of the most well-known features of Bodnant Gardens is its iconic, and highly instagrammable, Laburnum Arch. Created by the garden’s founder, the Laburnum Arch is thought to be the longest and oldest in Britain and attracts thousands of visitors each year.
In late spring this stunning 55 metre long walkway is draped in golden flowers which form a vibrant, glowing canopy. It’s a wonderful sight, but timing your visit right is crucial as the archway only flowers for around 10 to 14 days each year. Throughout May and June the National Trust post regular updates on their socials using the hashtags #BodnantLaburnumArch and #LaburnumWatch so visitors know exactly when to expect the golden display.
Between May 20th and June 9th booking is essential as the gardens are expected to be exceptionally busy while the arch is in full bloom. Opening hours are extended during this time to allow for increased numbers, giving visitors the opportunity to enjoy the gardens during the relative peace of the early evening.
If you plan to visit the Laburnum Arch, make sure you keep a close on socials and remember to book in advance!
A Garden For All Seasons
Beyond the Laburnum Arch there is plenty to explore as Bodnant boasts a diverse array of themed gardens showcasing plants from across the globe.
The sun-drenched Italianate terraces exude Mediterranean charm, with colourful borders and a mass of fragrant tumbling roses. The Water Garden provides a tranquil retreat, with meandering streams and cascading waterfalls amidst lush green foliage, and The Dell provides a woodland paradise, carpeted with bluebells in spring and offering shady picnic spots in the heat of summer.
Bodnant truly is a garden for all seasons; thanks to the diversity of the plants, there is always something to see; spring brings carpets of daffodils and pretty pink blooms along the Magnolia Walk, while summer is awash with the hues of azaleas and rhododendrons. Autumn transforms the garden with fiery reds and golds, especially striking in the Acer Grove, and The Winter Garden provides a splash of colour at even the coldest time of the year. It’s not hard to see how Bodant has become known as one of Wales’ most beautiful gardens.
Visiting Bodnant Gardens with Your Dog
The National Trust recently introduced a ‘paw print rating’ to make it easier for owners to plan a visit with their dog. Bodnant Gardens has a one paw print rating meaning that dogs are welcome, but facilities are limited.
Dogs are welcome on short leads (not extendable) Thursday to Sunday, from 1st April to the end of September and daily during the winter months. For full details on visiting Bodnant Gardens with your dog click here.
This wonderful place has something for everyone, it’s a picturesque location for a romantic walk, perfect for picnics and ideal for exploring with children, with a variety of paths and trails of varying lengths and difficulties. But perhaps the real charm of Bodnant Gardens lies in its ability to provide a brief escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life; for gardening enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone who appreciates the beauty of the natural world, a visit to Bodnant is a must.
