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Garden · Conwy, País de Gales
Bodnant Garden
The c.32-hectare garden in the Conwy valley, 13 km from the town, with Italian terraces, the yellow laburnum tunnel in spring, a wooded dell and views to the mountains of Eryri. Managed by the National Trust.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Bodnant Garden
Bodnant Garden lies in the Conwy river valley, about 13 km south of the town, on a slope facing the mountains of Eryri. It was begun in 1874 by Henry Pochin, a chemist and industrialist, and developed by the family, the Barons of Aberconway, until it was gifted to the National Trust in 1949. It covers around 32 hectares and is considered one of the most important gardens in Britain.
The upper part, near the family house (not open to visitors), has five Italian-style terraces designed in the early 20th century, with lily ponds, roses and the Pin Mill, an 18th-century pavilion brought from Gloucestershire, reflected in a pool. The lower part, the Dell, is a stream-side valley with giant trees such as sequoias and firs, waterfalls and an old mill house.
The best-known feature is the Laburnum Arch, a tunnel of roughly 55 metres covered in hanging clusters of yellow laburnum flowers, which usually blooms in late May and early June. In spring there are also rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and magnolias, many raised by the family; in autumn the trees display fall colours.
The garden has sloping paths and steps; wear comfortable footwear. Check the website for opening times and flowering periods.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 2 to 3 hours.
Best time
From spring to autumn. The laburnum tunnel typically blooms from late May to early June, and the rhododendrons from April to May; in October the autumn colours are visible. Check the website for approximate flowering dates.
How to get there
It is at Tal-y-Cafn, about 13 km south of Conwy via the A470, around 20 minutes by car. Tal-y-Cafn station on the Conwy valley line is about 3 km away. There are local buses at certain times.
Tip
Plan your visit for late May if you want to see the laburnum tunnel in bloom, and arrive early as the site gets very busy at that time.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Bodnant Garden
When does the laburnum tunnel bloom?
It usually blooms from late May to early June. Check the website for the timing each year.
How do you get to Bodnant Garden?
By car, about 20 minutes from Conwy, or by train to Tal-y-Cafn and then about 3 km on foot or by taxi.
How much time should you allow?
2 to 3 hours for the upper part and the Dell valley.