| Time
| Place
|
| Morning |
Bodnant Garden |
| Afternoon |
Penrhyn Castle |
| Extra day? |
Plas Newydd |
Morning
Start your day exploring Bodnant, one of the world’s most spectacular gardens. Wander across the grand Italianate terraces, taking in the views of Snowdonia. Then drop down through woods into the shaded valley below where a stream rushes through the wild garden. If you visit between mid-May and early June you can also walk through the famous Laburnam arch - 55 yards of spectacular golden blooms.
Lunch?
If you don’t fancy stopping in Conwy on your way through, you can pick up fresh, homemade sandwiches, or hot soup at the Penrhyn tea-rooms.
Afternoon
Head through Conwy and along the coast to Penrhyn, a dramatic neo-Norman fantasy castle. Built in the first half of the 19th century for a wealthy Welsh family, the castle is crammed with fascinating things – including a one-ton bed made for Queen Victoria. You can also experience life as it was for the many servants who helped run the house. There’s a Victorian kitchen and a number of servants’ rooms, presented as they would have been in the frantic build up of a visit made by the Prince of Wales in 1894.
Extra day?
If you are planning a longer stay in North Wales you should also take the time to visit Plas Newydd, just over the Menai Straits on Anglesey. Plas Newydd is an elegant 18th-century house in a stunning location. Stroll through the gardens, enjoy views across the straits to Snowdonia and imagine yourself as the famous 1st Marquess of Anglesey who commanded cavalry at the battle of Waterloo.
©NTPL/ Nick Meers
The family still live in the house and inside is a small museum of his campaign relics. The amazing painting by Whistler, his largest ever, covers an entire wall in the dining room and is not to be missed. It echoes Plas Newydd's own romantic position, looking over the Menai Strait to Snowdonia
When can you go?
Before visiting a property, we strongly advise that you check its opening times, as properties open on different days and at different times. This information is detailed on the individual property pages, which you can search for by finding a place to visit.
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