Arial view of the spiral mini-meadows, Dyffryn Gardens, Vale of Glamorgan — The spiral mini-meadows at Dyffryn Gardens during summer 2023 | © James Dobson

Gardens and parks in Wales

We care for an amazing collection of gardens and parks which encompass more than 500 years of Welsh history. From Italianate terraces and walled gardens to arboretums and countryside estates there’s plenty to explore throughout the seasons.

There’s a rainbow of colour waiting to be discovered in our gardens across Wales and with displays to rival the brightest of summer days, here’s our pick of the bunch.

The Lower Rose Terrace at Bodnant Garden, North Wales, photographed in early June. Beyond is the Canal Terrace with its lake and the Pin Mill. Planting includes roses and Alliums.

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Bodnant Garden

Cool pastels and hot fiery reds, shady dells and sunlit terraces, Bodnant has it all. Stroll along fragrant terraces overflowing with herbaceous planting, explore the hot summer colours of the Range, or relax amongst swathes of electric blue hydrangeas in the riverside dells.

View along the avenue of clipped yews at Erddig, Wrexham, Wales

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Erddig Hall and Garden

Step into the walled garden with Dutch influence at Erddig and be greeted by 220 metres of herbaceous borders packed with colour and texture. Visit the Victorian parterre where the Head Gardener changes the design each year to surprise and delight and enjoy the aroma of lilies, sweet peas and dahlias in the cottage garden.

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Dyffryn Gardens

The gardens at Dyffryn are always beautiful but in the summer they’re spectacular. With vibrant dahlias in the Paved Court, opulent flower beds on the South Front, and the beautifully restored beds of the Herbaceous Borders, there’s swathes of summer colour at every turn.

From the terraces of Bodnant Garden to the magnificent topiary of Chirk Castle, enjoy a feast for the senses at top gardens in North Wales.

The Lower Rose Terrace in summer at Bodnant Garden, Conwy, Wales

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Bodnant Garden

Visit this world-class garden in its dramatic hillside setting and enjoy 80 acres of formal gardens, woodland and meadows and botanical collections from around the globe.

The Rose Garden at Chirk Castle, Wrexham

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Chirk Castle and Garden

Indulge your senses and refresh your spirit as you wander amongst the scents and vivid colours of the billowing herbaceous borders in this lovely 5.5 acre garden.

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Erddig Hall and Garden

This garden was almost lost forever but now fully restored it’s the perfect place to enjoy an afternoon with grand lawns and avenues of pleached lime trees.

Belvedere structure overlooking the Bog Garden at Penrhyn Castle which contains the Giant Gunnera and some Fuschia flowering

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Penrhyn Castle and Garden

Like the castle itself, these grounds and garden are extensive and a feast for the senses. Find peace in the Walled Garden or explore the jungle-like Bog Garden.

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Plas Newydd House and Garden

On the shore of the Menai Strait with dramatic views of Snowdonia, this garden is full of delights. Lose yourself in 40 acres of Italianate terraces, meadows and shady Arboretum.

Take in the delights of one of the top gardens in the UK at Powis Castle with its stunning topiary or explore the beautiful walled garden at Llanerchaeron.

A summer flower border leading to The Bothy (now a National Trust holiday cottage) at Powis Castle and Garden, Powys, Wales, in July.

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Powis Castle and Garden

Dating back over 300 years, this world-class garden has it all. Discover Italianate Terraces with superb views, dramatic topiary and a tranquil formal garden.

Flower borders in summer in the Walled Garden, Llanerchaeron, Ceredigion, Wales

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Llanerchaeron

This tranquil Walled Garden is a treat for the senses. Take a stroll amongst ancient fruit trees and a fragrant herb garden full of culinary and medicinal plants.

From the stunning fountains of Dyffryn Gardens to the wilderness of Colby Woodland Garden, explore the horticultural treasures of South Wales.

The Causeway at Dyffryn Gardens during the summer, in the foreground are flowerbeds full of green and purple flowers, in the middle background Dyffryn House stands tall, the sky is blue with wispy clouds.

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Dyffryn Gardens

Explore Dyffryn’s 55-acre gardens, including an intimate network of garden rooms, arboretum, kitchen gardens, and an enormous glasshouse bursting with otherworldly delights.

A view from the banks of the Lake at Tredegar House, Newport, looking through foliage and across towards the Boathouse.

Place

Tredegar House

Lose yourself in three perfectly formed formal gardens. With glasshouses, an Orangery, flower borders and an orchard, there are many surprises hiding along their secretive paths.

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Colby Woodland Garden

Once a working coalfield, this secluded garden still hints at its industrial past but today with streams, meadows, woodland and a walled garden it is a triumph of nature.

Two people kneeling and working in the soil at the community garden at Powis Castle

Article

Community gardens in Wales

At many of the special places we care for, we're working with communities to create gardens where people can come to spend time in nature, and with each other.

Experience a parkland adventure in the grounds of a grand castle like Chirk Castle, or enjoy a peaceful ramble through the landscape of Erddig.

A view of the castle through a blooming garden during spring time.

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Chirk Castle and Garden

Take a walk around this fascinating 480-acre estate and discover veteran trees, abundant wildlife, and beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Two people walking in the parkland during winter at Erddig, Wrexham

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Erddig Hall and Garden

From peaceful woodland and the remains of a motte and bailey castle, to lush green fields and the Cup and Saucer waterfall, there’s plenty to uncover in this 300-year-old estate.

Visitor looking at the mountains of Snowdonia from Penrhyn Castle's garden at sunset

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Penrhyn Castle and Garden

Enjoy a short stroll through lesser-known parts of the castle grounds to enjoy meadows, a peaceful bird hide, woodland, and superb views over Conwy Bay and Snowdonia.

From the finest examples of a picturesque landscape in Europe at Hafod, to the peaceful wooded estate of Llanerchaeron, there’s lots to uncover in Mid-Wales.

Hafod

Discover Hafod, one of the finest examples of a picturesque landscape in Europe with cascading waterfalls, mossy glades, restored gardens, and bridges over rocky gorges.

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Llanerchaeron

This peaceful estate in the wooded Aeron valley and has been largely unaltered for over 200 years. See a variety of wildlife year-round in the parkland, woods, meadows and lake.

With the parkland at Tredegar House providing an escape from city life and the vast estate full of history at Dolaucothi, there are plenty of places to enjoy a moment of calm.

A small stone building in a garden with autumn leaves on the ground and trees in the background

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Colby Woodland Garden

With the industrial remains sitting alongside tranquil streams and ponds, wildflowers and woodland trails, there are many secrets to be found at this this once working coalmine.

People walking in parkland at Tredegar with trees in the foreground

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Tredegar House

This 90-acre parkland is the perfect place to escape the bustle of city life and there’s lots to explore with sweeping lawns, a serene lake, woodland, and plenty of wildlife.

Autumnal view of Newton House from the parkland at Dinefwr, Carmarthenshire

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Dinefwr

With a history of over 2000 years, Dinefwr is an iconic place in Welsh history. Explore its 800-acres and spot a variety of wildlife as well as some of the oldest trees in Britain.