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Family days out at Bodnant Garden

Children enjoying the autumn colour at Bodnant Garden, Conwy
Children enjoying autumn colour in the Acer Glade at Bodnant Garden | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

With 80 acres to explore, there’s plenty of space for families to enjoy some quiet time together at Bodnant Garden. Spend a few hours enjoying the beauty and nature that the different areas of the garden have to offer throughout the year.

Visitors walking by the stream at Bodnant Garden, North Wales
Enjoy a family day out | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

Explore the garden together this autumn

Bodnant Garden is the perfect place to get the family together during the autumn. With woodland walks and beautiful fiery autumn foliage that bring the landscape to life, there’s plenty to enjoy for all ages.

Go leaf spotting

Whether you’re spending a whole day or an hour or two, seeing the acers change into their autumn finery is a seasonal highlight from September to November. Head through the Old Park and towards the Acer Glade. Keep an eye out along the path to your right and you’ll soon see the fiery reds and amber of the acers.

Bodnant's Big Birthday Bash

Marking two very special ‘big’ birthdays in October and November 2024, Bodnant Garden is inviting you to join in the celebrations with a very special trail through the garden this autumn half term (19 October - 3 November).

With outdoor party games, activities and a trail of special birthday boxes to find and open along the way, it’s one big celebration throughout half term here at Bodnant Garden.

Don’t forget to leave your own special birthday message for Bodnant Garden on 'Bodnant's Big Birthday Card' located under the Laburnum Arch from mid-October.

Children enjoying the autumn leaves at Dyffryn Gardens, Wales
Children playing in the autumn leaves in October | © National Trust Images/John Millar

The Willow Maze and Dell

If you’re feeling a little more energetic, head towards the Far End and find the living Willow Maze. Picnic benches are located nearby, so why not pack a flask of hot chocolate and a packed lunch to enjoy there? You could also walk back to the Dell Kiosk and treat yourself to something warm whilst sitting by the Mediterranean-looking Old Mill.

Make your way back up towards the formal Italianate Terraced Garden for a family photo and a tranquil moment in front of the Pin Mill.

Plan your visit

  • There are toilets and baby changing facilities located next to the car park, behind the Pavilion tea-room and down by the Kiosk in The Dell.
  • There are some steep areas in the garden and many paths have steps. If you’re using a pram or buggy during your visit, ask one of the team in the Visitor Welcome Building when you arrive for a map which has step-free routes clearly marked.
  • Children’s lunch boxes are available from the Pavilion and Magnolia cafes.
Colourful autumn acers at Bodnant Garden

Discover more at Bodnant Garden

Find out when Bodnant Garden is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.

Two visitors sat eating sandwiches outside the cafe at Gibside Tyne & Wear.
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Eating at Bodnant Garden 

Enjoy delicious refreshments at Bodnant Garden’s tea-rooms all year round or from the riverside kiosk down in The Dell.

Dog portraits from the Dog Fest at Bodnant Garden, Conwy
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Visiting Bodnant Garden with your dog 

With 80 acres to explore, there’s a walk to suit everyone. From 1 April to the end of September, dogs are welcome on short leads (not extendable) every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Find out more about bringing your dog to Bodnant Garden here.

Family enjoying a walk through the Acer Glade during autumn
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Things to see at Bodnant Garden 

Visit a world-class garden in Wales at Bodnant Garden and enjoy 80 acres of formal gardens, woodland and meadows and botanical collections from around the globe.