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Family days out at Bodnant Garden

Visitors walk across a grassy lawn beneath a canopy of mature Japanese maples glowing with autumn colour in Bodnant Garden. Shades of red, orange and gold fill the Acer Glade, creating a vibrant woodland scene in warm sunlight.
Visitors enjoying the autumn colour in Bodnant Garden, Conwy | © National Trust Images/Megan Taylor

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.

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. 

October Half-Term - Calan Gaeaf

24 October - 8 November

This October half term, bring the whole family and join us as we celebrate Calan Gaeaf with a programme of fun, family-friendly events inspired by Welsh tradition and folklore - with a touch of Halloween spirit. 

Set off on a monster hunt this October half term and step into the Garden as the veil between worlds grows thin, and stories of mythical beasts and magical creatures come to life.  

Follow a family-friendly trail, solve riddles, play games, make music and tackle fun challenges to help keep the creatures happy as you explore. 

Surrounded by beautiful autumn colours, it's a great way to enjoy the season together and spark young imaginations. 

Will you make it safely through the Garden and escape the Hwch Ddu Gwta before it catches the last traveller home? 

Whatever your age, why not come dressed in your best fancy dress costume!

Calan Gaeaf illustration
Calan Gaeaf illustration | © National Trust/Frank Duffy

See what’s on this autumn  

Check the events listings before you visit and make the most of your day. 

What is Calan Gaeaf? 

‘Calan’ meaning the first day of the month and ‘Gaeaf’ meaning winter marks the ‘First Day of Winter’ and falls on 1 November. It has distinct roots in Welsh tradition, shaped by folklore, seasonal change and a rich cultural heritage. 

On the eve before, known as Nos Galan Gaeaf, communities would come together to light fires, gather, and take part in protective customs believed to guard against wandering spirits and mischief. 

Today, Calan Gaeaf is celebrated as a traditional Welsh autumn festival marking the start of the darker half of the year, when it was believed the boundary between the living world and the spirit world grew thin.

Celebrate Calan Gaeaf with National Trust Cymru this October half term
Celebrate Calan Gaeaf with us this October half term | © National Trust/Frank Duffy

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. 

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. 

 

A couple enjoy a walk through the winter plants of the Round 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.

Plan your visit

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Eating and shopping at Bodnant Garden 

Enjoy delicious refreshments at Bodnant Garden’s cafes and kiosk all year round or pick up a plant, gift or an exciting pre-loved read to take home.

Someone holding a bowl of soup with bread on the side

Visiting Bodnant Garden with your dog 

With 80 acres to explore, there's a walk to suit everyone. Dogs are welcome on short leads (not extendable), Thursday to Sunday from April to September and every day from October to March. Find out more about bringing your dog to Bodnant Garden here.

A dachshund wearing a purple checked coat, on the lead, with autumn leaves on the grass around it, at Bodnant Garden, North Wales

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.

Visitors pause to admire and photograph the vivid autumn foliage in Bodnant Garden's Acer Glade. Japanese maples display striking shades of green, orange and deep crimson, filling the garden with seasonal colour.

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