The Laburnum Arch at Bodnant Garden

Two visitors admire the impressive laburnum arch at Bodnant Garden, with yellow flowers hanging down from the arch. The image is framed by pink flowers and other flowers bloom in the beds. — Visitors admire the laburnum arch at Bodnant Garden | © National Trust Images/Rod Kirkpatrick

Each year, thousands of visitors come to Bodnant Garden to enjoy the world-famous Laburnum Arch in all of its golden splendour. In flower towards the end of May and the beginning of June, find out more about the 55 metre-long arch and how to book tickets in advance.

The Laburnum Arch has now finished flowering for another year

We can't wait to see next year's display, from the end of May/early June 2024.

Longer opening times to see the Laburnum Arch

We know how people love to see the Laburnum arch in full bloom, so again this year, Bodnant Garden is opening a little earlier and closing later during the evenings from Monday 29 May to Sunday 11 June (9am-8pm Monday to Thursday, last entry at 6.30pm, and 9am-6pm Friday to Sunday, last entry at 5.30pm).

If you’d like to visit the arch during a quieter time of day when there are less crowds, our evening opening times may be perfect for you. During this time of day, the whole garden has a peaceful atmosphere and the early evening sunlight coming through the lime green foliage and golden yellow flowers is simply stunning. If you’ve only ever seen the arch during the day, it’s well worth a visit in the early evening to enjoy an entirely different experience.

Pre-booking your tickets

Pre-booking your tickets is strongly advised between late May and early June as we expect to be busy. Tickets are released 2 weeks in advance on a rolling basis. For example, for tickets for the week beginning 29 May, you can book from Thursday 18 May. Book in advance by following the link here or by calling the Central Booking Line on 03442 491895.

History of the Laburnum Arch at Bodnant Garden

The Laburnum Arch, a 55 metre-long avenue of golden flowers, was created by the garden’s Victorian founder Henry Pochin in 1880. He employed Edward Milner, apprentice to Joseph Paxton, to help design the formal garden around Bodnant Hall, including a Laburnum Arch based on pergola walkways of the 16th and 17th centuries. It is believed to be the longest and oldest in Britain.

More than 140 years later, the floral display is the most visited, photographed and anticipated event of Bodnant Garden’s year, drawing around 50,000 visitors for three weeks at the end of May and beginning of June.

The Laburnum Arch with its distinctive yellow flowers in early June at Bodnant Garden, in North Wales — The Laburnum Arch in early June at Bodnant Garden | © National Trust Images / Joe Wainwright

Visiting the Laburnum Arch in 2023

2020 was the first time Bodnant Garden couldn’t welcome people to enjoy the arch, because the garden was closed during the national lockdown. Since then, we’ve loved being able to share the joy that the Laburnum arch brings to so many, from near and far. We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors to enjoy the blooms again in 2023.

Car parking during Laburnum

The team will be on hand in the car park to guide you to a free space when you arrive for your booked time. If you require an accessible parking space, we recommend visiting at less busy times, earlier in the morning or later in the day. There are also drop-off and pick-up spots located opposite the Pavillion Tea-room.

Consider car sharing or using public transport (there’s a stop outside the garden gates for the 25 Arriva service from Llandudno). If you are not visiting the garden, but shopping at Bodnant Garden Centre or craft units, please consider coming at off-peak times when the shared car park will be less busy.

Access to the arch

The Laburnum Arch is near the entrance to the garden on fairly level ground and is wheelchair accessible. The approach is by wide, firm graveled path and a section of lawn. If you have any special requirements such as mobility issues, please let us know in advance or on the day and we will do our best to help.

Evening visitors take their dogs into the Laburnum Arch at Bodnant Garden, North Wales | © ©National Trust Images/Rod Kirkpatrick

Visiting the Laburnum Arch with your dog

Please remember that if you’d like to bring along your four-legged friend, dogs are welcome in the garden on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. See our Bringing your dog to Bodnant Garden article for full details. Dogs must be kept on short leads at all times, and remember to bring plenty of poo bags to scoop the poop during your visit.

Join in with Laburnum watch

We'll be posting regular updates on our social media channels and we'd love to see your images, which you can share using the hashtag #BodnantLaburnumArch and #LaburnumWatch throughout May and June.

Close up of the magnolia blossom in spring at Bodnant Garden, North Wales

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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.