The Laburnum Arch at Bodnant Garden

Visitors standing underneath the laburnum arch in bloom at Bodnant Garden, taking photos and laughing with each other. — Visitors underneath the laburnum arch at Bodnant Garden, Conwy | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

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 2024.

We can't wait to see next year's display, from the end of May/early June 2025.

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 20 May to Sunday 9 June (9am-8pm Monday to Thursday, last entry at 7.30pm, and 9am-6pm Friday to Sunday, last entry at 5pm).

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 2024

Pre-booking your tickets is essential during morning and early afternoon visits between 20 May and 9 June as we expect to be very busy. This also includes members of the National Trust. 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

Car parking during Laburnum

The team will be assisting in the car park during this busy period, guiding you to available parking spaces when you arrive at 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 areas located opposite the Pavilion 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.

Colourful autumn acers at Bodnant Garden

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

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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.