Visiting the garden at Penrhyn Castle

Autumn highlights in the garden

Penrhyn Castle looks spectacular in the autumn as the red Virginia Creeper covers the castle walls and the trees turn golden. Look out for fruits and seed heads appearing on the trees, shrubs, and flowers. In the Walled Garden, look out for the last of the summer colour, especially the Fuchsia Arch which continues to flower well into September.

The Walled Garden 

Peace and tranquillity can be found in the precise topiary, geometric lines, symmetric ponds and meticulous planting of the Walled Garden. Here, Walter Speed’s 19th-century vision for one of Britain’s top three gardens of the time can really be appreciated. While the flowers in bloom change seasonally, the Walled Garden is always a colourful, peaceful spot to take in the best nature has to offer.

The Fuchsia Arch

Below the top terrace you’ll find the Fuchsia Arch, which was praised in a Country Life article in 1903 as ‘the real glory of Penrhyn’.

The frame of the Fuchsia Arch, along with the benches either side of it are a part of the Walled Garden’s historic collection.

Thanks to internal garden restoration funding, supported by generous legacy gifts left in wills there has been some significant work done to breathe new life into the arch.

First, a detailed survey of the metalwork was carried out, revealing the frame needed a fresh coat of paint to protect it from the elements. Afterwards, the garden team got busy planning a new planting scheme beneath the arch that would reduce weeding and add year-round interest. A skilled stonemason also came to restore the stone steps down towards the Bog Garden.

There are plenty of spaces to enjoy the delightful views in this area of the garden. The ornate garden benches were given a fresh coat of paint and new wooden slats make them safe and inviting once again and there are also two new seating areas now sit at the foot of the steps to the Bog Garden.

The Bog Garden 

Monstrous Gunnera plants dominate the jungle like Bog Garden. Lose yourself amongst its leaves during the spring and summer or head up to the lookout point by the thatched hut for an elevated view. Take a moment to sit on a garden bench and soak up the sights and sounds the Bog Garden has to offer.  

A garden with a view 

From 'Maple Lawn' and the back of the castle you can enjoy clear views down the North Wales coast to Llandudno, the Great Orme and Puffin Island. 

The front of the castle and gardens face Snowdonia and have far reaching views of Carnedd Llewelyn peak on a clear day.

The castle itself was strategically placed to give an uninterrupted view of the Penrhyn Quarry at Bethesda.