Bodnant Garden - National Trust

Breathe in the crisp, pine-scented air as you wander along quiet paths, spotting bright red holly berries, glistening lakes, and maybe even a sprinkle of snow on the Carneddau mountains. Little ones will love the family nature trails or crunching through frosty leaves and spotting birds in the trees, while grown-ups can simply unwind and enjoy the beautiful views.

After your walk, warm up with a hot chocolate or a tasty treat in the tearoom — the perfect way to round off a magical winter adventure. Sometimes, slowing down together is the best Christmas gift of all.

The History

Nestled in the Snowdonian foothills of North Wales, Bodnant Garden was shaped by the Victorian vision of one extraordinary man, Henry Pochin. The garden began blooming with wonders of the world in 1874. Henry Pochin and his family filled the garden with plants collected by famous global explorers such as Ernest Wilson, George Forrest and Harold Comber! How cool is that?

Bodnant is the trendsetter for all gardens. Why? This beautiful garden is home to the earliest and grandest laburnum arch, built in 1880. Its history also traces back to Britain's earliest magnolias, introduced from China in the late 1800s! If you are a real history nut or plant hunter, you'll be wowed by the unique collection of rhododendron hybrids, which were born and bred here from the 1920s.

The Garden

Put on your comfy shoes, grab a bottle of water, and wander around the paths until you've explored every corner of the garden. Kids can play and run around freely while you unwind, surrounded by stunning views and lush greenery.

Need a breather? There are plenty of benches scattered around, so pick your spot, kick back and soak up the peaceful atmosphere.

Bodnant Garden is known as a 'Garden of All Seasons'. Whether you want to explore the beautiful Spring months or be dazzled by the frosted landscape in Winter, it's the perfect place to visit all year round!

Marvel at the Blue Poppy of the Himalayas. Double-take the Fire Bush of the Andes, or discover the five National Collections - Magnolia, Embothrium, Eucryphia, Rhododendron forrestii and Bodnant Rhododendron Hybrids. Bodnant Garden is home to Wales' largest collection of UK Champion Trees, which provide a year-round spectacle.

Garden lovers will fall in love with the seasonal spectacles throughout the year. Swathes of daffodils and blooming magnolias in spring, roses, water lilies, camellias and rhododendrons in summer, the firework display of amber, crimson and gold from the trees and shrubs in autumn, and the colourful flowering heathers, azaleas and snowdrops in winter.

Did you know Bodnant Garden has the finest rose garden in Wales? With over 1,500 rose blooms, including David Austin's fragrant English Roses, roses can be found climbing terrace walls and filling the terraces from June to September.' You can also see the dramatic views of the Carneddau mountains - that's quite the backdrop, no?

The jewel in Bodnant Garden's crown is the colourful Winter Garden. Kids will love this wild and winding flourish of nature. The garden team has now transformed what was once an Edwardian rockery into a sensational display of foliage, lots of plants, bark, and scent.

Self-Led Trails & Seasonal Events

There are plenty of things to do at Bodnant Garden. Try out one of the self-led trails, play Pooh Sticks, explore the willow word, hope across stepping stones or go wildlife spotting and tick off some of the National Trust's '50 things to do before you're 11 ¾'! There's also the Play Park, which can be explored by car park, with zig-zag walkways, a mini suspension bridge, and rope walks.

Food & Drink

Whether you're looking for afternoon tea in the winter or a cold beverage in the summer, you'll be happy to know there are places to refuel after a day of garden exploration. Choose from the indoor Pavilion tearoom or dine al fresco from the garden's takeaway riverside kiosk.

Enjoy a menu of hot and cold light bites, cakes and bakes, and drinks to take away are also being served from the Dell kiosk daily.

Accessibility

- Blue badge parking is available.

- Accessible toilets are available.

- There are steep slopes, uneven steps and fast-flowing water.

- Wheelchairs are available.

Why We Recommend Bodnant Garden

- It's a wonderful outdoor day out surrounded by incredible landscapes and beautiful plants.

-  It's an accessible garden so everyone can experience the beauty of nature, including the stunning backdrop of the Carneddau mountains!

- The Rose garden is such a highlight. It's super beautiful and well worth a visit