Best Gardens to Visit in Wales
National Botanic Garden of Wales
The National Botanic Garden of Wales is not only one of the finest botanic gardens in Wales but in the entire UK. The garden that is located near Llanarthney in the Towy Valley, Carmarthenshire, Wales, is relatively young although the history of this splendid site dates back 400 years.
History of the garden starts in 1789 when an early 17th century mansion on the site was bought by William Paxton who transformed it into one of the most spectacular mansions in Wales. He build a new mansion which came to be known as the new Middleton Hall, while the old mansion was turned into a farm. At the same time he created a water park with flowing water.
In the early 20th century, the Paxton’s mansion fell into decline and it was not until the 1990’s when a Welsh artists, William Wilkins started to work on the project of the National Botanic Garden of Wales. The project was funded by the Millennium Commission and the National Botanic Garden of Wales covering an area of 560 acres was finally opened to public in May 2000. It was officially opened by Charles, Prince of Wales on July 21, 2000.
The National Botanic Garden of Wales has a collection of more than 8,000 plants including some of the rarest plants in the world. It is also home to the largest single-span glasshouse that was designed by the renowned British architect Norman Foster, Baron Foster of Thames Bank. The garden can be visited daily from 10am to 6:30 pm from April to September and to 4:30pm from October to March.
Powis Castle and Gardens
The Powis Castle and Gardens is a splendid medieval castle and one of a few remaining Baroque gardens in Britain. It is located near Welshpool in Powys, Mid Wales and is definitely worth visiting if planning a trip to Mid Wales.
The Powis Castle changed its owners several times but its exterior has not changed much from the Middle Ages. The estate was bequeathed to the National Trust by Edward Herbert, 4th Earl of Powis on his death in 1952 and is still operated by the Trust. The garden that reveals influence of the Italian and French garden styles can be visited daily except Tuesdays from 11am from 19 February to 30 October and from Friday to Sunday from 4 November to 31 December. Closing hours vary from season to season. It is closed on 24 and 25 December, and from 1 January to 18 February.
Dyffryn Gardens
The Dyffryn Gardens is considered one of the most spectacular botanic gardens in the United Kingdom. It is situated at the village of St. Nicholas, Vale of Glamorgan, Wales, and is an absolute must-see for all plant lovers as well as fans of historic gardens and landscapes.
History of the Dyffryn estate dates back to the 7th century when it came to be known as the Manor of Worlton. It got its current name in the 18th century when the estate was bought by Thomas Pryce who built a house known as the Dyffryn House. Both the present house and gardens were created by John Cory and his son Reginald, a prominent member of the Royal Horticultural Society and enthusiastic plant collector.
The Dyffryn Gardens can be visited all year round from 10am to 6pm from 1 March to 31 October and until 4pm from 1 November to 28 February.