The National Trust have opened more than 130 gardens and parks in England, Wales and Northern Ireland since the lockdown, with Bodnant Gardens being one of them. They’re operating an advanced booking system for the time being…
The short 90 minute hop along the M56 to North Wales is well worth taking for this brilliant day out. Located on the outskirts of Conway and with free parking, Bodnant Gardens have everything you need for a good few hours in the wonderful Welsh surroundings.
We arrived around 12.30 and sat down at the little cafe for Welsh Rarebit, coffee and of course Welsh Cakes before embarking on 3 hours of wandering.
The gardens have large open fields alongside beautifully considered walled gardens and pathways that weave amongst some of the UK’s finest, and award winning trees. Streams and a small lake finish off this mightily impressive 80 acre gardens giving the opportunity for a few little stone and timber bridges.
Assending the paths amongst the trees takes you to the northern look out point and trust me it’s worth the walk, a rather romantic iron bench wrapped in roses is the seating reward to enjoy the brilliant view from.
Heading down from the viewpoint you’ll find a small cafe nestled alongside the old water mill, the whole thing feels like something straight out of historic Tuscany. Grab a coffee and a mini milk and let the scenery do the rest.
The hall gardens are immaculate with topiary, ponds, water features and statues to calm and please the soul.
Leaving the gardens you’ll find a small street scene with craft shops and a garden centre for a couple of gifts / treats to end the day.
Before heading back we actually stopped off at Enochs Fish & Chips 10 mins down the road, absolutely cracking fish & chips and if you have the time before heading back it’s well worth a visit.
