Gardens of North Wales
Gardens of North Wales
Gardens of North Wales
4 Days Starting and ending in Various pick-up points available - please contact us for details
Visiting: Powis Castle, Plas Brondanw Gardens, Portmeirion, Plas yn Rhiw, National Trust - Bodnant Garden, Plas Cadnant
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BNWA
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
6 - 25
Physical rating:
Low, Gentle
Age range:
1-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans, Meat, Please contact Brightwater with any specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Set amongst glorious scenery that includes the mountains of Snowdonia, dramatic seascapes and ancient castles, North Wales is home to some outstanding gardens. One of the best is Plas Cadnant, which 20 years ago was an overgrown, abandoned wilderness of ivy and decrepit fruit trees. Its new owner has brought it back to life and, rather like Heligan in Cornwall, Plas Cadnant has emerged as a gem of a garden, full of interest. Further highlights include the private garden of Maenen Hall with its dramatic views of Snowdonia; Bodnant Garden, with a range of beautiful plants from all over the world, and Portmeirion, the eccentric and rather surreal Italianate village which has been enhanced in recent years with improvements made to the gardens. We will be guided by Tony Russell, former Head Forester at Westonbirt Arboretum, whose expertise and enthusiasm will add greatly to the enjoyment of this holiday.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1
Location: Powis Castle
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Celtic Royal Hotel, Caernarfon
Meals Included: Dinner
We depart by coach from our local departure points and head for Wales, where we visit the gardens at Powis Castle. Influenced by French and Italian styles, this amazing garden is cared for by the National Trust and has some of the most flamboyant and stylish herbaceous planting of any garden in the British Isles, as well as billowing yew topiary and magnificent views over the River Severn and Border countryside. Lunch is available here (not included).
We continue to our comfortable accommodation at the Celtic Royal Hotel, Caernarfon. Dating back to the 18th century and frequented by Queen Victoria, the Celtic Royal Hotel is a historic hostelry which today provides comfortable and spacious accommodation in contemporary style. All rooms have private bathrooms and the hotels also boasts a 16-metre swimming pool with Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room.
Dinner is served in the evening.
Day 2
Location: Plas Brondanw Gardens, Portmeirion
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Celtic Royal Hotel, Caernarfon
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, after breakfast, we travel to the privately-owned garden of Maenan Hall, a beautiful property on the slopes of the Conwy Valley, with dramatic views of Snowdonia, set amongst mature hardwoods. Both the upper part, with sweeping lawns, ornamental ponds and retaining walls, and the bluebell carpeted woodland dell contain copious specimen shrubs and trees, many originating at Bodnant. Magnolias, rhododendrons, camellias, pieris, cherries and hydrangeas, amongst many others, make for a breath-taking display.
In the afternoon we travel to Colwyn Bay where we visit Bodnant Garden situated above the River Conwy spanning some 80 acres looking across the valley towards Snowdonia. The garden has two parts – the upper garden around Bodnant Hall, which consists of the terraced gardens and informal lawns, and the lower garden – known as the “Dell”, formed by the River Hiraethlyn and containing the wild garden. Bodnant has a range of beautiful plants from all over the world, particularly China, North America, Europe and Japan, which are suited to the Welsh climate and soil. Care has been taken to ensure that they enhance each other and contribute to the general beauty of the garden throughout the seasons. At certain times of year if you are very lucky, you are able to see the stunning Laburnum arch in bloom, which has graced many a postcard and calendar.
Out last visit of the day is to Plas Cadnant, a hidden historic garden which is slowly being uncovered – a Welsh ‘Lost Gardens of Heligan’. Three different gardens have been discovered, including an unusual walled garden with curving walls and a pool, a secret valley garden with three waterfalls and a river, and an upper woodland garden with stone outcrops and the remains of a 19th century folly. Work started on restoring the gardens and grounds in 1997, which was a huge undertaking as large areas had not been maintained for over seventy years. In 1998 the area immediately behind the main house became a ‘herb garden’. The following year the sheltered courtyard between the cottages was planted as a garden. Since then large parts of the gardens have undergone a spectacular transformation and have been restored to their former glory.
We return to the hotel in time for dinner.
Day 3
Location: Plas yn Rhiw
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Celtic Royal Hotel, Caernarfon
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, after breakfast, we visit Mynydd Heulog, an 18th century stone cottage set in approximately 1 acre of sloping garden with amazing views over the Lleyn and Cardigan Bay. Gradually being developed over 25 years, the garden is now an eclectic mix of mature trees, shrubs, perennials and exotics. Highlights include arches, statues, bridges, summer house and shepherds hut. The garden also boasts a raised vegetable garden together with a small copse of various trees and shrubs.
We then visit Plas yn Rhiw, a delightful manor house with ornamental garden and wonderful views. The house is 16th-century with Georgian additions and was rescued from neglect and lovingly restored by the three Keating sisters, who bought it in 1938. The garden contains many beautiful flowering trees and shrubs, with beds framed by box hedges and grass paths. The views across Cardigan Bay are among the most spectacular in Britain.
We return to our hotel where dinner is served in the evening
Day 4
Location: National Trust - Bodnant Garden, Plas Cadnant
Meals Included: Breakfast
Following breakfast, we check out of the hotel, and head for Plas Brondanw, at Croesor, Gwynedd. This Italianate garden was created by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, who inherited the house from his father. On entering the cobbled stables courtyard, the outside world seems to disappear. All you hear is the sound of running water from the “fireboy” fountain, and the bleating of sheep in the nearby fields. Enclosed by clipped yew hedging punctuated by towering columns of Italian cypress, a narrow gap in the green walls is marked by a low panel of elegant ironwork with views beyond that will take your breath away. In the shade by the house, grow billowing white-flowered Japanese anemones, purple aconites, astilbes, hostas and ferns. On the sunny side of the path are crocosmias, buddleja, cistus and Hypericum “Hidcote”. Cordyline australis adds a flavour of the Riviera.
We continue to Portmeirion, the famous Italianate village. Sir Clough Williams-Ellis acquired the site for Portmeirion in 1925 for less than £5,000 as it was then "a neglected wilderness - long abandoned by those romantics who had realised the unique appeal and possibilities of this favoured promontory but who had been carried away by their grandiose landscaping and 'improvement enthusiasm' into sorrowful bankruptcy." Over the course of 50 years the village was developed in a unique and wonderfully eccentric style, while at all times staying in harmony with the natural surroundings. Much work has been carried out in recent years to improve the gardens, enhancing the beauty of the architecture. We will take a walk in 'The Gwyllt', a display woodland where the major concentrations of Rhododendron, Azalea and Camellia were planted, with a wide variety of choice trees. Refreshments (not included) are available in the Portmeirion Hotel, the Town Hall self-service restaurant and Cadwaladers Ice Cream Parlour.
We then depart for home, where we expect to arrive back at our original departure points in the late evening.
What's Included
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Accommodation
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Services of a professional tour manager
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Comfortable coach travel throughout
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Meals - as per the itinerary
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All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
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Drinks with Meals
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Entrance Fees
What's Not Included
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International Travel
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Tipping and Gratuities
Check out our Q&As
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes
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Are flights included in this tour?
No
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
Yes
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Will I receive more details of the holiday before I travel?
You will receive detailed joining instructions around 10 days prior to you departure, but you are of course welcome to contact us at any time should you have any queries.
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What facilities do your coaches have?
Generally, our coaches have reclining seats, air-conditioning and toilets, however this cannot always be guaranteed as sometimes we have to use smaller vehicles. Toilets are recommended for emergency use only and regular comfort stops will be made throughout your holiday while travelling around.
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Do I have to go on the included excursions?
Absolutely not. You are more than welcome to spend the day at your hotel or exploring independently should you wish. All we ask is that you inform your Tour Manager, so they are not left waiting for you to join the group.
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Is there time to relax?
Although our itineraries may seem jam-packed, boasting access to some of the most exclusive sites across the UK and beyond, a Brightwater Holiday is just that: a holiday. Each trip will counter in more than enough free-time for you to explore places at your own leisure. And with most nights and the majority of meals being included in our tour prices, you can relax in hand-picked accommodation.
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Do I need to be an expert?
Absolutely not! Although some of our tours are specifically focused on one thing, all you need to enjoy a Brightwater holiday is interest and bags of enthusiasm! Even on our most specialist tours, we take travellers from all skill levels, from experts to beginners.
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How fit or active do I need to be for one of your holidays?
You need to be able to get on and off the coach unassisted, and most – but not all – coaches have a kneel facility that lowers the front step for ease of boarding
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Do you have self-drive holidays?
Yes, we do – tailored to your exact requirements!
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What’s the luggage allowance on your coaches?
There’s no fixed limit, but we generally say one large suitcase to go in the luggage compartment and a smaller bag that you can take onto the coach with you. For flight-inclusive holidays, we include a luggage allowance of at least 20kg.
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Where are your departure points?
UK garden holidays generally depart from London, with additional pick-ups depending on the route of the coach, while holidays to Scotland depart from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth, with Dundee, Inverness and Aberdeen sometimes included. All Eurostar holidays depart from London St. Pancras and flight-inclusive holidays depart from one or more of the main London airports, with regional flights .
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What about the company that will be kept?
For single travellers, those with a companion or even those travelling in a larger group, you'll find that the signature of any Brightwater Holiday is the company. You won't ever be travelling with a group of strangers, instead, you'll find yourself surrounded by like-minded people with a strong shared interest who will soon become your firm friends.
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What is a Brightwater Holiday?
Bursting with enthralling, educational and enlightening itineraries, a Brightwater Holiday, by its very nature, is packed with bucket-list-worthy destinations, behind the scenes passes and expert-led experiences. From creating bespoke quality garden and special interest tours for groups and individuals alike, we have made it our business to make our guests' travel dreams come true.
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Why is there a single supplement?
Unfortunately, single room supplements are charges that are often imposed on us as a company when we book rooms for group holidays. However, most hotels do charge less for single occupancy, and we always pass this saving on to our solo travellers in the form of a modest single supplement.
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How much are your optional excursions?
Prices start from as little as £20, but please contact our friendly team for questions about specific itineraries or excursions.
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Can I pre-book my coach seats?
Yes, you can. In the case of front seats, guests with limited mobility are given priority. Please get in touch with our friendly team to discuss any requirements you may have.
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How to get there? Easy!
With a Brightwater Holiday, the journey is just as important as the destination and we make getting you to your tour start point easy. From organising group flights and individual travel plans, to offering accessible local departure and pick-up points, we go out of our way to ensure that your journey is as convenient and hassle-free as it can be.
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Do I need to have travel insurance?
Travel insurance is required for all overseas holidays and is also strongly recommended for UK holidays – primarily to protect yourself against cancellation charges should you be unable to travel.
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At 40 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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