Bodnant Garden

Bodnant Garden covers 80 acres of hillside above the River Conwy with the Carneddau mountains of Eryri as its backdrop, a Grade I listed garden created over 150 years by the Pochin and McLaren families and their Puddle head gardeners, with plants from expeditions worldwide. The Victorian East Garden holds the famous Laburnum Arch, a golden tunnel in late spring, and the Edwardian Italianate terraces step down through rose beds and pools towards the Dell, where woodland walks pass magnolias, rhododendrons and Wales's largest collection of Champion Trees. There is a willow maze for children at the Far End. Reviewers praise the friendly volunteers, the David Austin roses on the terraces and the many benches. Tips from visitors: pick up the free map, since the red route is 1.5km and step-free while the blue is 3km and hilly; there are three cafes, one at the far end; and from April to September dogs on short leads are admitted only Thursday to Sunday.