Bodnant Garden
A Sensory Escape into Horticultural Beauty
Perched high above the Conwy River with stunning views across the valley to the mountains of Snowdonia, Bodnant Garden is an enchanting blend of formal garden design and wild beauty. Italianate terraces flow seamlessly into lush woodland and meadows filled with wildflowers.
With every step, you’re enveloped in the heady fragrance of blooms, the whisper of leaves in the wind, and the distant murmur of streams winding through the landscape. This National Trust treasure, spanning over 80 acres, is one of the UK’s most beautiful gardens.
Why Bodnant is a Must-Visit Garden
Bodnant Garden is more than just a collection of beautiful plants - it’s a living, evolving masterpiece shaped by generations of visionaries. What sets it apart is the sheer variety of landscapes within its 80 acres, from grand formal terraces to secluded woodland glades and sweeping wildflower meadows. Few gardens offer such an immersive experience, where carefully curated plantings harmonise with the natural contours of the land to create breathtaking vistas at every turn.
The garden’s horticultural significance is another defining feature. Bodnant is home to one of the most diverse plant collections in the UK, with rare and exotic species gathered from across the world, thanks to its historical ties with famous plant hunters. It continues to be a hub of botanical conservation and innovation, preserving endangered species and inspiring future generations of gardeners.
But beyond the plants and landscapes, it is the atmosphere of Bodnant that lingers in the hearts of visitors. Whether standing beneath the golden cascade of the Laburnum Arch, listening to the tumbling waters of The Dell, or pausing to admire the tranquil reflections in a lily-covered pond, there’s an undeniable sense of magic. A visit to Bodnant is not just a journey through a garden - it’s a journey through time, history, and the boundless beauty of nature.
The Story Behind Bodnant - a Garden Shaped by Visionaries
The magic of Bodnant began in 1874, when industrial chemist and passionate gardener Henry Davis Pochin took a grand Welsh estate and turned it into a botanical wonderland. His dream was to craft a space where exotic plants could thrive in harmony with the wild beauty of the landscape. He carved out terraces, planted specimen trees, and built the grand Italianate gardens that still define Bodnant today.
But the story didn’t end there. His daughter Laura and her husband, Charles McLaren - later Lord Aberconway - took up the mantle, expanding the garden with daring plant introductions from Asia and the Americas. The Dell, a secluded valley brimming with towering trees and cascading streams, was their masterpiece. Today, their descendants continue the legacy, ensuring Bodnant remains at the cutting edge of horticulture while preserving its timeless charm.
Photo © Steve Daniels (cc-by-sa/2.0)
Inside Bodnant Garden: Walking Through a Living Masterpiece
Like many historic gardens, Bodnant Garden is not one garden but many, seamlessly flowing from one gorgeous setting to another. Each season paints the landscape in new colours, ensuring there’s always something to discover.
The Laburnum Arch: A Golden Gateway
No visit is complete without wandering beneath the famed Laburnum Arch, a 55-metre tunnel which, for a few weeks in May and early June, is a cascade of yellow flowers that shimmer like sunlight filtering through a golden veil. It’s a fleeting spectacle, a moment of pure magic that draws visitors from far and wide, cameras poised to capture its luminous beauty.
The Italianate Terraces: A Touch of Elegance in Northern Wales
The terraces at Bodnant Garden unfold like a grand staircase carved into the landscape, each level revealing a new scene of garden splendour. Designed in the Arts and Crafts style between 1904 and 1914, these five Italianate terraces transition gracefully from structured formality to the wilder beauty of the surrounding countryside.
Each step downward offers a shift in atmosphere, a gentle transition from sculpted precision to nature’s softer embrace until finally, the terraces give way to wilder landscapes, drawing you deeper into Bodnant’s living masterpiece.
Photo © Michael Graham (cc-by-sa/2.0)
At the highest point, the stone balustrades of the Upper Rose Terrace are lined with fragrant blooms that spill over in a cascade of pinks, reds, and golds. Bodnant’s rose garden is considered to be the finest in Wales, with roses of all kinds bursting with colour and fragrance from June to late September.
As you descend, the scent of roses gives way to the tranquil waters of the Lily Terrace, where water lilies float elegantly in the pond, reflecting the sky like a living mirror.
Still further down, past the pergola and Lower Rose Terrace, the Canal Terrace introduces a touch of classical elegance with its long, narrow pool. Standing at one end is the Pin Mill, an 18th-century architectural gem that serves as a perfect focal point.
The terraces are a wonderful blend of classical garden architecture and horticultural excellence, with each level intended to reveal a new surprise as you descend. The scent of roses mingles with the earthy aroma of sun-warmed stone, while birds flit between the terraces, adding movement and song to this timeless sanctuary of cultivated beauty.
The Winter and Round Gardens: A Hidden Delight
Tucked away from the more formal terraces, the Winter Garden is a vibrant showcase of plants that thrive in the colder months. Here, jewel-toned dogwood stems, fragrant witch hazel, and hellebores defy the winter chill, offering a splash of colour when the rest of the garden is at rest. Even on the frostiest days, this area brims with interest, proving that gardens can be just as captivating in winter as in summer. The National Trust has developed a self-guided walking trail around the Winter Garden.
Photo © David Dixon (cc-by-sa/2.0)
Nearby, the Round Garden with its 18th Century water fountain and four quadrants showcases different plantings in each season. Originally the site of the estate’s kitchen garden, it has since been transformed into a circular retreat filled with lush plantings that create a sense of seclusion and serenity. A place for quiet contemplation, it offers a different perspective on Bodnant’s beauty, where you can pause and soak in the ever-changing mosaic of foliage and flowers.
The Dell: A Woodland Wonderland
Descend into The Dell, and you enter another world. Here, the garden softens into a wilder, more untamed beauty. Towering, enormous conifers like Douglas Fir and Giant Redwoods reach for the sky, their canopies filtering the light into golden dapples. Streams tumble over mossy rocks, while ferns form a lush, almost prehistoric landscape. In spring, the massed azaleas and rhododendrons paint the landscape with vibrant colour.
You'll also find one of Bodnant's most photographed sights here - the Waterfall Bridge, with a vertical fall of water on one side and a reflective pool on the other.
Photo © Graham Hogg (cc-by-sa/2.0)
Also nestled in this tranquil spot is the Old Mill, an historic reminder of Bodnant’s past. Once a working mill, its weathered stone walls and moss-covered roof stand as a quiet testament to the estate’s heritage, adding an extra layer of history to this enchanting part of the garden.
Nearby, hidden among the trees, stands the Poem Mausoleum, a striking neo-Gothic structure built by Henry Davis Pochin as a final resting place for his family. Crafted from local stone, this elegant and contemplative space is a place of quiet reflection, where the surrounding woodland enhances its solemn beauty. It serves as a poignant reminder of the generations who shaped Bodnant, their legacy forever entwined with the garden’s evolving landscape.
The Dell is the kind of place where time slows, and you can lose yourself in nature’s embrace.
The Wild Garden: Nature’s Free Spirit
Beyond the formality of the terraces lie Furnace Hill and the Furnace Meadow, where nature takes the lead in a vibrant dance of colour and life.
Furnace Hill offers sweeping views across the valley, as well as back towards the house. In spring, enjoy the stunning colours of rhododendrons as you meander along Penjerrick Walk.
Photo © Eirian Evans (cc-by-sa/2.0)
In summer, trails are mowed through the grass in Furnace Meadow - one of two wildflower meadows in the garden. Wildflowers bloom in summer and it comes alive with the hum of bees and the flutter of butterflies. Picnic benches offer the perfect spot to enjoy the views. You can explore this area on a self-guided walking tour.
The other wildflower meadow – the Old Park – is filled with daffodils in early spring and wildflowers in May and June.
These areas are a haven for wildlife, proving that true beauty lies in diversity, and reinforcing the importance of gardens as spaces that nurture both nature and the human spirit.
Best Time to Visit Bodnant Garden
No two visits to Bodnant are ever the same. Each season unfurls its own masterpiece, inviting you to return again and again.
Spring: The garden awakens with a burst of colour - daffodils nodding in the breeze, magnolias unfurling their ivory petals, and blossoms drifting like confetti. The Laburnum Arch and displays of rhododendrons and azaleas take centre stage.
Summer: The terraces are at their most opulent, overflowing with towering delphiniums, deep crimson roses, and the bold spikes of alliums. The Dell offers cool, shaded reprieve, where the scent of damp earth mingles with the rustling of leaves.
Photo © Michael Graham (cc-by-sa/2.0)
Autumn: A firework display of colour erupts across Bodnant as the Acer Glade (filled with Japanese Acer trees) ignites into shades of scarlet, amber, and gold. The air is crisp and filled with the scent of fallen leaves, and the garden takes on a quiet, reflective beauty.
Winter: Even in the coldest months, Bodnant is a place of wonder. Bare branches create striking silhouettes against frost-dusted lawns, while witch hazel and hellebores bloom defiantly in the chill. The stillness of winter lends the garden an almost ethereal magic, a hushed reverence that is as beautiful as any summer’s day.
Plan Your Visit: Opening Times, Tickets and More
📍 Address: Tal-y-Cafn, near Colwyn Bay, Conwy, LL28 5RE
Opening Hours
Bodnant Garden is open year-round, from 10am to 4pm. The garden is closed over Christmas.
Check the National Trust website for the most up-to-date information.
The Bodnant House is still privately owned and is not open to garden visitors.
Tickets
The entry fee varies by season but as of 2025 it is approximately £18 for adults and £9 for children. Discounts are available for families and groups.
For up to date prices, visit the National Trust.
National Trust Property
Bodnant Garden is managed by the National Trust. Entry is free for National Trust members. Even if you’re a visitor to England, an annual membership may be worthwhile if you plan to visit multiple properties. Find out more at the National Trust Membership Page
Facilities
A well-stocked garden centre with a selection of plants and gifts
The Magnolia cafe offering light refreshments
The Pavilion Tea Room offering light meals and drinks
Kiosk offering hot and cold drinks and snacks
Picnic areas for those who prefer to bring their own food
Toilets located at key points throughout the garden
A shop with locally made products, books, and souvenirs
Top Tips for Visiting Bodnant Garden
Best Time to Visit: Late May to early June is peak season for the Laburnum Arch, but each season offers something special. Early mornings tend to be quieter.
Wear Comfortable Shoes: The garden spans 80 acres with varied terrain, including woodland paths and terraced steps.
Bring a Camera: From the golden glow of the Laburnum Arch to the rich autumn foliage, Bodnant is a photographer’s paradise.
Check the Weather: North Wales can be unpredictable - pack layers and waterproofs, just in case!
Visit the Tea Room: After a long walk, enjoy homemade cakes and a warm drink at one of the on-site tea rooms.
Explore Beyond the Garden: The surrounding Conwy Valley is stunning, with charming villages and scenic trails to extend your adventure.
Where to Eat Near Bodnant Garden
Exploring Bodnant Garden and its surroundings is bound to work up an appetite. Luckily, there are several delightful spots to enjoy a meal or a snack nearby:
Magnolia Tea Room – Located within the garden, this charming tea room offers snacks and drinks.
The Pavilion Tea Room – Located near the entrance. Serving freshly prepared sandwiches, soups, light meals and seasonal treats.
Bodnant Welsh Food Centre – Just a short drive from the garden, this award-winning food hall and café showcases the best of Welsh produce, including artisan cheeses, freshly baked bread, and traditional Welsh delicacies. Find out more.
The Groes Inn – A historic country pub (the oldest in Wales) just a few miles from Bodnant, offering a cosy atmosphere, real ales, and a menu of locally inspired dishes. Find out more.
The Tal-y-Cafn – A stylish gastropub serving modern British cuisine with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, set in a beautifully restored 18th-century coaching inn. Find out more.
Whether you're looking for a quick snack, a traditional Welsh meal, or a fine dining experience, there are plenty of great options to satisfy your appetite before or after your visit to Bodnant Garden.
How to Get to Bodnant Garden
Bodnant Garden is nestled in the heart of North Wales, making it easily accessible by car and public transport.
By Car: Located just off the A470, Bodnant Garden is well-signposted and has ample parking on-site. If you're using a GPS, enter postcode LL28 5RE.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Llandudno Junction, approximately 5 miles away. From there, you can take a taxi or hop on a local bus to the garden. Check the timetable to plan your trip.
By Bus: The number 25 bus from Llandudno stops near Bodnant Garden. Check local timetables for the most up-to-date routes and schedules.
By Tour: If you’d like to delve deeper into the history and natural beauty of North Wales, consider joining a guided tour. Many local operators offer bespoke experiences, from historical explorations to nature walks and photography tours.
Boutique Tours of North Wales – Bodnant & Conwy Private Tour
Discover Bodnant Garden and the medieval charm of Conwy on this bespoke private tour from Manchester, Liverpool, or North Wales. After you explore Bodnant Garden, the tour will take you to Conwy, a picture-perfect walled town with a spectacular medieval castle, charming waterfront, and some of the best fish and chips in Wales. Luxury transport and a knowledgeable local guide ensure a day full of beauty, history, and great storytelling.
The Northern Belle - Bodnant Garden Luxury Train Excursion
Step aboard the Northern Belle, the UK’s most luxurious heritage train, for a day trip to Bodnant Garden. You’ll start your journey with a sparkling Bellini and a lavish three-course brunch as you travel through the English and Welsh countryside. Upon arrival, a private coach transfers you to the gardens, where you’ll have ample time to explore the stunning floral displays and historic estate. The return journey features a gourmet four-course dinner, accompanied by Champagne and fine wines.
Beyond Bodnant Garden: More Places to Explore in North Wales
If you have time to explore beyond Bodnant Garden, the surrounding area offers plenty of charm and history to uncover:
Conwy Castle: Just a short drive away, this imposing medieval fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with breathtaking views over the estuary and town.
Llandudno: A classic Victorian seaside resort, perfect for a leisurely stroll along the pier or a scenic tram ride up the Great Orme.
Swallow Falls: Located in Betws-y-Coed, this dramatic waterfall is a stunning natural spectacle, especially after heavy rainfall.
Gwydir Castle: A hidden gem, this historic house and garden in Llanrwst is a delight for lovers of history and architecture.
Snowdonia National Park: If you’re up for an adventure, the mountains and valleys of Snowdonia offer endless opportunities for hiking, photography, and wildlife spotting.
FAQ: Visiting Bodnant Garden
❓ Do I need to book a ticket in advance?
Tickets can be purchased on arrival at Visitor Reception - there is no need to pre-book.
❓ Are dogs allowed in Bodnant Garden?
Dogs on short leads are welcome every Thursday to Sunday, from 1 April to the end of September. From October to the end of March they are welcome every day.
❓ Is Bodnant wheelchair accessible?
The garden features both paved and gravel paths, with some steep sections. Visitor Reception can provide an access map. Wheelchairs are available on a first come basis, and accessible parking and toilets are provided.
❓ How big is Bodnant Garden?
80 acres or 32 hectares
❓ What is the closest train station to Bodnant Garden?
Llandudno Junction, approximately 5 miles (8 km) away
❓ What does the word Bodnant mean?
In Welsh, Bodnant means “house by the stream”
❓ What is Bodnant Garden famous for?
It’s most famous for its bright yellow Laburnum Arch which flowers in May/early June
A beautiful garden to visit
Whether you come to stand beneath the golden glow of the Laburnum Arch, to marvel at the fiery hues of autumn, or simply to breathe in the tranquility of winter’s quiet beauty, Bodnant will leave an imprint on your heart.
This is more than a garden - it’s a love letter to nature, to history, and to the enduring artistry of those who dreamed it into existence. So lace up your walking shoes, bring your camera, and prepare to be enchanted. Bodnant is waiting.