Bodnant Garden

Bodnant Garden in North Wales has one of the finest gardens in the world. It is situated above the River Conwy on ground sloping to the south west and looks across the valley towards the Snowdon range. This magnificent garden was presented to the National Trust by Henry Duncan, 2nd Baron Aberconway in 1949.

The garden is in two parts. The upper part around the house consists of the Terrace Gardens as well as informal lawns shaded by trees. The lower portion, known as ‘The Dell’, is formed by the valley of the River Hiraethlyn, a tributary of the Conwy, and contains the Pinetum and Wild Garden.

In March and April masses of daffodils and other spring bulbs make a colourful display. Pride of place amongst the shrubs is held by rhododendrons, magnolias, azaleas and camellias, which are in bloom throughout spring. The famous Laburnum Arch and the Chilean Fire Bush (Embothrium lanceolatum ‘Norquinco’) provide a mass of colour and are also at their best in spring.

In summer, water lilies break the reflections of the Pin Mill in the canal, whilst roses and herbaceous borders decorate the terrace gardens. As The Dell, with its steep informal pathways, is most interesting, come prepared to do some exploring here.

Bodnant has National Collections of Rhododendron forrestii, magnolia, eucryphia and embothrium.

Bodnant Gardens