THE Conwy Valley's magnificent Bodnant Garden is undoubtedly the jewel in North Wales's horticultural crown. Famous for its rhododendrons, magnolias and camellias, plus the much-photographed laburnum arch, all usually in bloom from mid-May to mid-June, the site is on steep hillside around and below Bodnant Hall, with lovely views across valley and mountains. The upper gardens are beautifully terraced, with highlights in the summer including rose gardens, the lily pond and herbaceous borders, while the sloping grounds are less formal, going down to The Dell and the pinetum. Visitors are guaranteed a spectacular show of plants, whatever the time of year. Refreshments are available outside the grounds in the Pavilion and there is a large Plant and Gift Centre where you can buy some of the plants that might have caught your eye in the garden. A word of warning - no toilets or refreshments are available inside the garden. Admission is free for members of the National Trust and the Royal Horticultural Society. Bodnant is open daily mid March to the end of October, 10am to 5pm (last admission 4.30pm). No dogs allowed.
Directions to Bodnant Gardens | 
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