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, the site is on steep hillside around and below Bodnant Hall, with lovely views across valley and mountains. The upper gardens are beautifully terraced, while the sloping grounds are less formal. Visitors are guaranteed a spectacular show of plants, whatever the time of year. Admission is free for members of the National Trust and the Royal Horticultural Society. Other stately homes with glorious gardens and grounds include Plas Newydd, Anglesey, Penrhyn Castle, Bangor, and Erddig Hall, Wrexham, all run by the National Trust, and Gwydir Castle, Llanrwst. Bodelwyddan Castle has an historic garden and grounds, as does Plas Tan-y-Bwlch, the Snowdonia National Park Study Centre in the Vale of Maentwrog. The garden at Gwaenynog, Denbigh, inspired Beatrix Potter's illustrations for the Tale of the Flopsy Bunnies when she visited her uncle who lived there. There are no great municipal parks and gardens, but Haulfre Gardens on the slopes of Llandudno's Great Orme are free and worth visiting if you're in the area, as well as the town's Happy Valley. Portmeirion architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis lived at Plas Brondanw, Llanfrothen, five miles from his Italianate village, and the garden he created there has many delightful features visitors can enjoy. Travel on towards Pwllheli and you will find the Magical Gardens of Talhenbont Hall, with river and nature trails, surrounding the 1607 house. There are hundreds more beautiful gardens which are essentially private, but thanks to the National Gardens Scheme many are open to the public on certain days of the year. There are usually several open every week from Easter onwards. Search for Events in our What's On channel to find dates. Plas Newydd, Anglesey
Penryhn Castle, Bangor
Bodnant Garden, Tal y Cafn, Conwy Valley
Erddig Hall Garden and Park
Haulfre Gardens, Llandudno
Happy Valley, Llandudno
Plas Brondanw, Llanfrothen, Penrhyndeudraeth
Talhenbont Hall Magical Gardens, Pwllheli.
Plas Tan y Bwlch, Maentwrog
Gwaenynog, Denbigh
Glynllifon, Caernarfon
Gwydir Castle
Bodelwyddan Castle | 
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