Gorgeous Gardens

Staying at the Trefeddian Hotel gives you ample opportunity to get out and about to explore the many wonderful gardens of Gwynedd and the surrounding counties of Wales.

There is nothing more satisfying than a circular day trip out to enhance your holiday and experience the “green green grass of Wales”.  

Make a day of it and head north-east towards the market town of Bala, approximately 60 minute drive from the hotel. Situated at the northern end of Llyn Tegid, you will discover the gardens of Caerau Uchaf in Sarnau. The gardens were established in 1994, and are a perfect family destination, with lots of outdoor activities for the children including trampolining and zip wiring through the woods. The gift shop sells both souvenirs and plant sales, providing you with lots of ideas to revamp your own gardens when back home. There is also a lovely café with “lush” coffee and cake to be had before you travel onwards to your second stop of the day. 

At Blaenau Ffestiniog, just a further 35 minute drive away, you will find Plas Tan Y Bwlch; a Victorian garden with formal terraces, sloping lawns, ornamental shrubs, coniferous trees, a water garden and pond. Spring and early summer bring the Rhododendrons and Azaleas to life in a magnificent blaze of colour. The woodland gardens, with native flora such as oaks, beeches, Scots pine and Irish Yew, are also well worth exploring.

Head back via Welshpool (approximately 90 minutes) for two more great sites. Powys Castle is a National Trust property originally built c1200 and, for nearly 400 years, was maintained and modified by the Herbert family. The second site, Glansevern Gardens, offers the perfect dog-friendly spot situated on the banks of the River Severn and with 25 acres of grounds for you and your pooch to explore.

For a second day out, there is Bodnant Gardens & Welsh Food Centre near Colwyn Bay - about a 1 hour 40 minute drive north of Aberdovey. Feed your mind and body from the farm shop, which is full to the gunnels with local produce, tempting you at every turn - forget the diet at this stop. The gardens are a tranquil oasis to explore and relax, no matter what the season.

There is no doubting the ‘hiraeth’ of Wales lives on in the hills, valleys and coastal villages. So get out there and see it for yourself.

Top tip - Never listen to the weather forecast, just the call of the great outdoors.