Arguably, spring is the best time to holiday in Wales. The weather is getting just that little bit warmer, playful lambs are livening up the fields and hillsides, and flowers like the iconic Welsh daffodil are blooming. It’s a special time for the Welsh, as spring arrives just after we celebrate our patron Saint, Saint David, and it’s also a time when Wales’ abundant natural beauty is really at its best.
And what better way to make the most of this time of year than to immerse yourself in the thriving natural world at one of Wales’ many lovely gardens and meadows? Here are our top 10 recommendations for enjoying the sights and sounds of spring in Wales.
easter events
If you plan to visit during the April half-term, it is likely that some of these sites will organise special events, such as Easter egg hunts, which can be a fun way to spend a day with the family. Make sure to check the website links in each section for more information, particularly for National Trust sites. Booking might be required.
Please note that our list is arranged in geographical order from north to south.
Photo Credits
Photos of Plas Newydd, Elan Valley, Rhossili, Tredegar House and National Botanic Garden of Wales, as well as select photos of Erddig (house) are from the Wales Asset database. © Hawlfraint y Goron / © Crown copyright (2022) Cymru Wales. Additional credits can be found on individual photos.
All the other remaining photos are property of Mathieu Gasquet / We Travel Wales.
1. Bodnant Garden
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Public transport
- 25 bus (llandudno)
entry
- £19 (adult), £9 (child), family tickets available
- Free entry for national trust members
- Free car park
- open 9am to 5pm (times may vary depending on the season)
Bodnant Garden’s 80 acres of hills, woods, rivers and terraces may just be Wales’ most popular garden for visitors – and it’s easy to see why. Just outside Conwy, Bodnant has been purposely populated with flowers and plants from worldwide by generations of gardeners from the McLaren family.
If you’re interested in botany, this will probably be your top pick from this list. Bodnant features the UK’s longest Laburnum arch, which will be displaying its jolly yellow blooms within a month or two. It’s also the home of Wales’ largest collection of twenty-two Champion Trees, including one exotic Manchurian maple alongside more familiar friends like beeches and sycamores. Plenty of the trees are flowering, so spring is definitely the best time to visit.
Even aside from the exotic plants, it’s just a lovely place to wander around in the springtime. The garden is full of brightly coloured blossom from March to June, and the formal terraces, featuring peaceful ponds and absolutely teeming with roses, offer an elegant place to unwind. If you like things a bit less tame, the grounds further afield offer two gorgeous wildflower meadows.
Bodnant is near Conwy, right at the top of Wales, so it’ll be a little bit harder to get to if you’re not a Northerner – but definitely well worth it! See more information on the National Trust website.
2. Plas Newydd House and Gardens
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Public transport
- 42 bus (bangor)
entry
- £14 (adult), £7 (child), family tickets available
- Free entry for national trust members
- Free car park
- open 9.30 am to 5 pm (garden and bookshop close earlier)
Our second pick takes us all the way to Anglesey – if there weren’t already enough great reasons to visit Wales’ largest island. It’s situated right by the Menai Strait, so you can enjoy views of the water (and, across it, Snowdonia) while you stroll through these lovely gardens.
This is another place with a real variety of things to do and so. Nearer the house there are the formal gardens, which certainly don’t feel formal when they’re bursting with hundreds of colourful tulips, or azaleas and rhododendrons slightly further afield. Taking a walk through Church Bank Wood at the south of the gardens also nets you a chance at spotting the much-loved red squirrel, due to the hard work that’s been done at Plas Newydd to reintroduce them.
The house itself is also worth visiting. The architecture and interior design is impressive and there’s a small military museum within it, as well as a second-hand bookshop. Most famous is the huge mural in the dining room, created by esteemed artist Rex Whistler, who died before the mural was completed. The artwork shows a romanticised version of the view from Plas Newydd and over the Menai Strait.
There’s a bus stop very close to Plas Newydd itself. For drivers, the site is well-signposted not far from Britannia Bridge which you cross to get onto the island. More information is available on the National Trust website.
3. Erddig Hall and Gardens
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Public transport
- arriva no.2/4/5 bus (1-mile walk from Felin Puleston)
- wrexham train station (1.9-mile walk along erddig footpath)
entry
- £12 (adult), £5.50 (child), family tickets available
- Free entry for national trust members
- Free car park
- open 10 am to 5 pm (house opening times are shorter)
Wrexham’s Erddig Hall is known for being a little different from other stately homes in the UK, as its focus is on the ordinary daily and working lives of the people who lived on the estate—particularly the servants—throughout history. Indeed, the corridors of the house are decorated with poems dedicated to the servants who kept it running—including, of course, the gardeners!
The gardens and parkland of Erddig are unmissable. There are a few more formal, stately areas, such as the rose garden, which will be beginning to bud at this time of year, or the Victorian parterre, bright with tulips. But the real delight lies in the acres of wild grasslands, rivers, and ancient trees. There’s even a unique man-made waterfall.
Erddig is well known as a hub for fun activities. In April, you could enjoy a ranger-led walk through the estate focused on mindfulness and meditation, a whole host of Easter events and egg hunts for kids, or—my personal favourite—a guided walk for photographers aimed at capturing the area’s stunning plum, pear, and apple blossoms. Check more events on the NT website.
4. Powis Castle and Gardens
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Public transport
- buses to welshpool from Oswestry, Shrewsbury, Llanidloes
- cambrian train line to welshpool
- 1-mile walk from park lane in welshpool to the castle
entry
- £18 (adult), £8.50 (child), family tickets available
- Free entry for national trust members
- Free car park
- open 10 am to 5 pm (castle, museum and shop opening times are shorter)
I visited this castle on school trips a couple of times when I was in primary school, and I remember always thinking it looked like Archie the inventor’s house in Balamory! In reality it’s not quite as vibrant a shade of pink, but I do think it’s quite unique-looking as castles go.
Powis Castle was built in the 13th century, but it’s developed a lot since then. There are formal gardens from the 17th and early 20th centuries, and there’s even a really interesting (though sad) museum with a huge collection of cultural items obtained during the British colonisation of India.
If you want to go further afield from the lovely terraced gardens and orangery, which will be alight with cherry, apple, wisteria and magnolia blossoms at this time of year, the woodland surrounding the castle and gardens offers its own delights. This is called the Wilderness, and though it’s that little bit wilder, it’s still a great spot for flower-lovers, as it’s filled with rhododendrons. Plus, you can make a game out of spotting the curious carved wyverns that hide between the trees.
The Castle and Gardens are about a mile’s walk from the centre of Welshpool, to which you can get a train or bus. Driving is a good option too, though; there’s free parking and it’s well-signed from the main road between Welshpool and Newton. More information on the National Trust website.
5. The Elan Valley
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Public transport
- buses to nearest town (rhayader), then continue via taxi or car
entry
- Free entry
- £3 all-day parking in all designated car parks
If you want to enjoy Wales’ spring weather and nature in a slightly less formal environment, well, your options abound – but definitely consider the awe-inspiring Elan Valley, situated in rural mid-Wales.
Known for its huge and peaceful dams and reservoirs, the Elan Valley is a great place to explore at any time of year, and also has a fascinating, though tragic, history. There’s a real abundance of walking and cycling routes available, so pick something suited to your ability, take it slow, and enjoy the stunning views.
Most of the land is bog meadow, making it a haven for small animals and plant wildlife. Come April, temperatures will get a little warmer and you’ll be able to enjoy gorgeous wildflowers around you whatever trail you take. And abundance of heather and bog rosemary over these gentle rolling hills not only looks lovely but is crucial for conservation – these plants support the continued preservation of endangered birds, with the Elan Valley being Wales’ most environmentally important spot for land birds.
If you’re an outside adventurer at heart, you could consider staying in one of the properties actually on the valley and supporting the conservation work done on the estate. This will also make your trip quite convenient as it’s not the easiest to get to. You can drive from Rhayader, but if you haven’t visited before you’ll want to get a physical map as the directions are tricky and Satnav is not reliable. Visit the official Elan Valley website for more information.
6. Llanerchaeron
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Public transport
- t1, t5 and x50 buses to aberaeron
- 2/3-mile walk from aberaeron
entry
- £11 (adult), £5 (child), family tickets available
- Free entry for national trust members
- £3 car park
- open 10 am to 4 pm during school holidays (house opening times are shorter)
The slightly-difficult-to-pronounce Llanerchaeron is best known for being a stately home; it’s a Georgian villa with a lovely fruit and vegetable garden and a little farmyard. But if you ask me, the nicest thing about this National Trust estate near Aberaeron are the lovely walks around the woodland attached to it.
The estate of Llanerchaeron is actually protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to the gorgeous variety of flowers and plants you’ll experience underfoot. This means it’s really at its best in springtime, and there’s also fauna to be spotted whilst taking a pleasant stroll alongside the River Aeron (from which nearby Aberaeron gets its name). Significant conservation work is currently ongoing to invigorate these wild meadows, and there’s also a lovely lake.
If you’re interested in history and literature, why not pair a visit to this lovely woodland with a longer walk down a section of the Dylan Thomas trail? It’s a nice way to get a sense of the character of Ceredigion and also visit some of the destinations that inspired this legendary author.
Though there’s specific opening hours and prices for the house itself and the gardens, the grasslands surrounding are open to the public at any time. The nicest way to get here is to walk along the Allt y Graig Woodland trail, which will take you less than an hour from Aberaeron.
7. Dyffryn Fernant Garden
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Public transport
- onwers can pre-book taxi or come to meet you at train stations near fishguard
entry
- £10 (adult), children free
- free car park
- open 12 pm to 5 pm, sunday to friday, april to october
Tucked away in the folds of north Pembrokeshire lies a hidden gem of a garden—one you would never guess was there if you didn’t know where to look. Nestled between the coast, the Gwaun Valley, and the Preseli Hills, Dyffryn Fernant Garden spans six acres and showcases a wide variety of environments, from flamboyant bursts of colour and seasonal planting to a mix of exotic architectural foliage and much more.
The garden was created over two decades by Christina Shand, its current owner, who drew inspiration from the existing landscape—the hillside, marsh, and farm enclosures. As she put it, she created a conversation between herself and the spirit of the place. The Times has described Dyffryn Fernant as ‘the best domestic garden in Wales’.
There is an abundance of seating areas, a well-stocked garden library, and refreshments available, and the atmosphere invites visitors to take their time and enjoy the surroundings. You can even spend the night in the garden’s cottage. Visit the website to find out more.
8. National Botanic Garden of Wales
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Public transport
- 279 bus (carmarthen – Llandeilo)
entry
- £19 (adult), £10 (children), family discounts
- free car park
- open 10 AM to 6 pm (4pm in the winter)
It’s impossible to write an article like this without mentioning the National Botanic Garden of Wales. Renowned on an international level, it is a landmark for conservation, horticulture, science, education, leisure, and even the arts.
Within its vast 568 acres, you’ll find themed gardens hosting over 8,000 different plant varieties, as well as a Nature Reserve. Children will love the magical Gruffalo Trail and the British Bird of Prey Centre. The iconic single-span glasshouse, designed by Norman Foster (the largest in the world), is the garden’s centrepiece. Inside, you can discover some of the most endangered plants on the planet, sourced from different regions with a Mediterranean climate. Designed to reflect a natural environment, it includes rocky terraces, sandstone cliffs, and gravelled scree slopes.
The parkland surrounding the gardens is also well worth exploring, with various trails leading to lakes, dams, bridges, and waterfalls. Multiple dining areas serve high-quality local food, and the garden hosts a variety of events, including food festivals, antiques fairs, and live music concerts. Please note that dogs are allowed every Monday, Friday, and the first weekend of each month. Find more information on their website.
9. Rhosili Bay Beach
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Public transport
- 118 bus (swansea)
entry
- paid and display car park (free for national trust members)
- shop opens 10 am to 4 pm
Let’s continue to the South side of Wales – in fact, all the way to the South coast. Although you might not get as much sun as in the summer, spring is still a really lovely time to enjoy the Welsh seaside, especially as it’s likely to be slightly less overcrowded. And if you’re interested in pairing your beach day out with appreciating some seasonal flowers, its famous clifftop meadows mean this is the beach for you.
Rhosili Bay is a favourite beach of mine on the South coast of Wales, and a really good choice if you’re looking for a day trip from Swansea this April or May. I’m not the only one who thinks so, either; The Independent has called it “the supermodel of British beaches”!
Aside from relaxing, swimming and exploring on the stunning 3-mile beach itself, there are a lot of really nice walks to do around Rhosili Bay that will shine in the springtime. For example, this is when the wildflower meadows will begin to bloom, and there are nearly 40 acres of them on the cliff tops surrounding the beach, which are only a short walk from the visitor’s centre. The vibrant yellow and purple is a treat for the senses, and will make a change from the more refined floral offerings you can enjoy at the gardens on this list.
Another great thing about Rhosili is it’s a really dog-friendly beach, so every member of the family is welcome here. It’s really worth staying a while down here as there’s so much to do and explore even beyond the beach and clifftops, and there are some great holiday properties, but if you’re based in Swansea it’s only a 45-minute drive. Bear in mind, though, that the beach itself is not wheelchair accessible as there’s a steep descent.
10. Tredegar House
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Public transport
- 30, 36 buses from cardiff (5-min walk)
entry
- £14 (adult), £6.50 (child), family tickets available
- free for national trust members
- free car park
- shop opens 10 am to 5 pm (house closes at 4.30pm)
Tredegar House (or Tŷ Tredegar in Welsh) in Monthmouthshire is famous for its grand red brick architecture and the aristocratic Morgan family who long lived there. It’s also been the filming site for several episodes of Dr Who! So it’s a cool spot to visit no matter your interests.
But what really brings this historic building alive is its charming gardens, which come alive in the springtime with an abundance of crocuses, hyacinths, and of course daffodils. There are four main gardens – the large and intricate Orchard Garden, full of quirky and exotic features, the stately Cedar Garden with its classic 19th century design, the small and colourful Orangery full of fruit trees, and the more relaxed Laundry Gardens, populated with vegetables and flowers aimed at attracting pollinators.
There’s plenty to see and enjoy inside the house too, and a café, The Brewhouse, where you can stop to regain some energy! Plus, further afield from the main gardens sits 90 gorgeous acres of parkland full of feathered wildlife and a glassy lake.
Tredegar House is close to Newport and signposted from the M4 if you’re driving, or it’s a roughly 40 minute walk from Newport train station. More details on the NT website.
Have I missed one of your favourite spots? Drop us an email or comment on our Facebook group – I’d love to hear your recommendations!
