For those who love beautiful gardens, gorgeous views, and country house hotels all in a weekend then you should visit Bodnant Garden in Conwy, and Bodysgallen Hall in Llandudno in North Wales.
There can be few better ways to spend a weekend than this. To start with Bodnant Garden, it is situated above the River Conwy, with a backdrop of the Snowdonia Mountains, and it overlooks one of the loveliest valleys in Wales, so picture perfect to start, before anything else.
For the National Trust to have begun protecting it as far back as 1949 is significant in itself, so when you hear that Bodnant Garden is rated amongst the finest botanical attractions in the British Isles you can begin to see why, especially when even the English who have some beautiful gardens themselves, wax lyrical, then you know how good Bodnant must be.
Described as a pleasure ground for all seasons, and taking up an area of over 100 acres, all organised in formal Italian terraces this is a joy to behold. The terraces start at the manor house and that leads down to a wild garden just jam packed with colour. There are flowers, exotic shrubs, magnificent trees, and rock ensembles, it really is a feast for the eyes.
Of course the colours you will see depend entirely on the season you visit, so people come back time and again because there is always something different to see.
For example there are dense dells of rhododendrons, camellias, and magnolias in the early part of the year. There are stunning old fashioned bluebell woods in the spring, and the Laburnam Arch which is a two hundred foot long tunnelled walk where a mass of gold blossom meets above your head, and this is at its best in late May to June.
The Bodnant Gardens were first laid out inin 1875, and is the lovely home of Lord Aberconway president emeritus of the Royal Horticultural Society[RHS].
If you want to stay here in some style, then book into Bodysgallen Hall in nearby Llandudno, possibly the best country house in Wales. This is a class operation from the moment you come onto the superb entrance to the house. You will be greeted by superb flower arrangements, massive fireplaces, and furnished with beautiful antiques.
It is hidden away in the woods close to the Snowdonia National Park, and the main house dates back to the 17th century. The view to the mountains from some of the guest rooms is spectacular, and well worth asking for. The views of the local small medieval town of Conwy aren’t bad either, and this walled town which grew up around the 13th century castle Conwy aren’t bad either, and the town is well worth a visit.
Don’t forget the small Victorian town of Llandudno about a mile away either. Here there is a gingerbread pier, and pastel hotels lining the promenade.
Whatever you do, return to Bodysgallen for dinner, because the local menu is terrific.
As a combination Bodnant, and Bodysgallen make a lovely midweek or weekend break.
Author Resource:
Ian writes on travel. His newest interest is in finding outdoor security cameras at http://outdoorsecuritycamerasinfo.com”>Outdoor Security Camera, and specifically a motion activated security camera at http://outdoorsecuritycamerasinfo.com/motion-activated-security-camera.html
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