Premier Gardens Wales is a collection of the best gardens in Wales. Access is easy, and visitors can be in Wales from Heathrow, Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol, Cardiff and Swansea airports within 2 hours.

The itinerary and accommodation ideas are provided as suggestions.
Further information on pricing, availability and travel times is available throughout this website.

For further information on the gardens go to The Gardens pages on this site.
For accommodation go to www.welsh.rarebits.co.uk

Morning
Start your itinerary with a visit to the first National Botanic Garden to open in Britain for 200 years. A fascinating mix of modern and traditional, the Garden of Wales blends restored Regency buildings and historic parkland with state of the art, new developments. The Great Glasshouse, dominated by a six metre deep ravine, brings the Mediterranean climate to this captivating part of west Wales.

Lunch can either be taken at the National Botanic Garden or a short drive away, sheltered in the Towy Valley is Aberglasney, where lunch can be enjoyed on the terrace, overlooking the garden you are about to explore.

Afternoon
The atmosphere at Aberglasney is relaxed and informal. It is one of the most remarkable garden restoration projects in the UK. The extraordinary features take you by surprise, particularly the restored Elizabethan cloister garden and parapet walk, which is unique in the UK. The ten acres of garden include three walled gardens a pool garden and woodland walks and contain many rare and unusual plants.

Evening
Travel north from here towards your destination for day 2. Allow at least 3 hours for this mostly coastal route. The drive is worth it! Stay overnight at the first of 3 Welsh Rarebit Hotels, suggested in this itinerary, Hotel Portmeirion. The luxury is matched with spectacular sea views and of course, you are in place for your first visit of day 2.

Morning
After a great Welsh breakfast, your day will start at Clough William-Ellis’s Italiante village on its own private peninsular in North Wales, Portmeirion. There are 70 acres of sub-tropical Victorian pleasure gardens and woodlands to explore, as well as craft and gift shops to peruse at your leisure. Most famously, Portmeirion was the setting for the popular cult 60's TV series, The Prisoner - episodes of which can be seen in the hotel bedrooms!

Lunch
Have a spot of lunch here, before driving onto Anglesey and the National Trust's Plas Newydd.

Afternoon
Plas Newydd, the traditional home of the Marquess of Anglesey, is situated on the banks of the Menai Strait and has magnificent views of the beautiful mountains of Snowdonia. Historical cruises operate from the property, weather permitting, and are a great way to take in the splendor of this elegant 18th Century house and garden. Make sure you leave time to visit the award winning tea rooms, before a stroll around a garden which has colours from all seasons.

For your second night, stay at Olde Bull's Head, Beaumaris, an inn with character and indisputably one of North Wales's top eating places.

Morning
A short drive from Beaumaris finds Bangor, and the first stop of the day, Penrhyn Castle. This National Trust property is set against the stunning backdrop of Snowdonia and enjoys views over the Menai Strait. In summer months Penrhyn offers visitors a range of events including exhibitions featuring botanical art. The garden itself extends 40 acres and mixes the traditional formal gardens with open parklands and woods.

From here, drive to the historic town of Conwy, its famous castle dominating the landscape. Lunch at the Castle Hotel where a reputation for fine dining is based on an accomplished and enthusiastic use of locally sourced produce.

Afternoon
The final visit of the itinerary brings you to one of the finest gardens in the world, Bodnant. Commanding views across the valley toward the spectacular Snowdonia range it has a vast collection of plants providing colour and interest, whatever the season. Particularly spectacular in the spring, the magnificent rhododendrons, camellias and magnolias ensure visitors return again and again.

To finish your visit in style, stay at one of Britain's top country house hotels - Bodysgallen Hall. Fine food, wine and a bit of pampering will set you up well for your journey home.