Sarah and I took the opportunity of a free day to visit Bodnant Garden. Originally we had been due to run in the Southport Mad Dog 10k but we had both withdrawn from this due to recent illnesses. Nonetheless, we decided to keep this day free for, with my Open University days reaching the final stages, this might prove to be one of the few opportunities we have in the next few months to get out.

So, it was a cool and fresh Sunday when we arrived in Tal-y-Cafn above the River Conwy. First stop – Pavilion Tea Rooms for coffee and cake!

Bodnant Garden was established in 1874 by politician Henry Pochin. Eventually being passed down to the 1st Lord of Aberconwy. And the latest lord is the current garden manager.

It might seem that in January there isn’t much to see but our visit showed this not to be the case, their were plenty of delights and surprises. Beginning with the snowdrops …

We passed through the Winter Garden, which of course was in full bloom at this time of year.

There were a myriad of Irises.

Our first glimpse of daffodils brought a hint of spring.

We headed over to the terraces.

The views out over Snowdonia were fantastic.

The Pin Mill is a feature that was brought in brick by brick from another location in 1937, and along with the terraces displays strong Italian influences.

Next we headed down to the Old Mill, passing the waterfalls on the way.

Next we followed the stream.

At the end was the skating pond.

I thought I should try my own version of skating …

On the return we passed the waterfall bridge.

And an interesting building called ‘The Poem’.

Finally, as we passed through the dell we went past a number of ‘Champion Trees’ for which Bodnant Garden is internationally known.

As we returned to the start, Sarah started ‘flagging’. She has after all been struggling to overcome an illness recently. So it was time to call it a day.

We had thoroughly enjoyed our time at Bodnant Garden, and we are looking forward to visiting the gardens again in the next season. This is a place worth visiting many times.