North Wales
Bodnant Garden, near Conwy
One of the world’s most spectacular gardens, Bodnant Garden is situated above the River Conwy with stunning views across Snowdonia. It features huge Italianate terraces and formal lawns on its upper level, with a steeply-sided wooded valley, stream and waterfall below.
Group visit information: Average length of visit - 3hr. On-board coach welcome.
Distance: 5.8 miles (9.3 km) from Conwy.
Chirk Castle, Wrexham
Magnificent medieval fortress that became a family home. 700 years of history contrasting the austere medieval tower and dungeons with elegant state rooms and fine furniture. Chirk Castle also has award-winning tranquil gardens with rare trees and shrubs, lime tree avenue and spectacular views across nine counties.
Group visit information: Average length of visit - 3hr. On-board coach welcome, introductory talks and out of hours tours available.
Distance: 10.3 miles (16.6 km) from Wrexham.
Erddig, Wrexham
Erddig is one of the most fascinating houses in Britain, due largely to the close relationship between the family and the servants. With an evocative range of outbuildings, the house with its state rooms, displays most of its original 18th and 19th century furnishings. The large walled garden has been restored to its 18th century formal design.
Group visit information: Average length of visit - 2hr 30min. On-board coach welcome, introductory talk, general guided tour available.
Penrhyn Castle, Bangor
This dramatic neo-Norman fantasy castle is crammed with fascinating things such as a one-ton slate bed made for Queen Victoria. The Victorian kitchen and other servants’ rooms at Penrhyn Castle have been restored to reveal the preparations for the banquet honouring the Prince of Wales’ visit in 1894.
Group visit information: Average length of visit - 3hr. On-board coach welcome and introductory talks available.
Plas Newydd House and Garden, Anglesey
Plas Newydd is the home of the Marquess of Anglesey, with spectacular views across the Menai Strait to Snowdonia. This elegant 18th century house is an interesting mixture of classical and Gothic which also houses Rex Whistler’s largest painting. The fine gardens provide colour throughout the seasons. The stunning display of tulips in the borders in March are a sight to see, and with dahlias and salvias bringing the borders’ year to a close in October.
Group visit information: Average length of visit - 3hr. On-board coach welcome, general guided tour, and introductory talks available.
Distance: 6.6 miles (10.6 km) from Bangor.
Plas yn Rhiw, Pwllheli
This small manor house was rescued from neglect and lovingly restored by the three Keating sisters who bought it in 1938. The views from delightful gardens across Cardigan Bay are among the most spectacular in Britain. Plas yn Rhiw is a 16th century house with Georgian additions.
Group visit information: Average length of visit - 1 hr. General guided tour and introductory talks available.
Distance: 11 miles (17.7 km) from Pwllheli.
South Wales
Aberdulais, Neath
For over 400 years, this famous waterfall provided the energy to drive the wheels of industry, from the smelting of copper in 1584 to the Victorian tinplate works. Today, the waterwheel is the largest in Europe generating electricity which makes Aberdulais Falls self-sufficient in environmentally friendly energy. The site has level access paths and terrain throughout, offering accessibility to Scheduled Ancient Monument, information boards, viewing the waterfall and waterwheel, and browsing the 2nd Hand Bookshop.
Group visit information: Average length of visit - 30mins. Currently open Thursday and Friday throughout the year – 10:30hrs to 15:30hrs.
Additional information: Check the website for updates on the waterwheel activity.
Distance: 3 miles (4.8 km) from Neath.
Colby Woodland Garden, near Amroth
Set in a tranquil and secluded valley, Colby Woodland Garden has a fascinating industrial past and offers a variety of walks on open and wooded pathways. Rhododendrons, magnolias, azaleas and camellias underplanted with bluebells provide spring colour. Later highlights are the summer hydrangeas and autumn foliage.
Group visit information: self-directed groups are welcome. Buses need to book in advance. Please call +44 (0)1834 811885 (option 2).
Events : Please check the events page on the website to view and book events: Events at Colby Woodland Garden (nationaltrust.org.uk)
Distance: 5.8 miles (9.3 km) from Narberth.
Dinefwr, Llandeilo
A magical land of power and influence, occupied for more than 2,000 years and an iconic place in the history of Wales. Sitting at the heat of the estate is Newton House, a mansion built in the 1660s and extensively remodelled in the 1850s. Your clients can explore the rich past of the estate through changing exhibitions, pause in the garden, follow the pathways through historic parkland and they might even meet their ancient herd of White Park cattle or encounter the 12th century Castle.
Group visit information: Rates apply to groups of 10 or more people. Average length of visit - 4hr. The parkland and house are open for everyone to enjoy at their own leisure, guided gardens tours from volunteers are available on request subject to availability. Requests must be made at least one month prior to the visit. Knowledgeable volunteers are on hand to share the history of the house.
Dyffryn Gardens, St Nicholas
An exceptional example of Edwardian garden design, Dyffryn Gardens covers more than 55 acres featuring a stunning collection of intimate garden rooms, formal lawns and seasonal bedding. There is a statuary collection, an arboretum featuring historically and horticulturally important trees from all over the world.
Group Visit Information: Rates apply to groups of 15 or more people. Average length of visit - 4hr. The gardens and house are open for everyone to enjoy at their own leisure, guided gardens tours from volunteers are available on request subject to availability. Requests must be made at least one month prior to the visit. Knowledgeable volunteers are on hand to share the history of the house.
Distance: 9.3 miles (14.9 km) from Cardiff.
Tredegar House, Newport
From a military hero, to a Russian princess and wild parties of the 1930s, Tredegar House has a colourful past. It's one of the finest restoration buildings in the country. Visitors will be immersed in the sumptuous style of a 17th century rooms, including the carved Brown Room and the magnificent Gilt Room, which would have been used for parties and celebrations for the Morgan Family and their guests. Along the way hear the stories of the Morgan family and their servants – there are plenty of them. Your clients can enjoy traditional garden games in the elegant formal gardens and explore the 90 acres of parkland complete with woodland walk, playground park, café and lake.
Group visit information: Group size up to 25. Availability March to October. Duration - min 1hr.
Mid Wales
Dolaucothi, Pumpsaint
The unique Dolaucothi gold mines overlook the beautiful Cothi Valley. The Romans, who exploited the site almost 2,000 years ago, left behind a complex of pits and channels. Guided tours take visitors through the Roman and the more recent underground workings.
Group visit information: Maximum group number of 18 people. Average length of visit - 1hr 30 min. Group visit requests must be made at least one month prior to the visit. The parkland is open for everyone to explore at their own leisure.
Llanerchaeron, Ceredigion
Centred around a fine Regency villa designed in the 1790s by John Nash, Llanerchaeron holds essential appeal which comes from the rare opportunity it offers to experience a complete, self-sufficient 18th century Welsh minor gentry estate. The villa, service courtyard, mature walled gardens, pleasure grounds with ornamental lake and home farm complex with traditional outbuildings take visitors back to bygone times.
Group visit information: Average length of visit - 2hr 30min. On-board coach welcome.
Distance: 2.5 miles (4 km) from Aberaeron.
Powis Castle and Garden, Welshpool
Powis Castle and Garden is laid out under the influence of Italian and French styles, and its world famous garden retains its original lead statues, an orangery and an aviary on the terraces. Perched on a rock above the garden terraces, the medieval castle contains one of the finest collections of paintings and furniture in Wales.
Group visit information: Rates apply to groups of 15 people or more. Average length of visit - 3hr. The gardens and house are open for everyone to enjoy at their own leisure but guided gardens tours are available on request. Knowledgeable volunteers are on hand daily to share the history of the house. Special interest tours are also available.
Discover Wales' outdoors with National Trust
National Trust also own parts of Wales' coast and countryside and works hard to protect our wildlife and nature. Find suggested walks and places to visit along the coast .
Special interest tours may be available at some properties. Please enquire directly.
