Explore one of the Finest Arts and Crafts Gardens in Wales and Visit National Trust Gardens in North Wales

The National Trust cares for an amazing collection of gardens and parks which encompass more than 500 years of Welsh history. From the terraces of Bodnant Garden to the magnificent topiary of Chirk Castle, enjoy a feast for the senses at top gardens in North Wales staying at Bodysgallen Hall set within 220 acres of its own gardens and parkland. 

Bodysgallen Hall is situated south of the town of Llandudno in North Wales, on the west of Pydew mountain. The word “bod-ysgallen” has been interpreted as “house among the thistles”. Bodysgallen Hall is a Grade I 17th century house that has gradually evolved over the centuries from modest hamlet to a large and comfortable country house, with restored and converted outbuildings, surrounded by one of the finest Arts and Crafts gardens in Wales.

This early-17th-century block has five storeys, including attics and cellar, and its austere detailing and mullioned windows set the pattern for all future work at the house. Its two main storeys comprise a large low hall entered at terrace level from the west, and an equally large chamber above, which became the drawing room. Both rooms open in one corner into a curious little bay, with windows on two sides and a fireplace on the third; and both have heraldic overmantels. The hall is carved, with the arms of Gruffydd ap Cynan,Wynn and Collwyn.

The long connection between the house and the Mostyn family started in the sixteenth century, late in the Elizabethan era, when it was owned by Richard Mostyn, who served as High Sheriff of Caernarfonshire, that it became a residential house.

Today, Bodysgallen Hall is an award-winning hotel home to one of North Wales’ finest restaurants awarded 3 AA Rosettes serving traditional Welsh cuisine. The hotel is also home to a spa with an indoor swimming pool. The hotel offers 31 spacious bedrooms, a combination of rooms in the main house and cottages within the grounds. The gardens are a true highlight here and have been featured on the BBC show ‘Glorious Gardens from Above’ with several themed garden tours available throughout the year, hosted by the head gardener.

The gardens at the hotel include a rare 17th century parterre of box hedges filled with sweet-scented herbs, a rockery with a cascade, a walled rose garden, and several follies. Several woodland walks enhance the outdoor experience. Search out the Gothic Tower within the woodland and the Obelisk located on top of Ffrith Hill. An additional highlight is that of a kitchen garden providing the freshest of ingredients for the dining menus. There is also an abundance of seasonal foliage for the in-house arrangements.

These National Trust gardens located close to Bodysgallen Hall offer plenty to explore throughout the seasons. Here is what the Trust says about each one:

• Bodnant Garden: A world-famous garden, home to National Collections and Champion Trees. With intimate corners, sweeping lawns, grand terraces and verdant woodland, there are many gardens in one at Bodnant.
• Chirk Castle and Garden: Magnificent medieval fortress of the Welsh Marches. A stark symbol of power, the construction of Chirk Castle began around 1295 during the reign of the conquering Edward I in order to subdue the last princes of Wales.
• Penrhyn Castle and Garden: Fantasy castle with industrial and colonial foundations. The dominating stone façade of Penrhyn Castle hides more than just its internal red-brick construction. Built in the early 19th century, its formidable architecture, opulent interiors and fine art collection lean on a long history of sugar and slate fortunes, social unrest and the longest-running industrial dispute in British history. 
• Plas Newydd House and Garden: On the island of Ynys Môn (Anglesey), Plas Newydd is a Grade I-listed house and garden on the banks of the Menai Strait. With the mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia) as a dramatic backdrop, enjoy the 40 acres of peaceful garden and 129 acres of woodland and parkland. 

During a stay at Bodysgallen Hall guests are invited to discover Welsh Whisky with a tour of the Penderyn Whisky Distillery in Llandudno. Learn about the history of Penderyn, how whisky is distilled, the water being brought down from its source deep within the Great Orme, and then aged in oak barrels giving the whisky its unique authentic flavour. You are promised a fascinating tour from guides who are passionate about their craft.

North Wales offers a distinctive culture and is home to vibrant Llandudno including the victorian seaside famous for its North Shore Beach and iconic 19th-century pier. Conwy Castle offers a stunning view over Conwy and the whole area. In the distance sits Bodysgallen Hall.    

Bodysgallen Hall has been sympathetically restored by Historic House Hotels since 1980 and was given to the National Trust in 2008. It is the ideal hotel to discover the uniqueness of north Wales and this area of outstanding beauty.

www.bodysgallen.com Llandudno, North Wales, LL30 1RS Tel: +44 (0)1492 584 466
B&B priced from £275.00 per night based on two sharing