This season we are on the lookout for diligent and enthusiastic people to help us share the place with visitors from home and abroad. We have part-time, flexible, seasonal roles that include working in the Tea Room and cleaning holiday cottages, from April to October. If you are interested in helping us please forward your CV to [email protected]
We are thrilled and honoured to announce that the Hidden Gardens at Plas Cadnant have been short-listed for the Historic Houses Garden of the Year Award 2019.
This prestigious national award, sponsored by Christie’s, recognises the importance of the country’s most spectacular historic gardens.
Plas Cadnant and seven other UK places will be going head-to-head to be named the nation’s favourite country house garden.
We were delighted to welcome ITV Wales News to the gardens to cover this exciting nomination. Take a look at the interview here (approximately 22 minute mark).
Voting is now closed and the winner of the 2019 award will be announced at the Historic Houses AGM in November 2019. We would like to say a huge thank you to everybody who voted for us.
At Plas Cadnant we pride ourselves as being the perfect destination for groups, large and small. We can help arrange group dining and exclusive guided tours.
For more information and to book your group visit, please contact our team on [email protected] or 01248 717174. Download our Booking Form here. Please note that our Garden Office is not staffed every day, but we will respond to any enquiries as soon as we can.
A historic garden under restoration, situated between Menai Bridge and Beaumaris on the Isle of Anglesey.
In 1996, the present owner bought the 200 acre Plas Cadnant Estate and work began on the restoration of the historic garden and grounds. Since then large parts of the gardens have undergone a spectacular transformation and have been restored to their former glory.
Described as one of North Wales best kept secrets is the hidden world of Plas Cadnant Gardens, situated at the side of the Menai Strait, hidden from view near to Menai Bridge on the Isle of Anglesey.
Former owners of Plas Cadnant were related to the Tremayne family of Heligan House, now famous for its Lost Gardens.
A new garden is being created on an historic site, becoming a plantsman's paradise. Now considered amongst the liveliest twenty gardens of Wales, and featured in a new book 'The Finest Gardens of Wales' by Tony Russell'. Also featured in 'Discovering Welsh Gardens' written by Stephen Anderton and photographed by Charles Hawes.
There is still much work to be done and we hope you will visit us in person or use the website to keep informed of our ongoing progress.
Three different gardens have been discovered, including an unusual walled garden with curving walls and pool, a secret valley garden with three waterfalls and river, and an upper woodland garden with stone outcrops and the remains of a 19c. folly.
The first stage was to rescue the house and lodges, and to carefully restore the outbuildings and gardener's cottage using traditional techniques and materials; these are now let as holiday accommodation to provide some supporting income.
Work started on restoring the gardens and grounds in 1997, this was a huge undertaking as large areas had not been maintained for over seventy years. In 1998 the area immediately behind the main house became a ‘herb garden’. The following year the sheltered courtyard between the cottages was planted as a garden.
Gardening essentially began at Cadnant in 1804 when John Price chose a highly scenic position for his new georgian house, the walled garden was used as a kitchen garden and orchard, and the pleasure grounds had their path systems. The estate continued well maintained under the Price’s until after the First World War. In 1928 the estate was split and sold to various owners.
The penultimate owner was a keen gardener and plant enthusiast but had to contend with dwindling staff, resources and energies, the areas maintained were reduced to a small area around the main house and a small section in a corner of the walled garden.
The present owner has been restoring the estate and gardens since 1996, by this time the gardens had been long neglected and almost completely overgrown with sizeable self-sown tree seedlings, cherry laurel and ponticum.
It is our intention, as restoration and development continues, to open the gardens to more visitors, as it is our pleasure to share this piece of paradise with the many people that share our aspirations for the future of this beautiful valley.
Local directions to Plas Cadnant
Although many of our visitors will have 'Sat Navs' of various types and flavours, we have included directions to provide a quick reference to our location and links to a more detailed map and route planner for those of you without in-car assistance.
From Bangor city centre
From A55 Expressway Mainland
From A55 Expressway Dublin/Holyhead
Our ever-popular Season Tickets are priced at £22, which are valid for 12 months from date of purchase and are valid on all our public open days*.
*except the last Wednesday in April when we open for the National Gardens Scheme (Yellow Book). We ask that our season ticket holders pay for admission on this day as all admissions are donated by us to support the Yellow Book charities.
The Plas Cadnant Gardens are part of the Estate's ongoing restoration project. Extending to nearly ten acres, the garden has three distinct areas: The large 'Walled Garden', The 'Valley Garden' with its waterfalls and The 'Upper Woodland Garden'.
The gardens adjacent to the cottages are open to the general public on certain days.
2021 SeasonWe hope that the Gardens and Tearoom will open again to the general public from February 2021 (subject to government regulations). Open days to follow. Please note that closing times may vary depending on the weather. To avoid disappointment please check with us before setting out. |
Why not bring your group or society for a private tour of Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens? Based on a minimum group size of 30 people on non-public opening days and 15 people on public opening days, a range of packages are available, including guided walks; light refreshments or light lunches by arrangement. All groups must be pre-booked. (Guided tours are not available during public opening times). Please phone 01248 717174 or email us for a Booking Form or to discuss your thoughts. The Garden Office is not staffed daily, but if you leave a message we will respond as soon as we can. You can also download a copy of our Booking Form here.
£7.00 per person
(Garden Only)
£11.50 per person
(Garden + light refreshments)
£15.50 per person
(Garden + light refreshments + private tour)
No charge for coach driver and tour leader
If minimum numbers are not met, charges based on minimum group sizes will apply
(Alternative catering can be tailored to group requirements)
Please ask for further information
(All prices are inclusive of VAT)
Please allow approx. 2 hours for the visit
Visits can be tailored to requirements
Ample coach parking and easy access (short distance from Llanfair PG and Beaumaris). Less than 5 minutes from the A55
Please note that some of the garden areas are not suitable for less abled people due to steep inclines on gravel paths. These areas are not suitable for wheel chairs or motorised chairs. Please telephone for further information 01248 717174
View our access statement
The Plas Cadnant Estate can be found nestled in the landcapes between Menai Bridge and Beaumaris on Anglesey, North Wales.
Look for the brown tourist signs as you leave Menai Bridge travelling towards Beaumaris.
Find us on online maps
Any problem please call us 01248 717174 or 07932 704 673.
Drive through the entrance gates by Cadnant Lodge and follow the road uphill. It is half a mile from the gates to the car park. Cross two cattle grids and parking area and garden entrance is in front of you.
Our tea room is situated within the Gardens and is available to garden visitors during the opening times. We serve light lunches until 2.30pm, silver pots of tea, freshly brewed coffee and a selection of homemade cakes and scones with jam and cream. Last orders usually 4.30pm
We are sorry that other than assistance dogs, dogs are not allowed in the gardens. You are welcome to exercise your dog in our parkland (on a lead as we have sheep). We have shady parking and water is provided. Thank you for your understanding.