Grand Gardens of Wales with Tony Russell

We depart from our pick-up points and travel to Cardiff to visit the magnificent Dyffryn Botanic Gardens, a Grade I-listed Edwardian garden designed by the renowned landscape architect Thomas Mawson. Set within an elegant historic estate, the gardens are arranged as a series of beautifully designed outdoor rooms enclosed by clipped yew hedges, each revealing a different style and atmosphere.

Explore the Roman garden, Japanese garden, fountains and pools before discovering the impressive arboretum, home to trees collected from around the world, including the celebrated Acer griseum introduced by legendary plant hunter Ernest 'Chinese' Wilson.

Here we are joined by renowned garden writer and historian Tony Russell, who leads a guided visit, sharing his expert knowledge of Welsh gardens and the remarkable plants and people behind them. We later continue to the Beggars Reach Hotel in Pembrokeshire, where Tony introduces the gardens we will discover during the week in an informative evening talk.

Meals included: Dinner

Accommodation: Beggars Reach Hotel

Today we visit the spectacular National Botanic Garden of Wales, a remarkable 568-acre estate combining horticulture, conservation and scientific research. Highlights include the striking Great Glasshouse, the world's largest single-span glasshouse, home to an outstanding collection of Mediterranean-climate plants from around the globe.

There is also time to explore the beautifully restored walled garden, water discovery centre and colourful herbaceous boardwalk before we continue to nearby Aberglasney. Lovingly restored after years of neglect, this celebrated garden combines historic features with imaginative planting, including its unique cloister garden, three walled gardens and a succession of beautifully designed spaces offering year-round horticultural interest.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Beggars Reach Hotel 

This morning we discover Dyffryn Fernant Garden, an award-winning plantsman's garden that sits harmoniously within the Pembrokeshire landscape. Carefully designed to complement its surroundings, the garden features a series of distinctive areas including an azalea bank, bog garden, fernery and camellia walk, each showcasing thoughtful planting and seasonal colour.

Later, we continue to Picton Castle, where 40 acres of woodland gardens surround one of Wales's finest medieval castles. Explore peaceful woodland walks, colourful rhododendron displays, the walled garden, fernery and maze while enjoying the garden's remarkable collection of mature trees and shrubs.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Beggars Reach Hotel 

Our day begins at Upton Castle Gardens, where 35 acres of historic gardens include herbaceous borders, rose gardens and a beautifully restored walled kitchen garden. The gardens combine traditional design with imaginative planting, creating a delightful setting throughout the seasons.

Later, we visit the picturesque town of Laugharne, forever associated with the poet Dylan Thomas. There is free time to explore at your own pace, perhaps visiting The Boathouse (entry not included), where Thomas wrote many of his most celebrated works.

We conclude at Llwyngarreg Garden, an inspiring privately owned garden renowned for its bold planting combinations, structural interest and vibrant colour throughout the year.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Beggars Reach Hotel 

Today we visit elegant Llanerchaeron, a beautifully preserved Georgian villa designed by architect John Nash. Alongside the house, discover the fascinating estate buildings including the servants' courtyard, dairy, brewery and productive walled garden, offering an insight into life on a self-sufficient country estate.

Later, we continue north to Caernarfon for our overnight stay.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Celtic Royal Hotel, Caernarfon 

We begin at Plas Brondanw, the exquisite Italianate garden created by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, best known as the visionary behind nearby Portmeirion. Formal terraces, carefully framed views and colourful planting combine to create one of Wales's most distinctive gardens.

Later, enjoy time to explore the enchanting village of Portmeirion, together with The Gwyllt, its beautiful woodland garden, where winding paths and exotic planting provide a tranquil contrast to the colourful architecture.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Celtic Royal Hotel, Caernarfon

Today we visit two of North Wales's finest historic estates. At Plas Newydd, explore elegant gardens and parkland overlooking the Menai Strait before continuing to the magnificent Penrhyn Castle, where impressive gardens and spectacular interiors reflect the wealth and ambition of the Victorian era.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Celtic Royal Hotel, Caernarfon

Our final day begins at Maenan Hall, a delightful private garden nestled in the Conwy Valley, before concluding at world-famous Bodnant Garden. Renowned for its outstanding plant collections, sweeping terraces, formal gardens and woodland walks, Bodnant provides a magnificent finale to our Welsh garden adventure before we return home.

Meals included: Breakfast