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Family days out at Bodnant Garden

A mother and daughter planting snowdrops in the East Woods at Wallington in Northumberland
A family planting snowdrops during half term | © National Trust Images / Alex Prain

With 80 acres to explore, there’s plenty of space for families to enjoy some quiet time together at Bodnant Garden. Spend a few hours enjoying the beauty and nature that the different areas of the garden have to offer throughout the year.

Children in winter clothing helping a gardener at Bodnant to plant snowdrops
Planting snowdrops at Bodnant Garden | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

Snowdrop planting during February half term

If you’re looking for an outdoor activity to do together during the February half term, why not help the team over in the Old Park? No previous experience is necessary, just be prepared to get a little muddy! 

Join the garden team on Tuesday and Thursday during February half term, to ‘grow’ the display for years to come in the Old Park.  

Join us between 11am-12.30pm on 18, 20, 25 and 27 February when you can help the team plant more of these beautiful little flowers for all to enjoy in years to come. 

See the snowdrops at Bodnant Garden 

During late January and February, snowdrops start to appear around the garden, their small white flowers the first nod that spring is on the way.

Walk through the Winter Garden and see how many of the different types you can spot. Making your way through the Old Park and along the Yew Dell, you’ll be able to see whole areas of these beautiful flowers that are so often seen as the first sign that spring is on the way.  

Explore the garden together this winter

With acres of space to explore and burn off some excess energy, Bodnant Garden offers plenty for the whole family to enjoy. Wrap up warm, pop on those walking shoes or your very best wellies and go on an adventure of your own.  

Did you know that there are over 8 miles of paths to explore around the garden? Even during the chillier months, there are still hidden gems to discover at every corner. No matter how short or long your visit, you can always find a different route to enjoy.  

Go on an adventure

If you find yourself short on time, there are two shorter loop walks to follow from Visitor Reception. The Rose walk is 1.5km long and will take you around the formal areas of the garden which include the five Italianate Terraces. Don’t forget to stop at the Top Rose Terrace, where on a clear day you’ll see spectacular views across the valley towards the snow-capped peaks of Eryri (Snowdonia). This route is more accessible for wheels and avoids all steps.   

The slightly longer River walk is 3km and takes you along the river Hiraethlyn and through the fantastic arboretum, which has some great areas to explore and trees to discover - don’t forget to look up! How old do you think the tallest trees are? This route has a few more slopes but still avoids the steps. To find out more on both routes, pick up a map from the Visitor Reception. 

A family walking through woodland at Acorn Bank, Cumbria
Enjoy a woodland winter walk | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

Plan your visit 

  • There are toilets and baby changing facilities located next to the car park, behind the Pavilion tea-room and down by the Kiosk in The Dell.  
  • There are some steep areas in the garden and many paths have steps. If you’re using a pram or buggy during your visit, ask one of the team in the Visitor Welcome Building when you arrive for a map which has step-free routes clearly marked.   
  • Children’s lunch boxes are available from the Pavilion and Magnolia cafes. 
A view of the Round Garden during winter at Bodnant Garden, Conwy, Wales

Discover more at Bodnant Garden

Find out when Bodnant Garden is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.

A cup of festive hot chocolate sits on a wooden table with twinkle lights
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Eating at Bodnant Garden 

Enjoy delicious refreshments at Bodnant Garden’s tea-rooms all year round or from the riverside kiosk down in The Dell.

A family pushing a pram and walking a dog enjoy the views across to the snowy mountains
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Visiting Bodnant Garden with your dog 

With 80 acres to explore, there’s a walk to suit everyone. From 1 April to the end of September, dogs are welcome on short leads (not extendable) every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Find out more about bringing your dog to Bodnant Garden here.

Looking out across the Terraces at Bodnant Garden, with the Pin Mill and snowy mountains in the background
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Things to see at Bodnant Garden 

Visit a world-class garden in Wales at Bodnant Garden and enjoy 80 acres of formal gardens, woodland and meadows and botanical collections from around the globe.