Highlights
- The restored Cloister Garden, a rare survival of its type
- The Ninfarium, a subtropical garden under glass in the mansion's ruined centre
- The Pool Garden, Kitchen Garden and Sunken Garden
- The yew tree walk
- Snowdrops in late winter, magnolias in spring and roses in midsummer
About Aberglasney Gardens
Aberglasney sits in the Tywi Valley at Llangathen in Carmarthenshire. The house was rebuilt around 1603 for Bishop Anthony Rudd, and its Cloister Garden, an Elizabethan promenade garden, probably dates from that time. It is thought to be one of the best-preserved examples of its type in Britain.
The estate changed hands many times over the following centuries and was broken up in the 1950s. In 1995 it passed to the Aberglasney Restoration Trust, a charity, and the restored gardens opened to the public in 1999. Today they cover about 10 acres with more than 20 different garden styles.
What to see
- Cloister Garden: the restored Elizabethan garden at the heart of Aberglasney.
- Ninfarium: a subtropical display under glass in the ruined centre of the mansion, inspired by the Garden of Ninfa in Italy, with orchids among its plants.
- Formal gardens: the Pool Garden, Kitchen Garden, Rose Garden, Sunken Garden, Alpinum and Asiatic Garden.
- Yew tree walk: an old yew promenade noted as long ago as 1860.
- Woodland and meadows: with bulbs and snowdrops in late winter.
Planning your visit
There is free parking on site, including coach and disabled spaces, plus a café, toilets including accessible toilets, a picnic site and plant sales. The gardens have ramped or level access in places. Opening times and prices change through the year, so check the Aberglasney website before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to visit Aberglasney?
Aberglasney charges for entry; check the garden's website for current prices. RHS members get free entry (cardholder only) in January, February, November and December.
What is the Ninfarium?
The Ninfarium is a subtropical garden under glass built within the ruined central part of the mansion, inspired by the Garden of Ninfa near Rome.
Is there parking at Aberglasney?
Yes, there is free parking on site, including coach and disabled parking.