The National Botanical Garden of Wales
Duration: 7 hours
Tour Code: mlh-002
Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the National Botanical Garden of Wales, a treasure-trove of rare plants, and then explore the rural town of Narberth.
Depart from the pier for a leisurely drive inland toward the pastoral Towy Valley, home of the National Botanical Garden of Wales. Set on lush parkland that dates back more than 400 years and was once the 18th century Regency park of Middleton Hall, the gardens are spectacular in their variety of indigenous and exotic plants along with offering spectacular views of the surrounding countryside and a rich cultural heritage.
Your visit begins with a stroll along the Broadwalk, a long avenue running through the heart of the property. It's lined with flowering plants, sparkling lakes and smaller gardens devoted to certain species or regions of the world. For instance, there's a serene Japanese Garden and a Bog Garden for water-loving plants such as flag iris. You may also wish to visit the nearly three acre Double Walled Garden whose double walls create different microclimates that extend the growing season and protect tender plants.
Another highlight of the National Botanical Garden of Wales is the Great Glasshouse, the world's largest single-span domed greenhouse. The interior is zoned for biodiversity and contains plants from six different areas of the world, most of which are highly endangered. Walking through this Great Glasshouse is truly an awe-inspiring experience. Exotic flowers perfume the air and add a dazzling variety of colors that attract butterflies and insects. Birdsong and water cascading into a deep ravine fills the Glasshouse with pleasant sound and creates a serene atmosphere.
Nearby is Wales' rarest tree, the Ley's Whitebeam, a tree so jeopardized that only 17 of them have been found in the wild, each clinging to the limestone cliffs in southern Wales.
After approximately 2 1/2 hours spent enjoying the sensory experience of exploring the gardens, you'll rejoin your coach and drive to Narberth, a colorful and vibrant small town. Enjoy approximately 90-minutes of free time here to shop for antiques and Welsh crafts or have lunch on your own in one of the friendly pubs. At the conclusion of your visit, you'll re-board your coach and travel back to the pier.
Please note: This tour includes approximately 3-hours of easy to moderate walking plus any additional walking at the guests' discretion during free time. The tour is available to wheelchair guests who have a collapsible wheelchair, are able to make their own way on and off the coach and have an able-bodied companion to assist them. Those with mobility concerns are cautioned to carefully evaluate their personal level of stamina and ability. Casual, weather appropriate clothing to include water-proof outerwear; sun cap; sunglasses; and flat, sturdy walking shoes are recommended.