We have one of the best coastlines in the world, some stunning beaches, great food and an impressive ancient history. Due to our maritime climate, we also have an abundance of flora and fauna, making Pembrokeshire the perfect place for keen gardeners. For an afternoon out to see something a little different, why not visit some of the best gardens in Pembrokeshire? We’ve compiled a list of our 6 favourite ones for your floral perusal.
- Picton Castle
This Royal Horticulture Society partner’s walled garden is really something to behold. Set over 4 acres and surrounding the 13th-century castle, Picton Castle and gardens really is one of the best gardens in Pembrokeshire. They’ve won the Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence three years running with its eclectic mix of plants and its bat-filled walls and fairy door woodland paths. There’s also the fantastic Secret Owl Garden on site, where you can have an owl fly to your arm! This fantastic location is a great day out for all the family.
2. Dyffryn Fernant Gardens
It’s hard to believe that when Christina Shand bought a derelict farmhouse just north of Fishguard in 1996, this land was wild. Now, Dyffryn Fernant is a beautiful and tranquil patchwork of different garden areas, such as a cottage garden, grass ‘fields’ and fern gardens, all sitting under the magical Preseli Hills. Another RHS partner, an off-the-beaten-track favourite on our list of best gardens in Pembrokeshire. You must see this wonderful, eye-catching oasis.
3. Hilton Court Gardens
Consisting of a solar dome, ponds, woodland and children’s woodland houses, Hilton Court Gardens claims to be an Eden in the heart of St Bride’s Bay…and we agree! This deserves a spot on our list of best gardens in Pembrokeshire due to its fantastic setting, just minutes from the coast, as well as its status as one of the only gardens where you can get married. Talk about a wild woodland wedding! The cafe does some fantastic lunches, too, making this a lovely afternoon just north of Newgale beach.
4. Colby Woodland Garden
Colby Woodland Gardens are owned by the National Trust, and feature on our best gardens in Pembrokeshire compilation as there is so much to do here. A coal mining trail runs right around these fantastic woodlands, scattered with indigenous and exotic plants alike. There are large spaces for family picnics, a cafe and formal walled gardens for a quick visit, and, unusually for Pembrokeshire, this woodland leads the way to stunning Amroth beach with seaside cafes and pubs. It’s a fair trek from St Davids (around 30 miles), but well worth the visit – we love this spot!
5. Perennial Nursery St Davids
Closer to your St Davids Escapes home is the equisite Perennial Nursery. Its location along the old coast road, winding past Penberi rock, is one good reason to visit. We can find hundreds more, though, including a fantastic array of flowers, herbs, salads and exotic species filling the growing areas, as well as comfortable seating all around and a really lovely cafe on site. This is a small gem and a mere 3 miles east of St Davids – why not visit on your way back from a trip to Abereiddy?
6. Stackpole Walled Gardens
This 250-year-old kitchen garden is a worthy feature on our list of best gardens in Pembrokeshire for many reasons. Its location is stunning, a mere stone’s throw from Bosherston Lily Ponds and beautiful Barafundle Bay. This ancient estate garden is managed by Mencap, giving adults with learning disabilities the chance to learn about horticulture and for some work experience. The fresh fruit and vegetables they grow here at Stackpole Walled Gardens are sold to the local community, or you can sample them at the garden shop, or at Cawdor’s cafe on-site.
For more activity ideas for your brilliant break with St Davids Escapes, why not read our blog about What’s on in Pembrokeshire in 2019, or follow our blog page or Instagram stories for inspirational plans to make amazing memories of this unique peninsula. Happy holidaying!
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