Our historic houses and gardens have stood the test of time. They've been around for hundreds of years, and they're still our favourite way to get in touch with the past.
Connect with the servants as well as the owners at Erddig near Wrexham – recent nominees on UKTV History's ‘Britain's Best'. Get down to earth at Plas yn Rhiw, Pwllheli – the only organic National Trust garden in Wales. Or make your way round the 80 acre grounds at Bodnant Garden – one of Britain's favourite gardens.
Among the 200 listed buildings in Conwy are Aberconwy House - the oldest town house in Wales and Plas Mawr, the best-preserved Elizabethan town house in Britain. Nantclwyd y Dre is one of just two buildings to survive the burning of Ruthin by Owain Glyndwr. And you can find out what the Tudors did for us at Gwydir Castle, Llanrwst – one of Wales' finest courtyard houses.
Get down to the nitty-gritty of country life at the Sir Henry Jones Museum near Abergele. Glimpse the past at Llanrwst Almshouses, or head to Conwy Quay for a tour (albeit a short one) of Britain's Smallest House.
Visit Sir Clough Williams-Ellis' fantasy Italianate village of Portmeirion or the gardens at his other project, Plas Brondanw, Penrhyndeudraeth. View one of the best private art collections in Wales at Penrhyn Castle near Bangor. While Plas Newydd, Anglesey houses the largest collection of work by artist Rex Whistler. Visit our other Plas Newydd (this time at Llangollen) and find out how its owners captivated Regency society. And how about a house of a different kind? Visit Ruthin Gaol – house of correction since the 17th century.
Related Links:
www.attractionsnorthwales.co.uk
www.gardensnorthwales.co.uk
This attraction is Visitor Attraction Quality Assurance Service (VAQAS) approved.
Bertram Clough Williams-Ellis (1883-1978) was born in Northamptonshire and educated at Trinity College, Cambridge. His lifelong concern was with architecture, landscape design and conservation – he was responsible for the demarcation of the Snowdonia National Park.
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This attraction is Visitor Attraction Quality Assurance Service (VAQAS) approved.
How about this for an inspirational story? Henry Jones was born into poverty in the 19th century, he left school at the age of 12 but was encouraged to continue his studies, won a scholarship, became Professor of Moral Philosophy at Glasgow University – and a major influence on the education system in Wales.
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