A 'hidden' botanical garden on Anglesey is one of two in North Wales to be named among the best in the world.

A study has been carried out by travel Insurance specialists InsureandGo to find the best botanical gardens in the world and the countries plant lovers should add to their bucket lists. 

The study analysed reviews from more than 100 botanical gardens worldwide, ranking them according to which ones had the highest percentage of four and five star reviews.

InsureandGo CEO, Chris Rolland adds: “Embarking on a holiday to discover something unique is part of what drives so many travellers to book a flight and adventure somewhere new, whether that’s a renowned restaurant or a rare indigenous plant.

"For tourists travelling in search of exciting new plants they can’t see at home, there’s plenty of excellent countries offering different flora and landscapes, from deserts full of cacti to rainforests full of tropical plants.  

“No matter which country you choose, however, always be mindful of the risks that nature can bring."

The best botanical gardens in the world

The top 15 best gardens in the world, according to InsureandGo, are:

1. Boyce Thompson Arboretum (Arizona, USA)

2. Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens (Anglesey, Wales)

3. Missouri Botanical Garden (Missouri, USA)

4. Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne (Melbourne, Australia)

5. Jardí del Túria (Valencia, Spain)

6. Bodnant Garden (Tal-y-Cafn, Wales)

=6. Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens (Pennsylvania, USA)

8. National Orchid Garden (Singapore)

=8. Trebah Garden (Cornwall, England)

=8. Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden (Hawaii, USA)

=8. Longwood Gardens (Pennsylvania, USA)

12. Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney (Sydney, Australia)

13. The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University (Massachusetts, USA)

=13. Villa Taranto (Verbenia, Italy)

15. Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden (Cape Town, South Africa)

=15. Adelaide Botanic Garden (Adelaide, Australia)

The 2 North Wales botanical gardens named among the best in the world

Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens (Anglesey)

Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens is located nestled in the landcape between Menai Bridge and Beaumaris on Anglesey and is described as "one of North Wales best kept secrets".

It was listed as the second-best garden in the world by InsureandGo.

The 200-acre Plas Cadnant Estate was purchased by its current owners back in 1996 and work began on the restoration of the historic garden and grounds.

"Since then large parts of the gardens have undergone a spectacular transformation and have been restored to their former glory," the Plas Cadnant website says.

"A new garden is being created on an historic site, becoming a plantsman's paradise.

"Now considered amongst the liveliest twenty gardens of Wales, and featured in a new book 'The Finest Gardens of Wales' by Tony Russell'.

"Also featured in 'Discovering Welsh Gardens' written by Stephen Anderton and photographed by Charles Hawes."

Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens are open Tuesday to Sunday from 12pm to 5pm with the main season running from March 31 to October.

Prices:

  • Adult: £10.50 
  • Concession (60+): £10.00
  • Child (6-16 years): £2.50
  • Child (5 and under): Free 
  • Disabled: £4.00
  • Family: £24.00

The hidden North Wales garden is also much loved amongst visitors with Plas Cadnant boasting a 5 out of 5 rating from 652 reviews on Tripadvisor (at the time of writing).

Native wild animals in the UK

One visitor wrote: "Absolutely beautiful gardens, a real hidden gem. You have a choice of beautiful manicured formal gardens, jungle or wilderness all in one visit.

"Limited access for wheelchair users and those unsteady on feet but I walk with a stick and had no problems.

"There are well-marked routes from yellow (wheelchairs and prams) blue (moderate with out steps, and red (more challenging)."

Bodnant Garden (Tal-y-Cafn)

Bodnant Garden is "a world-famous garden, home to National Collections and Champion Trees" and is based in Tal-y-Cafn in the Conwy county.

It was named equal sixth best garden in the world by InsureandGo.

From Grade I listed historic gardens and meadows, to tea rooms and The Pin Mill - an 18th century Grade II listed building there is plenty to see and do at the National Trust site.

Explaining about what to expect from a visit, Bodnant Gardens' website says: "With intimate corners, sweeping lawns, grand terraces and verdant woodland, there are many gardens in one at Bodnant.

"Created over 150 years, with plants collected and brought to Britain from far afield, and the incredible vision of generations of the McLaren family and Puddle head gardeners, this haven of rarity and beauty with a stunning backdrop of the Carneddau mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia) is a delight for the senses.

"With year-round colour, the garden can be whatever you want it to be, whether that's a hive of activity or a haven of tranquility and relaxation, this is truly a special place for all ages."

Dogs are also welcome on short leads every Thursday to Sunday from April 1 to September 30.

Prices and times can be found on the Bodnant Garden website.

This North Wales garden is also much-loved among tourists with a 5 out of 5 rating on Tripadvisor from 2,582 reviews.

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One person, commenting about their Bodnant Garden experience on Tripadvisor, said: "It's over 40 years since our previous visit, so a return was well overdue and well worth it!

"The site has been much extended since our previous visit and there seem to be far more trees now, but it remains delightful.

"A few hours are needed to do justice to what's on offer, but it's probably impossible to cover everything in one visit.

"Some of the pathways are quite steep and require care. This is a place to linger longer in a quiet, peaceful corner. Loved it!"