The Garden Wonders of Wales
May 31 - June 8, 2026
Join Huron Tours as we discover a wealth of garden wonders in Wales set amongst the glorious scenery of the mountains of Snowdonia, dramatic seascapes and ancient castles. This deluxe 9 Day Tour is the perfect way to see the very best Northern Wales has to offer.
This small Group tour will be accompanied by our exceptional guide Valery as well as two full time Huron tours tour managers to make sure every second of this luxury tour runs smoothly.
Please review the details below and consider joining us on this memorable garden adventure. Please don't hesitate to get in touch with any questions - the people you speak with on the phone will be on the tour with you.
Happy Travels! - Katie and John Kosta
Sunday, May 31
London Heathrow Airport arrival, private transfer to Conrad London St. James, Queen Mary's Rose garden, welcome dinner reception
You can almost smell the roses from Queen Mary's Rose Garden in Regent Park from here
Arrive London Heathrow Airport (LHR) for your private VIP Meet and Greet airport transfer to our 5-Star hotel, the Conrad London St. James. Our guests love the Conrad, which is located in the former Queen Anne's Chamber, less than a mile from Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace, but still very quiet and private. Discover the hotel’s world-class art collection, afternoon tea, and restaurants, and be sure to spend some time in beautiful St. James Park just across the road. This is one of our favorite properties in London! You’ll find thoughtful amenities and midcentury-inspired décor in the comfortable rooms, the perfect launchpad for both city exploring and just relaxing.
After settling in, we’ll kick off our garden adventures with a visit to Queen Mary’s Rose Garden in nearby Regent’s Park. June is the perfect time to visit this picturesque garden in full bloom. Created in the 1930s and showcasing over 12,000 rose bushes in beautifully landscaped grounds, this is London's largest and most spectacular collection of roses.
This evening we’ll enjoy a very special welcome dinner reception in one of the finest private members' clubs in London, established by four-time Prime Minister William Ewart Gladstone in 1882. Past members include Sir Winston Churchill and six other Prime Ministers. The club boasts an impressive literary pedigree with past members including George Bernard Shaw, Bram Stoker, Dylan Thomas, and H. G. Wells. The stunning Italianate building on the Embankment of the River Thames was designed by noted Victorian architect Alfred Waterhouse and completed in 1887. This magnificent clubhouse has been described as “like the Natural History Museum in appearance, only grander”. Current members, John and Katie Kosta, are looking forward to welcoming you for a memorable evening.
(Meals on flight, welcome dinner included.)
Monday, June 1
Train to Chester, Walking tour of Chester and free time, private dinner at the St. George
We'll explore the cathedral city of Chester, founded in 79 AD
After a wonderful English breakfast at our hotel, we'll make our way to London Euston Station for our journey to the walled city of Chester, England. No need to worry about your luggage - Huron will deliver your bags straight to your room at our historic seafront hotel in Llandudno, Wales while you enjoy the comfort and ease of travel by train.
Chester is the only city in Britain that retains the full circuit of its ancient defensive walls, parts of which are almost 2000 years old! Our Blue Badge Guide will give us fantastic insight into Chester's long history as we take in spectacular views of the city center, cathedral, castle and River Dee. After our tour of Chester you’ll have plenty of free time for your own explorations and lunch in one of Chester’s many historic pubs.
We’ll then make our way to the coastal town of Llandudno, Wales and our home for the next 6 nights, the historic St. George’s Hotel. Situated on the seafront promenade overlooking the beautiful bay, this 4-Star luxury hotel was known as ‘The Queen of Welsh Resorts’ ’by the Victorians and Edwardians. Llandudno is graced with some of Britain’s most elegant architecture and the St George was the first luxury property built here. The hotel remains a bastion of old-fashioned standards having been the home to seaside breaks since 1854. Our water-view bedrooms are bright and airy and feature luxury bathrooms with plush robes and towels, comfy slippers and Elemis toiletries. There is an elegant restaurant and lounge in which to relax and unwind after our castle and garden-filled touring days.
This evening join your fellow travelers at our ‘welcome to Wales’ private dinner reception in the hotel’s Conwy suite.
Join us for something sparkling in Llandudno
(Breakfast and dinner included)
Tuesday, June 2
Bodnant Garden, Penrhyn Castle
After a wonderful start in the hotel’s Wedgewood breakfast room, a grand celebration of the famous porcelain, we will visit one of the truly great British gardens, the National Trust’s Bodnant Garden. This impressive 80-acre stunner is home to an astonishing Laburnum Arch stretching for almost 200 feet which should be in full bloom at the time of our visit. With an exotic variety of seeds and cuttings gathered on expeditions which took place over a century ago as well as five National Plant Collections, Bodnant is a botanical dream.
A moody Penrhyn Castle by flickr user Bert Kaufman
This afternoon we’ll visit National Trust‘s Penrhyn Castle & Garden, a fantasy castle with extravagant Victorian furnishings and unbelievable views of the Snowdonia Mountains, Menai Strait, and Puffin Island.
The gardens at Penrhyn are bursting with colors and scents in the summer. You can stroll through the Walled Garden to find beautiful blooms including the flowering dogwood, the Indian bean tree and a variety of Eucryphia species. You'll also find a Fuchsia Arch in full bloom creating a lovely canopy of pink.
Once back in Llandudno you are free for dinner. Be sure to consult our well researched dining guide.
(Breakfast)
Wednesday, June 3
Isle of Anglesey, Plas Newydd House and Gardens, Château Rhianfa, Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens
Plas Newydd
After breakfast this morning we head to the Isle of Anglesey, a historic island full of character, unparalleled beauty and unblemished natural splendor.
Plas Newydd House and Gardens, the family home of the Marquis of Anglesey, is located on the picturesque shores of the Menai Strait and boasts breathtaking views of Snowdonia. The house is home to a Waterloo-inspired military museum, wonderful works of art, regular exhibitions and, at its heart, Rex Whistler's famous 58-foot fantasy landscape painting.
The wonderful gardens at Plas Newydd were based on a Henry Repton design. There will be an explosion of color in the terrace garden at the time of our visit and private tour.
This afternoon we’ll dine together in a truly magical setting, one of Britain's most extraordinary Victoria seaside houses, Château Rhianfa. This Grade ll-listed fairytale Château features unparalleled views and is nestled away on the Isle of Anglesey on the banks of the Menai Strait.
One of Britain's most extraordinary Victorian seaside houses, the château was built in 1849 by Sir John Hay-Williams, Baronet of Bodelwyddan, as a gift for his wife Lady Sarah. Originally built as a dower house, the couple drew design inspiration from their travels in the Loire region of France.
After lunch, we’ll be treated to a private tour and visit to Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens which are nestled in the 10 acre grounds of a Georgian manor house with contrasting formal and picturesque elements. The two acre Walled Garden with its lovely pool leads on to valley gardens planted with a huge array of interesting and rare specimens. In summer the double herbaceous borders are a fantastic sight. This mysterious and fascinating garden is one of North Wales' best-kept secrets.
On return to our hotel the evening is free to enjoy as you wish.
(Breakfast and lunch included)
Thursday, June 4
Caernarfon Castle, Free Afternoon, Pub Dinner
Caernarfon Castle
This morning we take a trip back in time. Out of the 600 castles built throughout the different periods of Welsh history, Caernarfon Castle is certainly a standout. Constructed in 1283 on the site of a Roman fort at the mouth of the River Seiont, the castle has been outstandingly preserved and is considered one of the best in Europe. King Edward's son (Edward II) was born in the castle and named the Prince of Wales, the title given to the eldest son of the reigning monarch since that time. In 1969, Prince Charles' investiture was held in Caernarfon Castle. This will be a fascinating visit to anyone with an interest in the history of the British Monarchy.
This afternoon we’ll return to Llandudno for some free time. The Great Orme is Llandudno’s own mini-mountain which rises straight out of the sea. You can walk up if you’re feeling energetic, or take the historic Great Orme Tramway which has been ferrying passengers to the summit since 1898. There are also excellent shops, bars, restaurants and art galleries just minutes from our hotel.
This evening, join Huron at one of the most well respected gastronomical pubs in town for a fun "pub" dinner.
(Breakfast, dinner)
Friday, June 5
Portmeirion, Plas Brondanw
Portmeirion, a beautiful Italianate village created by Sir Bertram Clough Williams-Ellis overlooking the sea in Wales, is home to a 70 acre sub-tropical forest with miles of paths, hidden lakes, temples and breathtaking views. Henry Seymour Westmacott was responsible for the first plantings at Portmeirion Gardens which date from early Victorian times. You might know the village as the backdrop to the cult 1960s television series The Prisoner. Our Blue Badge guide will lead us on an informative tour of the village.
Italianate Portmeirion
We’ll spend a lovely morning and early afternoon here with plenty of time for you to appreciate all this colorful spectacle has to offer and have lunch in one of the village’s cafes or restaurants.
After lunch we’ll visit Plas Brondanw, a wonderful Edwardian arts and crafts garden created by Clough William-Ellis. While the gardens at Plas Brondanw are not as famous as his village of Portmeirion, it is often considered to be Clough Williams-Ellis's most marvelous creation.
Situated in the spectacular scenery in the Snowdonia National Park, the gardens are divided into a series of rooms with topiary and many architectural features including statues, pools and steps. Like the village, the garden is Italianate in style but with British plantings. William-Ellis has certainly succeeded in creating a romantic and delightful garden.
Dinner is on your own this evening so be sure to ask John about his favorite fish and chips or for Katie to tell you all about a fantastic local Italian restaurant.
(Breakfast included)
Saturday, June 6
Caerua, lunch, Palé Hall
Caerau gardens
Situated over 1,000 feet above sea-level, with far reaching views over the Berwyn Mountains, Bala Lake and Cadair Idris, the gardens at Caerau are believed to be the highest gardens open to the public in Wales. It is remarkable what Toby and Stephanie Hickish have managed to achieve in such a challenging environment since moving to the property in 1994. Back then Caerau Uchaf was a derelict house and the garden no more than a field. Now, there are crescent-shaped herbaceous borders, laburnum-covered pergolas, rose gardens, castellated yew topiary, an arboretum containing fine Japanese maples, pleached lime walkways, courtyard gardens, a variegated ivy-clad water feature, woodland walks and even a beach hut garden! You’ll cherish the discovery of this remarkable garden made even more special by a private tour just for us.
For lunch today we’ll take the lonely country road that whips over the moors where waterfalls crash down the sides of bare, brooding mountains to Palé Hall.
Palé Hall
Queen Victoria and Churchill have both sojourned at this fantasy Victorian mansion on the fringes of the Berwyn Mountains and Snowdonia National Park. Sitting in its own 50-acre estate, Palé looks proudly out across lawns and wooded hills that slope down to the River Dee. Seemingly immune to time, the manor was designed in flamboyant Jacobean style for high-flying railway engineer Henry Robertson in 1871. It is fabulously regal, with its spire, porte-cochère, stained-glass skylight and a grand hall, hand-stenciled by the owner. Time has been kind to the manor, with every intricate tile intact, every beautifully carved wooden banister gleaming. We'll enjoy a nice lunch together here in the private dining room.
Once back in Llandudno you’re free for dinner. The hotel restaurant is an absolute delight if you wish to stay in.
(Breakfast, lunch included)
Sunday, June 7
Coughton Court with private lunch and tour
This morning we leave beautiful Wales to head back to London via one last very special visit.
Coughton Court is the country home of the Throckmorton family, who have lived at Coughton since 1409. This finest of Tudor houses stands in 25 acres of grounds containing some of the most beautiful gardens in the country, which Clare McLaren Throckmorton and her daughter, Christina Williams, have brought back to life. We’ll take a tour of the private wing of the family’s home, which is not normally open to the public followed by lunch in the garden. We’ll then tour the 'jewel in the crown' of Coughton, the fine walled garden, at its best in June, which provides the ancient house with the setting it so richly deserves. We’ve been working closely with Mr. Magnus Birch-Throckmorton and his family to arrange this most special of visits. We know this will be a magical afternoon.
After our Coughton discoveries, we’ll make our way to the luxurious Five-Star London Heathrow Sofitel, conveniently located adjacent to Terminal 5 and within easy transfer distance to all other terminals. This evening we’ll toast our Welsh travels with a private reception in the hotel’s Zen Garden.
(Breakfast and lunch included, reception following arrival at Heathrow)
Monday, June 8
London Departure
Departure today is made easy as you are connected to Heathrow Airport. Be sure to enjoy the Sofitel’s wonderful and extensive breakfast buffet before heading for your flight back home. You’ll leave with new friends and limitless inspiration from your time in wondrous Wales.
(Breakfast, meals on flight)
A $1,000 per person deposit will hold your space. Please use the link above or below to access our online shopping cart. If you'd like to reserve over the phone, we'd be happy to talk to you and can be reached at either (504) 267-2057 or (800) 734-1192.
