National Botanic Garden of Wales

The National Botanic Garden of Wales is a very special place.

Not only is it the first botanic garden of the new millennium but, in the short time it has been open, it has become the most visited Garden in Wales.

This might be because there is so much to see and do.

It has quickly gained iconic status – thanks in part to the Norman Foster-designed great glasshouse, which was recently voted the No 1 Modern Wonder of Wales.

But there is much more to the Garden than the biggest single-span glasshouse in the world.

Just 10 miles east of Carmarthen and less than an hour from Cardiff, it is set in more than 500 acres of fantastic, unspoilt, rolling Welsh countryside.

The Garden lies on land that was once a magnificent Regency water park and many of the original features have been restored. Many new features have been created and care has been taken that these not only harmonise with the historic landscape but add a sense of awe.

The Great Glasshouse – poised in the landscape like a giant raindrop - is home to some of the most endangered plants on the planet from six Mediterranean climate regions – Western Australia, Chile, the Canaries, California, southern Africa, and the Mediterranean basin. It helps protect and conserve what is considered to be the best collection of its kind in the world.

There is a unique and historic double-walled garden; lakes, ponds and walks; a theatre; licensed restaurant; shop; gallery; bog garden and bee garden; Physicians of Myddfai Exhibition and Apothecaries’ Garden; children’s play area and discovery centre.

And the Wonder of Wales now boast a brand new attraction.

For those with more exotic tastes, the Tropical House – which opened in the summer of 2007 – is bursting with palms and pineapples, coconuts and cardamom . . . and hundreds of orchids.

Designed by internationally-renowned Welsh-born architect John Belle, the structure is more than 30 metres in length and located in the double-walled garden.

New York-based John Belle moved to New York in 1959 where he has worked on prestigious architectural projects including Grand Central Terminal, the New York Botanic Garden. His latest work for the National Botanic Garden of Wales sees a return to his roots.

The Garden is very welcoming. Whatever your age, we have something for you. From the friendly buggy drivers and informative tour guides to the hard-working gardeners and helpful caterers, you are bound to have a great time. Whatever time of year it is, the stunning views and remarkable sights and smells have to be experienced to be believed.

But, be warned, you may not be able to see and do it all in a day.

Open everyday except Christmas Day, summer (March 1-October) 10am-6pm, winter (October-Easter) 10am-4.30pm. Summer admission prices are: Adults £8.00; Concessions £6.00; Children (5-16) £3; Children (under 5s) free; Family tickets (2 adults & up to 4 children) £17.00, discount available for groups over 10. Discounted admission prices apply during the winter season.

How to find us…

Location: OS159 Ref.SN518 175. ¼ m from the A48 midway between Crosshands and Carmarthen. Clearly signposted from A48 and Carmarthen. Train and bus in Carmarthen (7m).

Brown tourist signs lead you to our main entrance where you will find a large tar macadam car park with ample disabled and coach parking spaces close to our main entrance. There is a drop off area for wheelchair users.

Please visit our website or contact us for additional information.