Dyffryn Gardens - Spring at The National Trust

17/04/2016


National Trust


If you are a regular reader of our blog you will know we love spending as much time outdoors as possible and have been meaning to visit one of two National Trust properties local to us, one being Dyffryn Gardens in the Vale of Glamorgan, which we had heard was a fantastic place to explore, with a variety of gardens, sculptures and an imposing Manor house. So when the wonderful people at The National Trust invited us to a spring adventure we couldn't wait to put our boots on and get outside, especially now that baby G is running around, climbing over things and enjoying the fresh air as much as we are.


adventure park

Dyffryn Gardens


We headed down to the gardens on what happened to be the warmest day of the year so far and it really felt like spring had arrived, especially with the sight of spring buds and daffodils in full bloom. There are plenty of parking spaces  at Dyffryn and just before the entrance is a fun little adventure playground which both of the kids loved, as well as the main cafe and shop. We were provided with a day pass although it's normally £7.80 per adult and £3.80 per child which includes entrance to the mansion.


outdoor family

Edwardian house

Dyffryn Gardens


As soon as you go through the main entrance you are welcomed to beautiful lawns, trees, wild gardens and a rockery along the path that leads you toward the imposing edwardian mansion which we decided to check out first before exploring the rest of the 55 acres.

The house which is only partially restored is like stepping back in time and the interior is absolutely stunning with a huge stained glass window in the main hall which leads into a room with a stunning bay fronted window and vintage wall paper. In two of the rooms there are the most intricate marble fireplace surrounds which Baby G loved and Mr A was take by the large wooden boat model. In time the trust is hoping to slowly restore all of the Manor house and by the look of the amazing work they have done so far it will be an exciting time to see this complete and in it's original state.


Dyffryn Gardens house

Dyffryn Gardens


When then headed outside with a little pit stop by the vintage style kiosk for a bite to eat before making our way to the walled gardens and garden rooms, each with their own theme including statues, small pools and fountains which can be seen in the newly restored Pompeian Garden. With so many winding paths to follow it was exciting to see what would be behind each corner and my eldest loved exploring in this magical place.


Dyffryn Gardens

Dyffryn Gardens

National Trust


When we arrived at the Gardens we were given a little I-spy treasure map for the kids of different sights to spot along the way, something we all join in with, we didn't find everything but that just means we have an excuse to go again next week, in fact I can see us spending a lot of time here this year. It's always great to run out the cobwebs and I know it does everyone a lot of good and we all feel so energised after a walk in the forest or along the coast. Do you have a favourite National Trust property? Why not sure your spring adventures on social media using #NTFirst


National Trust

Dyffryn Gardens



12 comments:

  1. Wow! It's so beautiful there. We have NT membership and have got so much use out of it. I reckon we went 13 times last year! It's perfect for a pit stop on a long journey, much more pleasant than a service station. Last Thursday, we spent my birthday at Stourhead in Wincanton. That's definitely worth checking out if you haven't been yet. I bet A would love the grotto. x

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  2. We just love Dyffryn Gardens, the Pompeiian garden is my favourite. I love the way the little one is scrutinising the map! This way mummy lol

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  3. This place looks fab! We have lots of NT places near us but we've never really explored many of them! I really want to, and in fact, this has reminded me of that, so I'm going to make a plan for the next few weekends!! xx

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  4. Beautiful pictures and I love the idea of the map too. What a great place for a family day out.

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  5. It looks lovely. I've never been, but have wanted to go for a while x

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  6. This looks lovely, I don't think I've ever been, if I have it was when I was too young too appreciate and remember it!
    I will have to add it to my ever expending list of places to visit.

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  7. Lovely post! We are big fans of the National Trust, and have been a member for years. Aside of course from the beautiful buildings and gardens, I love that wherever you go in the UK, you can think to yourself 'where's my nearest National Trust place?' and know you'll get a nice outing and cup of tea!

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  8. Ah, gorgeous photos. We love both Dyffryn Gardens and Tredegar House. We have NT membership, which has been brilliant over the last year, both the local ones and others when we have been away. x

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  9. looks like a lovely place!! We love our NT membership - comes in so useful x

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  10. Oh i do love a good stately home and gardens, I always imagine what it must be like living there! xx

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  11. We love The National Trust too and they're so child-friendly. Erddig is a current favourite of ours. Lovely photos :) #whatevertheweather

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  12. It looks beautiful there! The National Trust looks like it has some fantastic properties to visit, you seem to have had a great family day out exploring. Thanks so much for linking up to #Whatevertheweather :) x

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Lovely comments

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