Bryn Gwynant Gardens

Bryn Gwynant is a Victorian garden and woodland laid out around a country house (now used as a youth hostel). There is a small ornamental garden and an orchard, but the real appeal here is the setting, looking over Llyn Gwynant and up to Snowdon.

History

At the heart of 40 acres of woodland and gardens stands a 2-storey Victorian mansion. Built of local slate, the house bristles with gables and is nicely decorated with bargeboards. Other traditional Victorian features include ashlar window dressings and a verandah with good garden views.

The gardens surrounding the mansion were laid out on a steeply sloping site. A long drive leads to the house, and is profusely planted with trees. Near the house is a small ornamental garden, a kitchen garden, an orchard, and a terrace offering excellent views over Llyn Gwynant below.

The extensive woodland has a good range of trees, and you can see remains of a Japanese garden planted in the mid-19th century.

The house is now used as a youth hostel under the auspices of the YHA, and is popular as a spot to start a walk to Mount Snowdon. The gardens are not generally open to the public but the hostel probably won't mind if you want to take a look around (ask nicely!).