Dyffryn Gardens in spring

There’s no better place to spend a sunny Sunday afternoon in springtime than the grounds of a country house with beautiful gardens. So I headed to Dyffryn Gardens, a gorgeous National Trust property in the Vale of Glamorgan with extensive grounds and lovely Edwardian gardens.

The main house (below), which was built by the fabulously wealthy coal baron John Cory at the end of the 19th century, was recently reopened to the public and the estate has undergone extensive conservation work over the last couple of years.

The grounds extend over some 55 acres and there’s plenty to enjoy, including perfectly manicured lawns (on which they were playing croquet on my visit).

There are also 10 garden rooms (above) by the great Edwardian landscape architect Thomas Mawson (three of which are currently being replanted according to paintings of the gardens from the 1920s), vegetable and herb gardens, a rock garden and large woods.

There’s also a café on site selling teas, coffees, cakes and light meals, such as jacket potatoes and sandwiches.

Info

Dyffryn Gardens
St Nicholas, Vale of Glamorgan CF5 6SU
nationaltrust.org.uk/dyffryn-gardens