The major tourist attraction of Dyffryn Gardens and Arboretum celebrates St David’s Day by opening to the public free of charge on Sunday, 28 February.
The gardens and house are owned by the Vale of Glamorgan Council, and Cllr Anthony Ernest, cabinet member for leisure and tourism, said: “I am delighted that Dyffryn is marking this day of national importance by offering people free admission. Whilst it is the ideal time for local residents of the Vale to enjoy the first signs of spring, it also helps to encourage tourism to the area.”
The day (10am-4pm) offers an opportunity for members of the public to discover more about the gardens by joining a walk, ‘A Glimpse of Spring,’ taking place at 2.30pm. Traditional Welsh harp music will be played in the tea rooms at various intervals.
The St David’s Day celebrations also mark the start of the new season for the gardens and the launch of a new attractions programme with a range of family events, guided walks and topical talks.
Project manager Gerry Donovan said: “This year promises to be an exciting season with familiar events such as the Easter fun days and open-air theatre. And, following on from the success of last year’s wildlife events, we are particularly looking forward to a ‘Dawn Chorus’ in May. Although it’s a very early start (5.30am), it’s proved to be a very popular event.”
Anyone who can’t make it to Dyffryn for the St David’s Day event, but would still like to enjoy spring in the gardens, can take mum along for free on Mother’s Day (10am-6pm). Following the success of previous years, the offer for mums, when accompanied by an adult or full paying child, is available on Sunday, 14 March.
Funded by the council and the Heritage Lottery Fund, work is now nearing completion on the major restoration programme at the Grade 1 registered Edwardian gardens.
The work, which began some 10 years ago, has covered all key aspects of the gardens, with the objective of returning them to the original 1906 plan of acclaimed landscape architect Thomas Mawson and avid plant collector and then estate owner Reginald Cory.
Work on the final stages of the programme has progressed well over the winter, especially in the walled garden, with completion of a lower vegetable section which is now open to the public. The upper section, including the display glasshouse, is due for completion later in the year.
Other major Dyffryn events (10am-6pm) in the coming months, entry to which is included in the gardens admission fee, include:
- Easter fun days (4-5 April) – activities and entertainment for all the family.
- Bonsai weekend (29-31 May) – includes a wonderful display and demonstrations from the Cardiff Bonsai Club.
For more details on the gardens and all this year’s events, visit Dyffryn Gardens website or telephone 029 2059 3328.
