Daffodils brighten up our gardens in spring, as they herald the arrival of longer, milder days. Here is a selection of 2 for 1 Gardens you can visit, to see these jubilant flowers blooming en masse.
Your 2022 2 for 1 Gardens guide is valid until 7 April 2023. Your 2023 2 for 1 Gardens guide will be included in our May issue, which goes on sale on 13 April 2023.
Penrhyn Castle
Spring at Penrhyn Castle sees the bright yellows of daffodils contrasting with the stone façade of the castle. With extensive grounds, you can spend the day discovering the 60 acres of garden and woodland, including the bog garden or the historic walled garden, which provides interest across the seasons. If you can bring yourself to look away from the daffodil display, you can enjoy spectacular views out to Snowdonia’s summits and across the Menai straight.
- Disabled access: Partial access
- Dogs: Permitted on the lead
- Single visitor discount: No
- Refreshments: Light refreshments
More information about Penrhyn Castle in our 2 for 1 Gardens scheme
Visit the Penrhyn Castle website for further details
Powis Castle and Garden
Powis Castle and Garden is renowned for its yew hedges. Fourteen metres high and 300 years old, these hedges are the crown atop a series of elegant Italianate terraces. The pink hues of the castle walls peek out behind the 7,000 square metres of mature yew hedging. In early spring, find magnolias blooming with papery flowers in the baroque gardens. However, even more impressive is the carpet of golden daffodils in the ‘daffodil paddock’. From mid march through to the end of April, Narcissus pseudonarcissus bloom in their thousands to form Powis’ very own ‘host of golden daffodils’.
- Disabled access: Partial access
- Dogs: Not permitted
- Single visitor discount: No
- Refreshments: Hot food and light refreshments
More information about Powis Castle in our 2 for 1 Gardens scheme
Visit the Powis Castle website for further details
Brodie Castle
Brodie Castle has become almost synonymous with daffodils over the years, mostly thanks to the legacy of the 24th Laird of Brodie, a pioneer of daffodil hybridisation. A fan of these cheerful and seasonal blooms, he personally named over 400 varieties of the flowers, naming them in honour of his favourite places, operas, and friends. Children can enjoy exploring the ‘Playful Garden’ an interactive space designed to bring these characters to life, meet George the orangutan, unicorns or Brodie, the 6.5m white marble bunny.
- Disabled access: Partial access
- Dogs: Not permitted
- Single visitor discount: No
- Refreshments: Hot food and light refreshments
More information about Brodie Castle in our 2 for 1 Gardens scheme
Visit the Brodie Castle website for further details
Stourhead
You may recognise Stourhead as the location of many period dramas like Pride & Prejudice and The Pursuit of Love. First opened in the 1740s, the garden design by Henry ‘the Magnificent’ was described as ‘a living work of art’. The light and shade of sculpted hills are reflected in the great lake, which is decorated by its famous Palladian bridge. In early spring, find swathes of golden daffodils in bloom. The daffodil collection at Stourhead are mostly rare varieties, which provide an important source of nectar for early pollinators.
- Disabled access: Partial access
- Dogs: Permitted on the lead
- Single visitor discount: Yes
- Refreshments: Hot food and light refreshments
More information about Stourhead in our 2 for 1 Gardens scheme
Visit the Stourhead website for further details
Castle Ward
Overlooking Strangford Lough, at Castle Ward you can find the marital disagreements between Bernard Ward, 1st Viscount Bangor, and his wife, Lady Anne reflected in the architecture of the castle. After failing to reach an agreement on the style, the house was split down the middle with one half Gothic and the other Palladian. However, more than just architectural disputes, Castle Ward is also the home to an impressive daffodil display. Bluebells will follow the bright yellow and gold display of early spring daffodils. Venture further into the garden and explore Lady Anne’s temple or the Victorian bulb garden.
- Disabled access: Partial access
- Dogs: Permitted on the lead
- Single visitor discount: Yes
- Refreshments: Hot food and light refreshments
More information about Castle Ward in our 2 for 1 Gardens scheme
Visit the Castle Ward website for further details
