14c Mostly Cloudy
Barmouth Viaduct at Sunset 
Llanberis from Penllyn 
Morfa Bychan beach near Porthmadog 
Out for a bite - review of Bodnant Garden
What's the attraction?
Bodnant Garden is one of the UK's great gardens, covering some 80 acres.
Formal Italianate terraces and lily ponds give way to sweeping lawns and magnificent examples of trees, shrubs and plants from around the world.
Twisting paths lead down to a bewitching valley garden with the little River Hiraethlyn tumbling though it.
What's on offer?
The garden changes with the seasons. Visiting in early spring, we were there in time to see the last of the swathes of daffodils and to see the magnolias and camellias beginning to burst out in to a blaze of colour.
Later azaleas and rhododendrons will take centre stage and the famous laburnum arch will become a 55m tunnel of yellow blossom. In summer, the roses, water lilies and herbaceous borders in the terraces will be at their best.
Finally autumn brings a stunning display of leaf foliage.
There's a free children's trail leaflet and a programme of special events including regular tours with the head gardener and outdoor theatre performances.
How did you get there?
It's 8 miles south of Llandudno off the A470; exit at junction 19 of the A55 and it's clearly signposted from there.
How long did you stay?
About four hours in total - about right for a family with young children. But keen gardeners could easily spend longer exploring the planting.
Did you take a brolly?
We deliberately chose a bright sunny day to visit. We wouldn't have enjoyed it half so much in the rain.
What did you do there?
Explored! Although we're National Trust members, we hadn't been here before.
It's a garden without a house and somehow we didn't think it'd be so interesting as their usual properties.
We were wrong - it is spectacular! The formal gardens are lovely with elegant statues and terraces with gorgeous views towards Snowdonia.
But it was the wildness of the lower garden that was truly magical. Gigantic redwood trees tower over you, while banks of camellias line steep winding paths down to the river.
All you can hear is birdsong and the rush of the water. The car park was quite full when we arrived - but the garden is so big that it didn't seem crowded at all.
How much did it cost you?
Adults £7.20, children £3.60, family ticket £19.50 - but we're National Trust members so we got in free. It's also free for members of the Royal Horticultural Society.
How about food and drink?
The tea room in the car park is a light airy cedar-shingled cabin. We kept out the winter chill with leek and potato soup and a hot pot with Welsh cakes to follow.
There was a great selection of colouring sheets and pencils to keep the children amused while they waited for their lunchboxes and the staff were very friendly.
There's also an kiosk where you can buy take-away snacks and drinks. There aren't any picnic benches, but you can put a rug down on the grass in the car park if you like - you can't take picnics into the gardens.
Are there any shops?
You can buy plant varieties you see in the garden in the garden centre, which also sells a good quality selection of gift and garden items.
We bought some locally made single-variety apple juice. There's also a courtyard of craft studios.
Tipyn Bach sells handmade luxury chocolates (I was very tempted by the damson creams). An art gallery sells watercolour prints of the garden and another shop sells Italian pottery and glass jewellery.
Our kids were fascinated by the old-style red phone box in the courtyard. This is for sale too, if you've got £500 to spare.
Is it OK for kids?
Our two had a fantastic time. The wide open lawns were great for running around on and they loved following the little twisting paths to see what was around the next corner.
Our three-year-old managed a much longer walk than usual - though he did fall asleep in the car on the way home.
Part of the magic is the valley garden's wildness - there are lots of steep, narrow paths and unfenced river banks.
So you do have to keep a proper eye on your children - but the beauty of the location makes up for that.
Can people with disabilities get around?
The garden is not easy for wheelchairs; it's very steep in places and has lots of steps.
However, there's a free map showing a route avoiding steps and the steepest slopes. Braille guides and wheelchairs are available on loan.
What were the best bits?
The children loved the bridges and stepping stones that criss-cross the river at the bottom of the valley.
They were also thrilled to meet Mildred, the garden's friendly peahen - although we didn't spot George the peacock on this trip.
We loved the sense of peace and tranquillity in this beautiful garden. We're definitely coming back to see how the garden changes over the coming seasons.
Opening times?
Daily 10am-5pm. More information and listings of upcoming events at www.bodnant-garden.co.uk or 01492 650460 Bodnant Garden, Tal y Cafn, Conwy
