Excursion Plas brondanw gardens & portmeirion village tour at Holyhead

Take a scenic journey across the isle of Anglesey, over the Menai Strait and through the beautiful Snowdonia National Park to Plas Brondanw Gardens.

Plas Brondanw was the family home of Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, creator of the Italianate village Portmeirion. Although not as famous as Portmeirion, Plas Brondanw is considered the most beautiful and the best example of Sir Clough’s talent for landscape design.

The property was given to Sir Clough by his father in 1902 and the main features date from the early part of the 20th Century before Portmeirion was begun. Work at Plas Brondanw continued sporadically until the 1960’s.

Sir Clough created a unique and characteristic garden landscape with dramatic features including stone walls, topiary and avenues of trees leading the eye to the dramatic back drop of the mountains beyond.

Following a guided tour at Plas Brondanw, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before heading further south to Porthmadog and the unique Italianate fantasy village of Portmeirion. The approach to Portmeirion will take you through pristine woodlands to a unique and rather unusual place.

Set on a private peninsula with sandy beaches, sub-tropical woodland gardens and stunning features, Portmeirion is considered one of the most unconventional architectural projects of the 20th century.

Following a tour of Italy when the architect, Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, became captivated by the fishing village of Portofino, he searched for a suitable site on which to create an Italianate fantasy village of his own. In 1925 he acquired the then derelict site beside the Dwyryd Estuary. Work began in 1926 with the village developing around an Italian style piazza dotted with arches, statues, fountains and various other pieces the architect had acquired on his travels.  

Clough was a tireless campaigner for the protection of the environment and an advocate of rural preservation, amenity planning, industrial design and colourful architecture. His project, Portmeirion, was built with the intention of proving that it is possible to develop a beautiful setting without spoiling its surroundings.

On a guided tour discover immaculate gardens, a colourful village and lots of quirky features. Hear about the environmentalist, conservationist and eccentric architect, Sir Clough Williams -Ellis, and his genius.

After your tour enjoy free time to explore independently before the return journey to Holyhead.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Portmeirion, Menai Straight, Snowdonia

Note

This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for up to 3 kilometres (2 miles) over many steep slopes and steps, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach. Walking is mainly at the discretion of each guest. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing, flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. The tour includes extensive driving of up to 90 minute each way.