Come explore the beauty of Dyffryn House and Gardens! Whether it’s meandering through the stunning gardens, taking in the views of rolling hills and lush greenery, or admiring the Victorian architecture, this is a place you won’t want to miss! Here’s all you need to know before you visit; in my Dyffryn Gardens review.
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Can you believe the beauty of Dyffryn House and Gardens? I love this hidden gem and all it has to offer. Going on a day trip here soon? Here’s a visual reminder of all the gorgeousness that awaits you!
Dyffryn Gardens National Trust
My first visit to Dyffryn Gardens was as lockdown was lifting. Like so many during this period, it made me want to know more about what’s on my doorstep. I headed there with my friend Claire. Actually seeing her again in real life. Zoom and Facetime are not the same as being with your friends. Both of us have been itching to see more of Wales, especially attractions close to home. Both of us love learning more about our region’s history, so Dyffryn Gardens Wales was at the top of the must-visit list.
National Trust Gardens in Wales
After grabbing tea and coffee from Dyffryn Gardens cafe, we started the Dyffryn Gardens walks. There are many sights to see; just off the Great Lawn are the garden walks and courts. All have great names, such as The South Garden, Vine Walk, Croquet Lawn, West Garden, Paved Court, Rose Garden, and Walled Garden, to name only a few of the themed gardens. There’s even a children’s play area called The Log Stack.
I love it here. It is so idyllic. As it is so close to home, I have brought a picnic and a good book in warmer weather and spread out on a blanket for a few hours. The backdrop is magnificent, and there is abundant space to enjoy nature.
Can Dogs go to Dyffryn Gardens?
The most asked questions online; Is Dyffryn Gardens dog friendly? One of the main reasons we visited on this occasion was to introduce our dogs to each other. Ivan is very active and excitable when it’s time for walkies, but Bella is an older Labrador. The walk around the gardens was ideal for both dogs.
Dogs are more than welcome to explore all 55 acres of the gardens. There were water bowls outside the café and shop. There are even poo bags and complimentary dog biscuits in the welcome centre. Dogs do need to be kept on the lead. The only place your four-legged friend can’t go in is the house and inside the cafés.
If you’re searching for some inspiration of where to stretch your legs or paws, check these out:
- Exciting dog walks in Cardiff
- Best South Wales dog walks
- Dog walks in Caerphilly
- Dog-friendly beaches near Cardiff
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The House at Dyffryn Gardens
The Grade II listed house has been partially restored. It was not open during our visit, but I have been in before. When the National Trust took over the home, it had no original belongings, art or furniture. A few rooms have been furnished, including the garden rooms, but with a twist. There are several interactive elements; you can play the piano, have a billiards game, or browse the book exchange.
UPDATE – November 2023 – The house is no longer open daily. A new exhibition, ‘House of Discovery’ is now open in the Morning Room of Dyffryn House. The exhibition reveals the different lives and fortunes of the house since it was built in the 1890s and the work the National Trust are doing to conserve the building. IT is open 11am until 3pm every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Dyffryn Gardens History
The Dyffryn estate can be traced back to the 7th Century. Dyffryn Gardens house was originally called the Manor of Worlton and was given to the Bishop of Llandaff. In the 16th Century, the Button family acquired the manor and changed the name to Dyffryn.
The historic estate was sold to John Cory. Many Cardiff historians know him for his involvement in the coal industry. His name is also given to the suburb Coryton in Whitchurch. He moved from Devon with his family.
Cory’s son Reginald was a keen horticulturist and collaborated on the garden design with Thomas Mawson. The Dyffryn Gardens Arboretum (a botanical garden devoted to trees) was developed between 1906 and 1930. Reginald and Thomas planted a collection of exotic and ornamental trees, shrubs and bamboo. They wanted to create a magnificent place, which is fair to say they have.
Glamorgan County Council leased the estate in 1939. Since then, it has been a police academy and dog training centre, and I have been there for a conference. In 2006, an £8 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund restored the gardens to the original design drawn up by Mawson in 1904. The National Trust took over the maintenance and running, from the Vale of Glamorgan council, in 2013, on a 50-year lease.
Dyffryn Gardens Opening Times
The gardens are open between 10am-6pm daily. 4pm in the winter months. The house is currently closed, but the exhibition within is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday between 11am – 3pm. It is closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Dyffryn Gardens Admission Price
Dyffryn Gardens entry fee is £11 per adult, £5.50 per child and £27.50 for a family. National Trust members are free.
Dyffryn Gardens Free Entry
National Trust members get free entry. For our couples membership, we pay £12.60 per month. As well as free entry to their portfolio, you also get free parking. I’d highly recommend purchasing one. If you do sign up, don’t forget to go via TopCashBack.
National Trust Vs English Heritage
If you are weighing up getting a National Trust Membership or English Heritage Membership, I’ve done the leg work for you. If you want to explore more historical sites, you might be wondering which is better. Here’s all you need to know.
Get 20% off gift and annual memberships by using the promo code SUMMER20 at the checkout. It is valid until 31 July 2024. Making a single membership £58.65 per year and a couple’s membership £102. Get yours here.
Dyffryn Gardens Parking
Parking is free for all visitors. The car park is a short walk to the main entrance.
Where is Dyffryn Gardens?
Dyffryn Gardens is in the Vale of Glamorgan, near Cardiff, in the village of St Nicholas. It’s also a short drive from Barry. How to get to Dyffryn Gardens? It is best to have a car, as the property is on a country road. At the Culverhouse Roundabout, you need to take the exit towards Cowbridge. Then follow the brown signs.
Coming from the other direction, Dyffryn is about 20 minutes from Llantwit Major. The X2 bus service to St Nicholas from Porthcawl stops about a mile away: Dyffryn Gardens bus times. The Sat Nav postcode is CF5 6ST.
Dyffryn Gardens Winter Lights Review
It is wonderful to visit Dyffryn Gardens at Christmas. Dyffryn Gardens winter lights illuminate the gardens at night. There are spectacular views of the house and grounds, which are all lit up. It is very festive and romantic. Be quick if you want to see it; tickets and timings do sell out quickly. The lights run from 4pm-7pm between the Christmas and New Year period.
The event was the first I attended with my boyfriend, with our joint membership in December 2019. Following the trail on a frosty evening felt magical. Wearing a Christmas jumper under a coat, hat, scarf and gloves, with a hot chocolate in hand, enhanced the festive feeling.
Update – this event no longer runs.
Dyffryn Gardens Social Media
National Trust Holidays
National Trust Holidays offers a selection of holiday cottages, campsites and bunkhouses set in spectacular locations. Sleeping 2 – 12 guests, they have everything you need for a night away, from kitchen facilities to cosy gardens to relax in during warmer weather.
Tinkinswood Burial Chamber
If visiting, you should also do the short nearby walk to Tinkinswood Burial Chamber. It’s on the same lane as Dyffryn Gardens. We parked up in the layby at the entrance. It was a 10-minute walk to the tomb, which is topped with one of Britain’s largest capstones. On hearing this fact, I expected it to be more significant. However, experts think that at least 200 people would have had to hoist it into place.
Excavations uncovered the remains of over 50 people, along with broken pottery and flint tools. Legend has it; that if you spend the night here on the night before May Day, St John’s Day (23rd June) or Midwinter Day, you’ll go mad, die or become a poet.
National Trust in South Wales
The National Trust in South Wales cares for hundreds of historical sites, gardens and estates around Wales. From lush green valleys to rugged coastlines, these incredible places of outstanding natural beauty will ensure you have something to discover daily. There are also captivating historical sites and attractive homes begging to be uncovered.
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Hotels in Vale of Glamorgan
If you know when you’d like to travel, try to book in advance and as soon as possible. Prices tend to rise the closer you get to the travel date. However, there is a vast array to accommodate all budgets.
easyHotel Cardiff
The easyHotel Cardiff is a 15-minute walk to the city centre restaurants. It has double rooms (with or without a window), accessible bedrooms and twin rooms. Found a short walk behind Cardiff Queen Street train station, the budget hotel has en-suite bathrooms, heated rooms in the winter and air conditioning in the summer. WiFi is free; pay and display and multi-storey car parks are nearby.
Radisson Cardiff
The Radisson Blue Hotel Cardiff is in the city centre. A 7-10 minute walk to the city centre restaurants. The 4-star hotel has smart TVs in the bedrooms, private bathrooms with complimentary toiletries, laptop-compatible safes, and limited onsite parking.
Dog friendly hotels in Cardiff
Your perfect dog-friendly escape in Cardiff awaits! Before I had my rescue dog, Ivan, I didn’t think Cardiff was very dog friendly. How wrong was I? The dog friendly hotels in Cardiff include national chain hotels, budget brands, pubs and country houses.
Cottages and Houses
The award-winning business, Sykes Cottages, has properties across the UK, and the ones near Cardiff are beautiful. From cosy lodges with traditional woodburning stoves to contemporary accommodation with a hot tub. With all the amenities you could need, including parking, WiFi and many dog-friendly places, check out Sykes Holiday Cottages.
The surrounding areas
Don’t be afraid of staying out of central Cardiff, either. Penarth, Barry, Caerphilly, Pontypridd, and Merthyr Tydfil are the surrounding areas connected by regular buses and trains. You can also plan with LastMinute.com. Stay at great hotels at a fraction of the price.
Get 50% off food
After visiting the National Trust South Wales, refuel up with Tastecard. You get 50% off the food bill or two meals for the price of one. There are over six thousand participating restaurants across the UK. Get a 60-day free trial here:
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