Dewstow Gardens & Hidden Grottoes is one of the lesser-known attractions in South Wales. I’m here to try and change that. The beautifully landscaped grotto gardens; a labyrinth of tunnels, pools and waterfalls and a must-see. Find out more about the secret garden Wales.
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Gardens to visit in South Wales
Dewstow Gardens and Hidden Grottoes UK is fascinating. When I arrived, the staff were brilliant. They had a great sense of humour, asking if it was a girl’s day out. (Whoop whoop!) Alongside the top-quality banter, they were helpful and knowledgeable.
It’s called a hidden gem for a good reason. Armed with my Dewstow Gardens Map, which you pick up with your ticket, I entered the Grade I listed garden. Dewstow Gardens Newport is exceptionally well maintained. As you stroll around, you’ll hear the sound of trickling water everywhere, as well as the sights and smells of interesting flowers. The colours are spectacular too. A true gardener will be in wonder of the variety of plants.
Then it’s time to explore what’s buried below ground. Dig around the nooks and crannies; they are full of surprises. Make sure you have sensible shoes on, as there is some uneven ground, and you will need to cross some of the water via stepping stones.
Suppose you’re looking for gardens to visit in Wales that are picturesque and tranquil. In that case, Dewstow Gardens Caldicot should definitely be at the top of your list. So, it’s fair to say it is one of the grandest built gardens in Wales.
Dewstow Gardens History
In 1893, Henry Oakley, the Great Western Railway (GWR) director, bought the Dewstow House and estate. He had two interests; breeding Shire horses and horticulture. Especially growing ferns, tropical flowers and plants. Oakley embarked on creating a garden to be remembered. With the help of James Pulham & Sons landscapers.
On the ground level, there were many rock gardens, ponds and water features. As well as plants, shrubs and trees from around the world. Only when you go into the underground grottoes, do you understand the enormous amount of work and skill involved.
When Oakley died in 1940 for the gardens were gradually abandoned. In the 1960s, during the construction of the nearby M4 motorway, the grottoes were filled with soil. In 2000, the gardens were rediscovered, and excavation and restoration began.
Who owns Dewstow Gardens?
Back in 2000, John and Lisa Harris bought the site for £550,000. In 2011, they put it back on the market to focus on another side of their business, Dewstow Golf Club. However, I couldn’t find any information about selling it or developing it into the visitor attraction it is now.
Where is Dewstow Gardens?
The full address is Dewstow Gardens, Caerwent, Caldicot, Monmouthshire. Dewstow Gardens postcode is NP26 5AH.
Dewstow Gardens Opening Times
Is Dewstow Gardens open? You can visit daily from 10am, with the last entry at 3.30pm. Dewstow Gardens Caerwent closes at 5pm.
Parking is free.
Dewstow Gardens Prices
Entry into Dewstow Gardens & Grottoes is £7.50 per person or £6.50 for seniors and concessions. Children aged 11-18 are £4.50, 6-10 years old are £2.50, and 5 and under are free. Family tickets are £24.
Season tickets are also available for individuals at £25 or £50 for a family.
There’s even a Dewstow Gardens voucher. With Gardeners’ World Magazine card, you get 2 people for the price of 1.
Dewstow Gardens Coffee Shop
You do not have to buy a ticket to use the coffee shop. Everyone is welcome. Hot and cold drinks are available, as well as sandwiches and light bites. The homemade cakes looked incredible. It is all reasonably priced too.
You can also bring a picnic. Pick one of the lush green lawns and enjoy the view that reaches all the way to the sea. You can see the Severn Bridge (Prince of Wales Bridge) and across the Bristol Channel on a clear day.
Dewstow Gardens Dogs
Unfortunately, Dewstow Gardens Wales is not dog friendly.
Dewstow Gardens Halloween
Exploring at Halloween looks like so much fun. Previous Halloween Trails have had a real witch in the garden. The grottoes and passages are dressed for the occasion with ghosts, ghouls and demons. But, it’s not too scary for children.
Dewstow Gardens Christmas
Do you want to meet Santa at Dewstow Gardens? In a grotto? I do! At Christmas, even though he is very busy at this time of year, Father Christmas visits and spends time with all the good boys and girls.
Social Media Dewstow Gardens Monmouthshire
Dewstow Gardens TripAdvisor or Dewstow Gardens Facebook or Dewstow Gardens Twitter or Dewstow Gardens Instagram
Thank you to Muso Travels for taking the pics of me. Check her out on Insta:
Hotels near Dewstow Gardens
Pontypool, Cwmbran and Caerleon are the surrounding areas. You could also consider Caerphilly, Newport or the Wye Valley. You can also plan with LastMinute.com. Stay at great hotels at a fraction of the price.
Sykes Cottages
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.
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