Parc Glynllifon

Glynllifon is recognised as a site of special scientific interest and is home to the largest roost in Europe for the Lesser Horse Shoe Bat. Other highlights of its wildlife include badgers, otters and numerous spiecies of birds.

History

According to legend Glynllifon was first inhabited over a thousand years ago. It's wild laying forgotten until they were discovered in 1639, and they are on of only 3 Grade 1 listed gardens in Gwynedd. They are situated within 70 acres of exotic trees and plants imported and planted over 150 years ago.

The house was once the seat of the Newborough family until 1948 when a large part of the estate was sold to local timber merchants, who subsequently extracted the best timber on the estate, including fine tree specimens.

In 1954, it became an agricultural college, and a part of the site remains as a college today specialising in land-based studies.

The park first opened its gates to the public in 1989, after it was purchased by Gwynedd Council, and the 60 acres of gardens along with the estate workshops make up Parc Glynllifon.

Today

A walk through the gardens will take you through the World of Eighty trees including a 100 foot Redwood and Giant Red Cedar Tress as well as a Bamboo and Rhododendron collection.

There are a number of attractions to be explored within the gardens/grounds including items left over from the Newborough period such as Chinese Island, a boathouse and the hermitage as well as other follies dating back to the 18th century. There are also more recent sculptures across a number of sculpture sites within the grounds as well as fountains, a bridge over the River Llifon and cascades.

Within the workshops there is a craft centre. Here you will also come across the second oldest working static steam engines in Britain, restored by Fred Dibnah. This is operational on special steaming days.

Within the craft centre there are craft and design workshops, where you can watch craft workers and artists creating their works, but also you can buy or commission a unique piece of their art. They also take part in the Arts Council of Wales Principality Collector Plan,   that allows you to buy original modern artwork on interest free credit.

A shop and gallery is situated within the restored Saw Mill and includes Welsh art and crafts in the following mediums, jewellery, ceramics, glass work, slate craft, woodwork, photography as well as original artwork, cards and books.

Within the grounds they have a wheelchair/pushchair route making the site accessible to all abilities, there is a picnic site and other activities such as family treasure hunt, guided tours and special events on selected weekends are all available.

Location: Parc Glynllifon, Caernarfon, Gwynedd Grid Reference: SH456553 Ceremonial County: Caernarfonshire Map Link: StreetMap  Aerial photo: Google Aerial  Getting there: Located on the A499 between Caernarfon and Pwllheli, through the Grand Lodge gates in the long wall. Look out for the brown tourist signs. Access: Accesible to all ages and all abilities, with a special wheelchair/pushchair circuit. Website: Parc Glynllifon Other Useful Websites: Email: parcglynllifon@gwynedd.gov.uk Address: Clynnog Road, Caernarfon, Gwynedd Postcode: LL54 5DY Telephone: 01286 830222 Opening Times: Daily 10am-4pm Charges: Adult £4; Child £1.50; Seniors £2; Family daily ticket £10; Family annual ticket £25 Nearby Locations: Other Location Pages: Other Relevant Pages: Notes: Dogs must be kept on leads and you must clean up their mess. Free parking for cars and coaches. Other facilities include toilets, disabled facilities including a tarmaced woodland path.

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By: Tracey Park	Section: Gardens Section	Key:
Page Ref: parc_glynllifon	Topic: Gardens	Last Updated: 03/2011

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