A Welsh garden has been named second best in Europe. Travel and hospitality company Accor have revealed Europe’s top 15 botanical gardens through analysis of Google reviews, sentiment evaluation, the number of amenities available, and popularity.
It has compiled a list showcasing the must-see gardens of 2024, and topping the charts is Ireland’s National Botanic Gardens, nestled in the heart of Glasnevin just a stone’s throw from Dublin’s bustling centre. Boasting over 15,000 plant species amidst historic glasshouses, the gardens offer “a haven for visitors seeking respite amidst nature’s splendour”, all without an admission fee.
It is followed closely by Bodnant Gardens in the Conwy Valley in second place, a National Trust gem spanning 80 acres of meticulously curated landscapes. With its Grade I listed status and diverse range of gardens including Victorian terraces and enchanting woodlands, Bodnant Garden “captivates visitors with its timeless allure”, welcoming them for an entry fee of £15. Find out about the latest events in Wales by signing up to our What’s On newsletter here
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It is not the only time the gardens have been recognised in recent months. InsureandGo drew up a list of the 15 best botanical gardens in the world, and it finished in sixth place. Established in 1874 by scientist, businessman and politician Henry Pochin, he and his family filled the garden with plants collected by famous global explorers such as Ernest Wilson, George Forrest and Harold Comber.
Also featuring on Accor’s list was the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, in third, Dendrological Garden, in the Czech Republic, in fourth, and Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle, Italy, in fifth.