I'm sure that many of us have driven past the stunning cathedral at St Asaph on our journey to other places in North Wales. Today we are stopping for a tour of the "Marble Church" on the A55. Then we are continuing our journey to Bodnant Garden.
The city of St Asaph lies between Denbigh and the coastal resort of Rhyl. It is set on the banks of the River Elwy.
St Asaph Cathedral is the smallest in Britain and one of the oldest in Wales. The present structure dates from the 15th century and houses William Morgan’s first Welsh translation of the bible. Worship lies at the heart of everything in the life and work of this ancient cathedral where prayers have been offered daily for 1,450 years.
Bodnant is a Grade I listed historic garden.
It covers 80 acres and includes formal gardens, shrub-filled glades, meadows and woods, dells and water gardens and is home to historic plant collections. With intimate corners, sweeping lawns, grand terraces and verdant woodland, there are many gardens in one at Bodnant. Created over 150 years, with plants collected and brought to Britain from far afield, and the incredible vision of generations of the McLaren family and Puddle head gardeners, this haven of rarity and beauty with a stunning backdrop of the Carneddau mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia) is a delight for the senses.
At this time of year the Laburnum Arch should be in full bloom. The golden blooms of the arch only flower between 10 - 14 days each year in late May - early June. The arch is the only one of its kind in the country which is curved, following the wall which runs alongside.
Cost for National Trust Members £25.00; non National Trust Members £41.50, this includes a tour of the Cathedral; entry to Bodnant Garden and transport.