Visit Southern Wales Blog

Whilst we've already mentioned some of Wales best attractions that are well known about, we also have a lot of hidden gems.

Dewstow Gardens, near Chepstow is quite literary one of Southern Wales' hidden gems. The gardens were originally built around the turn of the 20^th century and included all the things you'd expect in gardens - rockeries, ponds, water features and loads of plants and shrubs etc.  But the highlight was a subterranean world of tunnels and grottoes housing many tropical and unusual plants.

Over the years the gardens fell into disrepair and the tunnels and grottoes were filled in and forgotten about.  That is until the start of the 20^th century when the land's new owners started clearing the land.  Curiosity got the better of them so they started digging and were amazed to discover the network of tunnels that had laid undiscovered for over 50 years.

A massive restoration project was undertaken and today the gardens have been restored to their former glory so that we can enjoy what was hidden away for decades.

To find out more about Dewstow Gardens click here

Spring will soon be in the air and it will be time to get out in the garden.  If you're in need of a bit of inspiration on what to do then maybe you should visit the RHS Show in Cardiff.

Held in Bute Park against the backdrop of Cardiff Castle, the show provides an inspirational display of vibrant gardening, floral delights and expert advice.

There are many show gardens for visitors to enjoy in a diverse range of themes.

The show is a perfect family day out and takes place from 20-22 April.

More information and tickets are available from the show's website

Dewstow Gardens near Chepstow in Monmouthshire is one of Wales' hidden gems.  The gardens were originally built in the late 19^th century but were buried in the 1940s and lay undiscovered for over 50 years until they were discovered by accident in 2000.  A huge restoration project was undertaken and now the gardens have been restored to their former glory.  The gardens contain many ponds and rills but also they contain a remarkable labyrinth of underground tunnels, grottoes and sunken ferneries. 

www.dewstow.co.uk