Caerau Gardens

Caerau Gardens

The Gardens were started in 1994 when we, Toby and Stephanie Hickish moved here from Wiltshire. The farmhouse was derelict and there was just a field and an overgrown hedge infront of the house. This was quickly removed revealing a spectacular view over the neighbouring farmland at the foot of the Berwyn mountain range.

The Garden was started immediately by levelling lawns and planting yew and beech hedges to provide shelter. As we opened up doorways and windows in the house we used the stone to build the garden walls and we began to get a structure. It seemed that every year we had a new project or garden to add. Now we are surprised to find we are confident enough to open it to visitors, helped in no small way by the location.

Families with children are particularly welcome and there is lots for them to do! There is a large sunken trampoline close to the cafe but in the woods there is any amount to occupy them. We like to think Caerau Uchaf is a place when they can explore and invent games in the old fashioned way. There is a fort and zip wire in the woods with other distractions to encourage their imaginations!

The Gardens are open from Easter until the end of September 5 days a week, not Tuesday's or Wednesday's. We have a cafe serving a full menu with the best chips, homemade meals, Stephanie's excellent cakes and great coffee.

Do also come and see us at our other places in Bala. We run Caffi Tegid at the leisure centre on the lake shore also serving our food. Also “GORWELION” clearly signposted right just as you approach Bala from the east along the A494 just before the bridge. Here apart from the Cafe/Restaurant there is good gift shop and a Soft Play Barn. A group of buildings developed from an old farm and water powered timber mill in a lovely countryside setting, you can walk from here or just enjoy the grounds. www.gorwelion.co.uk

THE PIGSTY

Situated in the grounds of Caerau Uchaf, we have converted the former pigsty into a charming and unusual bolt hole for a couple to stay in. It is popular all year round with a sauna, underfloor heating and a large screen and projector for films.

It has a fully equipped kitchen and a separate shower and loo off the main space which has conservatory style furniture.

It sleeps two in a king sized double reached by a ladder, above the sauna. From here you can see the night sky through a skylight and wake to look up the garden or out over the Berwyns.

All bookings are done through “Airbnb”: - The Pigsty.

THE HOVEL

At the end of our “long” house and separated by a two metre chimney breast is a self contained cottage ideally suited for a family of two adults and two children although a cot is available as well. This also has a large screen and projector for films. There are lots of books and games for children not to mention what the gardens and land around have to offer.

There is a woodburning stove in the sitting room and a fully fitted kitchen with breakfast table. Upstairs there is the bathroom with bath,hand shower and loo and 2 bedrooms, one double or two single beds and a small room for two children (the beds are full sized but arranged rather like bunk beds.

All bookings are done through “Airbnb”: - THE HOVEL

Review

Caerau Uchaf are truly gardens built and designed for gardens lovers, created by garden lovers! In gardening terms, even though the beautiful gardens here at Caerau have only been open to the public for a relatively small amount of years, they have had a huge impact on the local area of Bala. The owners of this privately owned garden, Toby and Stephanie Hickish both work very hard to not only make sure your visit to their garden is an enjoyable one, but also the overall experience is one that will make you want to return, time and time again. Initially I came to visit the garden as anybody would, and I must say, even though I say it time and time again, a Top 100 Garden is a garden that stays on your mind long after you have visited it, and Caerau Gardens is just that! Once seen, never forgotten!