A great day out for garden lovers
The Usk Open Gardens Weekend has become a regular fixture for garden lovers in South Wales
Always held the last weekend of June (27th and 28th this year), the weekend is a chance to see many of the lovely private gardens in Usk. Around twenty gardens will be open, large and small, ranging from cottage gardens to the grand sweep of Usk Castle’s glorious borders. “It is like a secret castle that no one’s ever found” exclaimed one young visitor.
Visitors buy a ‘Garden Passport’ from one of the ticket stalls. This admits them to all the gardens, with a map showing where they all are – all within walking distance, although there is also a free minibus to gardens on the edge of town. You can either buy a one-day ticket, or make a more leisurely weekend of it with a 2-day ticket.
Usk has won the Wales in Bloom competition for the last 30 years so as you stroll from one garden to the next, you can also enjoy the tubs and hanging baskets filling the streets with flowers. Twyn Square in particular is a picture.
Those of you who know Usk will know that there is a great choice of quaint pubs, excellent cafes and restaurants for lunch or tea. And voluntary groups in the town will be offering delicious home-made refreshments too – for instance, the Brownies will be cooking Welsh cakes at the Castle. Or how about a picnic by the river? There will also be a Gardeners’ Market with plants and garden products for sale.
Here’s what last year’s visitors said:
We loved everything – gardens, houses, nice cup of tea in the church, loved it all.
I love the variety of gardens and friendly enthusiasm of the owners and organisers. Great day out!
So welcoming, and garden owners so helpful.
Can’t believe I haven’t heard about it before! I will certainly come again.
Admission is £7.50 for one day; £10.00 for the weekend (children 14 and under free).
Gardens are open 10am to 5pm.
Free parking in the town at the two town car parks on Maryport St, clearly signposted.
For satnav, use postcode NP15 1AA
www.uskopengardens.com
For group bookings please phone 01291 672625
