An Anglesey garden restored over 28 years is among six vying for a national award. Plas Cadnant near Menai Bridge became a labour of love for owner Anthony Tavernor when he bought the property in 1996.
At the time, its gardens hadn’t been touched for seven decades and were so overgrown that Mr Tavernor thought he was buying a house with woodland. He was aware there was a walled garden somewhere – but it took him some time to find it.
Only later did he discover an early 19th-century pleasure garden in a valley that slopes down to the Afon Cadnant. He could hear the sound of running water but it took some serious scrambling through undergrowth to realise it formed part of the garden’s centrepiece.
Over time the bushes and brambles were cleared. But the original description for the forgotten, hidden garden was retained. Today, Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens are amongst Britain’s most celebrated, a must-visit for Anglesey’s locals and tourists.
Plas Cadnant has today been unveiled as one of six UK gardens shortlisted by Historic Houses for its 2026 Garden of the Year Award. Sponsored by Christie’s auction house, in recent years the competition has attracted “tens of thousands of votes” from garden lovers pushing their favourites. None of this year’s shortlisted gardens have won the award before.
Ben Cowell, director general at Historic Houses, which represents the UK’s independent historic homes, castles and gardens, said: “Now that spring is finally here, we are thrilled to offer a truly exceptional shortlist for our annual competition.
“Each of these six gardens is reflective of the horticultural excellence that can be seen across our member properties. We look forward to seeing which emerges with the most votes by the end of a busy summer of garden tourism.” Get the best island stories from our Anglesey newsletter – sent every Friday
Herbaceous border and garden cottage at Plas Cadnant(Image: Plas Cadnant)
Perhaps the biggest name on the shortlist is Grade I-listed Burghley House in Lincolnshire, famed for its horse trials and extensive art collection. Its parklands were laid out by Capability Brown, a giant of English landscape garden design.
But Plas Cadnant has form when it comes to public popularity: in 2023 its hidden gardens were voted the nation’s favourite public garden in a competition backed by the National Garden Scheme.
Beyond the property’s gateway lies lie a series of grottos, follies, tunnels and waterfalls. There’s even a “Jungle” area for wilderness lovers. Across the Menai Strait, the majestic peaks of Eryri loom in the distance.
In the valley garden, an avenue of yew pyramids leads towards Plas Cadnant’s signature feature, a “catenary curve” stone wall. Strung across a valley, its graceful curve was designed to mirror the design of the Menai Suspension Bridge.
On Boxing Day 2015 the wall was breached by a catastrophic flood when a “tidal wave” of water rampaged through the walled garden. Although the force of water washed away many precious plants and garden features, Mr Tavernor was undeterred. His perseverance paid off: the finished garden is now regarded as a horticultural gem.
Plas Cadnant’s walled and pleasure gardens (Image: Plas Cadnant)
The gardens’ name can cause confusion. “Visitors think it’s called the hidden garden because they can’t find us,” he told North Wales Live in 2024. “But it was called that because it was almost totally derelict when I arrived, having been left untouched for decades.”
Today (April 1) the gardens opens again to the public after its winter closure. Visits are possible between 12pm-5pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. More details about visiting can be found here.
Ursula Cholmeley, chair of the Historic Houses gardens and parklands committee, said: “The shortlist features six small and large gardens all open to the public and all worth visiting before you cast your vote.
“There are two awards available to the gardens that entered this year, including The Judges’ Choice Award that represents a lifetime’s work. Both awards acknowledge the dedication that owners and gardening teams put into making historic gardens some of the best in the world.”
Voting is open now on the Historic Houses website. Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone
2026 Garden of the Year shortlistBurghley House, LincolnshireCoughton Court, WarwickshireKelmarsh Hall, NorthamptonMonteviot House, Scottish BordersPlas Cadnant, AngleseySlemere House, East Yorkshire
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