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There’s lots to see and do in Llandudno, and Haulfre Gardens is a fantastic addition to the many things to do in this lovely seaside resort. The gardens in themselves are a wonderful highlight to anyone’s day, and are very close to the assortment of  Llandudno Hotels that so many of us enjoy.

The Haulfre Gardens were created by Henry Davis Pochin, who was the son of a Leicestershire yeoman farmer. It might not sound like much, until a little fact is mentioned – that this man was the founder of the nearby Bodnant Gardens within the Conwy Valley. That, and he was also the inventor of white soap. The Haulfre Gardens are certainly reminiscent of the Bodnant Gardens, and opened as a public park in 1929. Now, they are listed by CADW and benefit from careful maintenance thanks to Conwy County Borough Council, and restoration efforts through the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The gardens feature fine panoramic views of Llandudno’s bustling town from their elevated position up upon the Great Orme, with a series of networked garden paths which lead to the West Shore, and zigzag up to the summit of the Great Orme. They might sound daunting, but you can be rest assured that the paths are very well paved. They have been restored using tarmac to ensure a safe journey without any accidents.

For those who are a little concerned about the path’s height, we would like to take this opportunity to assure them that while the path looks very high, it’s only actually a quarter of the way up the Great Orme, so isn’t as high as the summit. That’s not to say it’s not worthwhile though. The path gives us the best of both worlds, while not being an onslaught but going up high enough to afford truly remarkable views to both Anglesey and nearby Puffin Island.

Haulfre Gardens boasts a wonderful teahouse as well, that marks the fact that it is open every day by raising the Welsh flag proudly. If you’re interested in flowers then the Gardens are absolutely a great place to visit. The scenery is very well-maintained and beautiful, with areas of flowers and rockeries which is formed on the Orme. It’s a fantastic place with a very natural and lovely atmosphere.