Over the years our Head Gardener has made major changes to the gardens and works continue in various areas with many plants being propagated in the greenhouse.
The Oak Collection
The Oak Collection was the brainchild of Bill Legge-Bourke, whose passion for Oaks over 40 years led to him collecting acorns from around the world and planting them out throughout Penmyarth Park.
His untimely death 13 years ago left over 100 growing acorns in the Oak Green House, and his son Harry was bitten by the ‘Quercus’ bug and not only planted out the 100 different oaks left by his father, but has also increased the collection to just over 300 different species and cultivars. We are particularly proud of the Royal Oak Collection. Visiting members of the Royal family as far back as 1800s have planted Oaks the latest being HRH The Prince of Wales in July 2019 using the same spade as HM The Queen used in July 2012. Each Oak has a story to it.
The Oak Tour
The Oak ‘Tour’ takes in the ‘Woodland Walk’ that connects the Oak Avenue to the ‘Riverside Oaks’. A walk of approximately 1.5kms on reasonably flat ground with a bit of a steep track leading down to the river and the riverside oaks. Again from the carpark along the river is approximately 1.5 kms as well taking in the Oaks and River Usk views.
Good walking shoes/boots/wellies are recommended for walking the ‘Woodland Walk’ and ‘River Walk’ as there are natural springs and wet patches all over the place even in summer.
Opening Hours & Access
Opening
The Oaks and Gardens are open by appointment. Booking is essential. To book your garden visit please contact the Estate Office on 01873 810414 or email [email protected].
Dogs are very welcome on the Woodland and River walk, but not in the main gardens.
Key Points
- Dogs are welcome, but are to be kept on leads at all times and all poo is to be picked up.
- There is no access for swimming or paddling in the River Usk for humans or dogs, or throwing sticks or stones into the river as we have daily Anglers. You will be asked to leave if these rules are broken.
- Please wear sensible footwear when visiting the Oak Collection and Gardens. There are wet patches and rough ground throughout the walk.
- Please do not attempt the Woodland Walk and River Walk (which is over 2km) if you have a medical condition.
How to get to us
We are 2 hours from Birmingham, an hour from Bristol, Cardiff, Cheltenham and 2½ hours from London straight down the M4.
Access to the Gardens and Oak Collection is through the Main Gates of the Estate off the A40, 2 miles west of the town of Crickhowell.
The Sat Nav postcode is NP8 1SH and NOT the main estate postcode. Once you come through the main gates signs clearly direct you to the Car Park.
Disabled access
Areas of the Gardens are accessible by wheel chairs particularly the outdoor off road variants, as is the riverside walk and Oaks. But standard wheel chairs are not conducive to the topography. Over time we hope to make the Gardens and Oaks fully accessible, at present 30% of the Garden and Oaks are accessible.
We will keep everyone updated on access. We do have a option to transport people on request in a 4×4 if they can move between their own wheel chair and a 4×4. For more details please call the Estate Office.
Private Tours
We are happy to conduct private tours for groups including refreshments, please speak directly to the Estate Office 01873 810414 or email [email protected] and we can help you organise your visit.
