Colby Woodland Garden near Amroth in Pembrokeshire is an 18th-century coalfield transformed into a hidden woodland garden, offering a secret walled garden, an old mine shaft, and 900 acres of woodland.
Located in a secluded valley within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, the site is managed by the National Trust. It features scenic trails, wildflower meadows, and shady glades, making it a starting point for an autumn stroll down to the coast.
Gardens and Seasonal Colour
The garden covers eight acres and is known for its blooms, woodland trails, and tea room. In spring, magnolias, camellias, azaleas, golden daffodils, and bluebells bloom, while autumn brings reds, oranges, and golds.
Specimen trees include a Japanese redwood that stands 134ft tall, the tallest of its kind in the UK. Steve Whitehead, head gardener for the National Trust at Colby, told WalesOnline: “It’s glorious from April to the end of June. You’ll see one of Wales' finest collections of rhododendrons and azaleas.”
Between two woodlands lies a four-acre flood meadow full of indigenous wildflowers. The walled garden features formal flora displays, sculptures, a water feature, and a Victorian gothic gazebo.
Industrial Heritage and Trails
The site was once a thriving anthracite mining valley at the edge of the Pembrokeshire coal seam, where miners worked narrow veins until operations ceased in the late 19th century. Remnants include the Bothy, which tells the story of local industry and wildlife.
Near the car park are a visitor welcome centre and second-hand bookshop, leading down to the garden tearoom and gallery. Beyond the garden gates, a 7.2-km circular trail on the AllTrails app offers wildflowers, coastal views, and birding opportunities. Rated moderately challenging, it takes just under two hours at a decent pace.
The route starts at Colby Woodland Garden, where parking is available for a fee (free for National Trust members). It leads through shady woodland towards Amroth and Marros Sands, loops along Cliff Road for sea views, and heads towards Wiseman’s Bridge. The return leg winds through Pleasant Valley and across open fields back to Colby. The walk finishes at The Bothy Tea Room, which serves light lunches and homemade cakes.
