Immersed in the serene ambiance of a picturesque park, enveloped by vibrant pink rhododendrons and grandiose trees, with wild garlic aroma and birds’ melodious chirping, distinction from the hustle and bustle seems absolute. Yet this enchanting haven is merely a short distance from a bustling road linking Swansea to Gower.
For seven decades, the public have enjoyed Clyne Gardens in the Mayals/Blackpill area of Swansea. It’s a botanical treasure with a rich variety of flora and over a dozen captivating spots that are perfect for Instagram-worthy shots. Attractions at Clyne Gardens include a fairy-tale miniature stone tower, an exquisite “Japanese Bridge,” charming water features, and an eye-catching Grade II-listed manor, now a private residence.
Contrary to expectations, the peak season to witness Clyne Gardens’ splendour is not mid-summer, but from April to May when it’s in full bloom, presenting a current scene of sheer beauty. The gardens also hosts craft fairs, parent-child gatherings, and live music performances on select days, with details available on the Clyne Gardens website. For the latest Swansea news, sign up to our newsletter here
The Clyne botanical park, which began as a private garden for the well-known Vivian family in the 19th century, is steeped in history. The family, originally from Cornwall, had already established numerous landmarks and grounds across Swansea, including the impressive Singleton Abbey (now part of Swansea University’s Singleton Campus) and the Hafod copperworks.
Clyne Gardens is open to the public all year round
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The Japanese bridge
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However, millionaire William Graham Vivian was eager to expand his portfolio. In 1860, he purchased Clyne Castle, built in 1791 by a wealthy landowner, along with its gardens.
Over the years, he and his family spent considerable time there, transforming an ordinary country estate into a vibrant woodland garden. According to Friends of Clyne, a volunteer group that significantly contributes to the maintenance of the gardens, William Graham Vivian’s most notable efforts in refining the gardens involved planting three significant trees: one Wellingtonia ‘Sequiodendron giganteum’ and two Monterey Cypress ‘Cupressus macrocarpa,’ one of which is believed to be among the tallest in Britain.
Upon William Graham Vivian’s death in 1912, the estate was inherited by his youngest unmarried sister, Dulcie Charlotte. Unfortunately, she passed away just a few years later, leaving little impact on the design or remodel of the gardens. Following her death, the estate was passed to William’s nephew, Royal Navy admiral Algernon Walker Heneage, under the condition that he adopt the surname Vivian.
Whilst there are many different footpaths to explore, the three main paths around the gardens are fairly accessible
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Clyne Gardens is home to thousands of plants, flowers and trees
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During his tenure, Admiral Walker-Heneage-Vivian welcomed a host of famous visitors to the estate, including the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VIII), Neville Chamberlain, Stanley Baldwin and Adelina Patti. He also sponsored the collection of exotic plants from abroad.
The admiral was responsible for the construction of several unique attractions in the gardens, such as the Japanese Bridge, Admiral’s Tower and Joy Cottage – originally built as a playhouse for his daughters but now more of a shelter from the rain – which remain popular today. Following the Admiral’s death in 1952, Swansea Borough Council purchased the castle and its land, which were sold at auction.
By 1954, the gardens and grounds had become a public park, while the Castle served as a hall of residence for the University for half a century before being converted into luxury private apartments. Today, the gardens cover an impressive 50 acres and are home to over 10,000 mature trees and more than 2,000 plant species.
Clyne is in full-bloom in April to May
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It’s a pleasant place to walk the dog, read a book or just sit and relax
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Among the most notable, Clyne boasts two ‘British champion’ trees: the white-flowered Magnolia Campbelli, the tallest recorded magnolia in Britain at 22m, and the UK’s largest-girthed cherry crab, Malus x Robusta, which bears large red cherry-like fruits in autumn.
Clyne Gardens, a horticultural paradise, boasts an array of unusual plant species including the massive 18m Honeysuckle (Lonicera Henryi), described by Friends of Clyne as having “twining stems as thick as a man’s arm,” and the South African Clubmoss (Selaginella Kraussiana) that grows in some of Clyne’s lawn areas. The gardens are a riot of colour and variety, with winding trails leading visitors through a landscape dotted with unique flora.
Among the most recognisable plants are rhododendrons, azaleas, pieris, enkianthus and herbaceous perennials. Notable trees include the Parrotia Persica with small red flowers, the Blue Atlas Cedar with grey-blue foliage and the Japanese Red Cedar with red bark.
Other features to look out for include the Bluebell Wood, Wildflower Meadow and Bog Garden, home to giant elephant rhubarb and American skunk cabbage. Amidst the greenery, visitors will find several streams and mini waterfalls, with one particularly picturesque waterfall flowing from the lake beside the Japanese Bridge.
One of the pretty water features at Clyne Gardens
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More beautiful bright flowers at Clyne Gardens
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This stunning bridge, spanning a stream within the gardens, was designed and constructed by David Thomas. The inspiration came from an image of a bridge and lake in Japan, shown to him by his employer, the admiral, who had visited Japan with the Royal Navy in 1900.
Thomas spent a week at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew designing the bridge, which was then built on-site at Clyne in 1929. He also created a lake and waterfall by damming the Brock Hole stream that flows from Clyne Common into the sea at Blackpill. After four decades, the original bridge fell into disrepair, but in 1973, an exact replica was constructed by Swansea Council carpenters David Jones and Steve Tooze. The bridge, listed by Cadw, cannot be altered in colour or style.
Another highlight of Clyne Gardens is the Admiral’s Tower, also designed by David Thomas and built by Arthur Mugford in 1928. This Grade II-listed tower, standing five metres high, served as a vantage point for the admiral to admire the rhododendrons. It remains a popular spot for families, offering a beautiful view of the gardens and flowers below.
Clyne Gardens is home to thousands of plants and around a dozen special features like this tower, which makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a fairy tale
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Clyne Castle
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Clyne Gardens boasts a variety of features including the Clyne Chapel, Clyne Castle, the Italian bridge and several other small footbridges over streams, and a dog graveyard where a dozen sandstone headstones mark the final resting place for many of the Admiral’s beloved dogs. Facilities at Clyne Gardens include public toilets, a water point to fill your water bottle and The Touring Tea Room, a lovely converted trailer selling hot and cold drinks, ice lollies and tea cakes.
Business owner Victoria Young and her partner Matt Williams have run the business for four years and see people of all ages visiting them and the gardens throughout the year. Victoria, a former nursery nurse, also runs storytelling sessions for parents and young children (suggested age one to six) on Tuesdays at 12.30pm. Sessions run for around 90 minutes and cost £7.50 – you can book on the Touring Tea Room page on Facebook or just turn up and pay on the day.
Victoria Young of The Touring Tea Room in Clyne Gardens
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The view from part of the garden
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The closest car park to Clyne Gardens is located just behind The Woodman pub, at one of the entrances to the park. From the city centre, head west along Oystermouth Road (A4067), turn right at the Woodman pub and right into the car park – make sure you park in the appropriate area for park visitors to avoid a fine. The parking area for Clyne visitors is on the left/behind the area for pub customers.
Additional parking can be found at the top of the park at Westport Avenue, off Mayals Road, or a brief stroll away at the Swansea Council-owned Clyne Valley Country Park car park.