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Clyne Gardens

Clyne Gardens contains varied National Collections of plants set in beautiful parkland. Internationally famous for its superb collections of Rhododendrons, Pieris and Enkianthus, the gardens offer a haven of tranquillity, lush planting and interesting features.

Our specialist parks are truly magnificent, blooming with rare species, national collections and famous annual displays. The prestigious parks with green flag status are a sanctuary for people from the hustle and bustle of city life. The gardens are truly spectacular all year round.

Outstanding features

  • Bog garden
  • Bluebell wood
  • Gazebo
  • Japanese bridge
  • Heather beds
  • Small dogs graves
  • Joy cottage
  • Italian bridge
  • Wild flower meadow
  • Azalea gardens
  • Clyne Chapel
  • The tower

History

William Graham Vivian - the millionaire of Clyne - purchased 'Clyne Castle' in 1860 and lavished time and money on it to reflect his wealth. Three important trees planted by him can be found in front of the Castle; one Wellingtonia 'Sequiodendron giganteum' and two Monterey Cypress 'Cupressus macrocarpa', one a fastigiate form which is also one of the tallest recorded in Britain. The estate passed to his nephew Algernon, 'The Admiral' in 1921 who owned it until his death in 1952. He had the greatest influence on the gardens as we see them today.

He sponsored plant collecting expeditions overseas, and many of Clyne's rhododendrons still bear their original collector's numbers. The Admiral's influence can also be seen in the landscaping, which includes a Japanese Bridge, the Admiral's Tower and the Gazebo.

The Admiral received many famous visitors at the Castle, including the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VIII), Neville Chamberlain, Stanley Baldwin and Adelina Patti.

The oak woodland is a remnant of Clyne Forest, an important 11th Century Norman landmark.

The tallest recorded Magnolia in Britain 'Magnolia campbellii var. alba' can be found here.

Many of the Admiral's hybrids can be seen growing in the gardens. He named some of them after his family; Rh,Graham Vivian, Rh, Dulcie Vivian, Singleton Blue and Clyne Castle.

Facilities

  • Toilet facilities including disabled facilities can be found in a block near the main entrance; just follow the main path up the hill and the block is on your right.

Access information

The gates to Clyne Gardens are never locked so you can access the gardens at any time.

By foot

Clyne has some steep paths which can be difficult for non-motorised wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. There are some stepped areas, though none on the tarmaced main path that winds up through the park.

Car

From the city centre head west along Oystermouth Road (A4067), turn right at the Woodman pub and right into the car park. There is limited parking and disabled parking at the main entrance by the Woodman pub on the Mumbles Road. More on-road parking can be found at the top of the park at Westport Avenue, off Mayals Road. 

Bus

There is a bus stop opposite the woodman public house. From Swansea Quadrant bus station take service 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 14, 14A, 37. Coaches and group visits are welcome by prior arrangement.

Postcode - SA3 5BA

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