Hidden National Trust Woodland Garden

I can hardly call this a travel blog when I have barely traveled 3 miles from my home to the what is one of my favourite locations in South Pembrokeshire.
I want to tell you about a National Trust property - Colby Woodland Gardens, which is less than a mile inland from the coastal village of Amroth.
The gardens are an absolute gem. They are set in a valley which flanks a lovely meadow with a stream meandering through into ponds at the far end, with fallen trees as bridges. The woodland areas are carefully managed and have several layers of paths traversing the valley with several statues and sculptors to discover along the way The gardens are well known for the fantastic displays of Rhododendrons, Azaleas and Camelias  and a stunning display of Spring bulbs such as Bluebells.
For the young and young at heart it is such a natural playground with rope swings, pond dipping, pooh sticks as well as bug hunting.
Then there is the stunning walled garden, maintained by the incumbent of Colby Lodge, but fully open to the public. Within this peaceful oasis let your eyes follow the rill up to the hexagonal summer house, stroll around the heavily blossomed trees, touch the tactile sculptures and sit a while in the wild flower garden and listen to the peace and quiet.
Looking through the blossom with the dovecote in the background of the walled garden.
The steps lead you to this lovely peaceful seated entrance passing the well stocked National Trust shop, just visible on the left
Lovely white 'Bluebells'.
Ferns unwrapping themselves in Spring
'Come Sit A While' The walled garden really is a place of peace and tranquility,
The ornate summerhouse is the highlight of the beautiful walled garden

Once you've enjoyed the gardens you really must stop for a light lunch or afternoon tea at the Bothy Tea Rooms. Located within the former stables, complete with horse boxes and cobbled floors! There are several tables outside, sheltered by the garden walls, a lovely place to sit and recharge your batteries. The food is all homemade and the staff are always smiling and happy to greet you.
In all the estate extends to some 900 acres although the gardens are nearer 10 acres you can explore the remainder along the many pathways snaking through the estate.
If you have time, follow the main path along the valley and down to Amroth. It's just a 15 minute walk through the woods and you emerge at the seafront of the charming seaside village of Amroth.
HOW TO FIND.
Follow the Brown signs from the A477 Carmarthen to Tenby road after leaving the M4 travelling West
tel 01834 811885. email colby@nationaltrust.org.uk
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/colby-woodland-garden

PHOTOGRAPHY TIP
Every time I visit the gardens I find something new to photograph. A recent fallen tree, a new flower bed and the ever changing light can complete transform the vista across the meadow.
My tip is to look up! Look for the blossoms and fill your frame with interest. Get in close.When photographing a bloom, try and isolate it from the background by using a shallow depth of field of about f3.5/f4. This will give enough depth to keep most of the bloom in focus and blur the background.

HAPPY TO HELP.
If you want to know more about the gardens or have any questions about improving your photography skills, please do email me and I am more than happy to help
Location: Colby Woodland Gardens, Amroth SA67 8PP, UK

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