Dewstow Gardens & Caerwent

Of all the Yellow Book gardens Marilyn and I have visited over the years this is one of the quirkiest :) Dewstow, just south of Chepstow, is a 5-acre Grade 1 listed unique garden which was buried and forgotten after World War ll and rediscovered in 2000. Created around 1895 by James Pulham & Sons, the garden contains underground grottoes, tunnels and ferneries and above ground stunning water features, ponds, hidden pathways and views over the Severn Estuary.

Dewstow is in the village of Caerwent in Wales and is the site of a Roman 'city' listed as the smallest tribal centre of it's kind. It was founded by the Romans in AD 75 as Venta Silurum , a market town  for the defeated Silures tribe. The village of Caerwent is built around the Roman ruins, which are some of the best preserved in Europe.

Spring is sprung ...

Welcome to our new Des Res in a Pop Loc :)










At last the daffs, hellebore and assorted springlike flora are out. This called for a spring trip to Highnam Court, Gloucester- home of amazing hedges, wood carvings and victoria sponge cake :-P 

Easter in Wales - steam trains, waterfalls and daffodils

In spite of the cold, and recent inclement weather, the sun shone on us at the Heads of the Valleys.


Did a pit stop at Raglan on the way, with its impressive castle ruins. If your ever that way and feeling peckish try the little cafe up the track and round the back of the castle - recommended.





OK so the Travel Lodge at Merthyr might not be as impressive but its cheap, cheerful, surrounded by pubs n eateries and opposite a cinema n sports complex - what more do you need!

One of the focal points was the waterfall walks around Pontneddfechan. It is an ideal place to walk along one of the many paths to the waterfalls and to visit the mysterious remains of the gunpowder works and silica mines which hint at the history of activity and industry that once filled this enchanting place.

But these were just a prelude to the amazing frozen falls that littered the Beacons.

Whilst the valleys were relatively clear of snow there was plenty in the Brecon Beacons which made for some spectacular landscapes.

And, of course, the Brecon steam trains with their mountain runs and easter egg hunts :)