Gelli Aur/Golden Grove Country Park (photographs prior to 2017), Carmarthenshire, Wales.
Details
Accessibility:
Disability Parking in front of cafe with a firm sloping path to it and the toilet block which has a Disability Toilet, and Playground. The Arboretum has sloping paths with natural surfaces some of which have exposed tree roots. About 100 yards on a level path east from the car park is the entrance to the Arboretum, through an open gate immediately to the south of the mansion, which the Arboretum overlooks.
Brief Description:
Gelli Aur (Golden Grove) is a country park and wooded parkland surrounding a mansion. The park features nature trails, a deer park, a 19th century Arboretum, tearooms and the mansion itself. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gelli_Aur_country_park and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Grove,_Carmarthenshire
https://www.goldengrove.org.uk/ "Country Park Walks, Quarry Garden and West Wood: Take a stroll and take in the magnificent views of the Carmarthenshire countryside
Neglected for many years this managed semi wilderness abounds with rare flora and fauna.
After decades of underinvestment and neglect Golden Grove is undergoing a gradual transformation. The Golden Grove Trust has been successful in attracting funding from Visit Wales in order to restore and reopen its beloved deer park, arboretum and gardens to the public once again. An interactive education room is planned to tell the fascinating story of the estate. Visitors can enjoy the tea room after working up a healthy appetite exploring the many lovely walks in the grounds.
The Golden Grove Trust (charity number 1143416, https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1143416&subid=0 ) has developed ambitious plans to restore the house to its former glory and turn the service wing and stable-yard into an institute for international artists. The galleries will host their own major shows, and important travelling exhibitions of modern and contemporary art. Achieving these goals will put the Tywi Valley on the global map as a key location for the art world.
Dogs welcome: We love well-behaved dogs! They're welcome to run around freely in the park. They are also welcome in the arboretum and the cafe, but please keep them on their leads.
Some say that our Arboretum, which was planted in the 1860's, is the Jewel in the Crown of Golden Grove / Gelli Aur. .Explore this fascinating arboretum, with its many champion trees and secluded trails.
The arboretum is a constant work in progress, reflecting the seasons and the hard work that goes into maintaining (and restoring) the trees, shrubbery and underplanting. Tickets for the Arboretum can be bought at the Cafe."
Further Information:
Address:
Gelli Aur/Golden Grove Country Park, Gelli Aur, Carmarthenshire, SA32 8LR
Telephone:
01267 290188 (cafe) and 01558 668426 (for booking House Tours)
Email:
Website:
https://www.goldengrove.org.uk/
https://www.historichouses.org/house/golden-grove/visit/
Opening Hours:
2022: "Arboretum Opening Times: Every Day, 10am - 6pm (Tickets for the Arboretum can be bought at the Cafe), Adults £4, children 6 - 18 £2, family ticket £10, Group booking discount available, One of the finest and most interesting in the UK, many champion trees and magnificent shrubs
SPRING HOURS
EASTER: We will be open all Easter but on Friday to Monday (inclusive) we will close at 3pm.
After Easter Monday we will be open every day
Park and toilet block: 9am - 6pm
Arboretum: 10am - 5pm
Glasshouse Cafe: 10am - 5pm
Online booking is coming soon for House Tours with Lunch or Afternoon Tea, £25 pp with lunch"
Directions:
From the A40 take the turnoff marked for Aberglasney Gardens. Continue past Aberglasney, over the bridge over the Towy and past the crossroads with the B4300. The turning for the park is the next left after the church. OS SN590195
"PARKING
Please note there is a charge for parking. This is an ANPR system (completely computerised and it is therefore absolute).
However, with your parking ticket you get a voucher towards a hot drink in the cafe. The park is very beautiful and the cafe welcoming, it is worthwhile bearing this in mind when you are choosing how many hours to pay for.
BY CAR
From the M4 junction 49 westbound, take the 2nd exit north onto the A48 towards Carmarthen. After 4 miles, at the Cross Hands roundabout, take the 4th exit onto Llandeilo Road (A476). Continue to follow A476 for 4 miles, then fork left at the brown signpost for "Parc Gwledig Gelli Aur Country Park". After 1 mile, the entrance to the Park is on the right - look out for the bright red gates. If you reach St. Michael's Church on the left, you've gone past the Park entrance.
BICYCLES WELCOME
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
There are buses to Golden Grove although they are infrequent.
Transport:
There are buses to Golden Grove although they are infrequent.
For further travel information in Wales please see: www.traveline.cymru/travel-info
Or call Traveline Cymru on 0800 464 0000
Amenities:
"Dogs welcome: We love well-behaved dogs! They're welcome to run around freely in the park. They are also welcome in the arboretum and the cafe, but please keep them on their leads"
Playground, Fully visible from the Café
Cafe on site "Glasshouse Café, Licensed, 01558 668426
Enjoy freshly made cakes and delicious light meals.
On a beautiful day there can be few places better to enjoy a coffee or a glass of wine looking out across the spectacular Tywi Valley.
Perfect for parties - please come and talk to us to book the Cafe for your Celebration"
And you can find plenty of places for food and drink in the nearby towns of Llandeilo, Cross Hands and Ammanford.
Travel Information
For further travel information in Wales please see: www.traveline.cymru/travel-info
Or call Traveline Cymru on 0800 464 0000
Location
Nearest Venues
Gelli Aur College. Open Daily. Free entry.
1,316 metres*
Bus shelter stop, Milo, Carmarthenshire
1.02 miles*
Old Chapel, Milo, Carmarthenshire
1.23 miles*
*Distances are calculated in a straight line from the current venue, please allow extra time/distance based on available paths or roads.