Treborth Botanic Garden

The walled gardens at Treborth sit on the Menai Strait side of Anglesey, just outside Pentraeth, and they're genuinely worth half a day if you're staying at one of the caravan parks dotted around the island. It's a proper working botanic garden - the kind where you can actually see people tending plants rather than just wandering manicured lawns.

You get greenhouses full of tender specimens that wouldn't survive outdoors here, herbaceous borders that are decent in summer, and woodland walks if the weather plays ball. The scale is modest - not Kew, not even close - but that's rather the point. You can potter through without feeling overwhelmed, and staff usually know their stuff if you ask questions about what grows where.

Historically it's tied to Bangor University, so there's a slight academic vibe, but nothing pretentious. Families with young kids might find an hour plenty; serious gardeners could spend twice that. Spring and early summer are obviously best, though the structure of the place means there's always something green to look at.

If you're based at Podiau Môn or Plas Coch - both within three kilometres - it makes a sensible half-morning trip before heading to the coast or tackling the Menai Bridge crossings. Free entry, as far as I can tell, though facilities are basic so don't expect a café. Check ahead for opening times as they vary by season.