Abercamlais House

Abercamlais house and gardens are open to the public for walks and tours each summer, from May to September. Please see our website for a full list of open days.  Hear the fascinating history of the people who have lived and worked at Abercamlais through the ages and find out about the current restoration of the gardens, started in 2016.

The Grade 1 listed house dates from the 16^th Century but was altered extensively in the early 18th Century. Abercamlais was described by Richard Haslam of Country Life as ‘…a comparative rarity amongst Welsh mansions.’  The architect Gilbert Scott contributed alterations in the 19^th Century. The buildings and structures around the main house are also of particular historic and architectural merit.

An elaborate, listed Dovecote serves as a bridge over the Camlais stream.

Several bridges afford wonderful views onto the Usk, including the 16^th Century stone bridge and the wrought iron suspension bridge built by Crawshay Bailey in 1840’s.

The gardens of Abercamlais span several hectares on both sides of the river. The 18^th Century walled kitchen garden once supplied household, guests and staff in everything but salt.  The old dipping well has been unearthed along with the brickwork and drainage system. There is a vinery and frameyard, which enabled the growth of tender plants and vegetables. The garden is currently being replanted with a variety of fruit and vegetables and is also home to part of the Bryan Dodsworth Bearded Iris Collection.

There are several notable tree specimens in the main gardens including two redwood species: a Wellingtonia native to the US and a Dawn Redwood native to China. There is also a wildflower meadow walk.