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Penllergare Promises

Unattended and unloved for more than sixty years, the Penllergare Trust set about restoring Penllergare Valley Woods for the people of, and visitors to, Swansea. Their years of hard work and dedication paid off, as we now welcome more than 150,000 visitors a year. Penllergare Valley Woods offers an utterly unique experience all year-round, there truly is no place like it in Swansea.

From a warm welcome at our Coffee Shop, to spectacular scenery across the valley, Penllergare has something for everyone. Read below for a taste of what to expect on your visit, and to discover the best time of the year to see our rhododendrons, azaleas, daffodils, and bluebells.

The work at Penllergare is always ongoing, and the Trust continually focuses on new projects that promotes history and conservation, and that gives back to the community. Check out our News & Events page to keep up with everything that is happening here at Penllergare.

Waterfall

Penllergare’s iconic waterfall is perhaps the most frequently visited area of the woods. This man-made construction was built on the River Llan by John Dillwyn Llewelyn to provide an ornamental lake in line with his development of a picturesque landscape, which was popular at the time.

(Penllergare Waterfall by Ian Michael)
Lakes

The valley has two magnificent lakes. The Upper Lake, as the name implies, is situated at the northern end of the valley above the Waterfall. Whilst the Lower Lake can be found towards the middle of the Valley and a pleasant 20 minute stroll from the main car park. Both lakes are havens for wildlife including Kingfishers, Herons and waterfowl as well as visiting migrants such as Little Egret. Otters and Water Vole have also been recorded.

(Autumn Upper Lake by Ian Michael)
Gardens & Plants

The rhododendron and azalea collection at Penllergare was once regarded as one of the foremost collections in the country and many of these can still be found around the Valley, more than 150 years after they were first introduced.

Most recently, new plants have been added to the Woodland Garden area adjacent to the Coffee Shop.

The rhododendrons can be seen at their best in late May and early June.

Bluebells can be found throughout the woods in April, however, it’s at the aptly named Bluebell Wood on the east side of the Valley where they are at the most abundant.
Woodland Walks & Parkland

With over 250 acres of woods and parkland, and more than 7 miles of pathways, Penllergare provides visitors with many different Walks & Trails to enjoy; from a pleasant and peaceful stroll to an energetic hike. Younger visitors can join Henry Hawk and his woodland friends on a magical adventure by following Henry Hawk’s Woodland Concert Trail
Future Promises

Work is underway on an ambitious new Visitor Centre, new Woodland (Education & Wellbeing) Centre and project to restore the Victorian Walled Garden and surrounding Woodland Garden. Alongside the restored Walled Garden a new Heritage Orchard and Bee Experience is also being developed.

To find out more about the exciting future plans that are Coming Soon.

Penllergare Promises

Waterfall

Lakes

Gardens & Plants

Woodland Walks & Parkland

Future Promises