The National Botanic Garden of Wales has been described as ‘hands down one of Britain’s most phenomenal gardens… wholly deserving of a full day’s exploration’ by iconic travel guide publisher, Lonely Planet.

National Botanic Garden of Wales © Crown copyright (2011) Visit Wales, all rights reserved

Included in the Ultimate United Kingdom Travelist, a new book from Lonely Planet which lists Britain’s top 500 unmissable destinations, the National Botanic Garden is described as 'a thrilling floral romp' which 'commands sensational views' and features the biggest single-span glasshouse in the world.

The Garden’s Head of Marketing David Hardy said: “We are very honoured to be featured in the ultimate UK travel hit-list. Lonely Planet is the world’s No 1 travel guidebook brand and sells guides and travel apps by the hundreds of millions, so this is a fantastic accolade for our attraction and for everyone who has helped make it such an unmissable experience.”

The new guide ranks 'in order of their brilliance' tiny pubs, giant cathedrals, inky lochs, world-class museums, gardens and all things great about Britain.

National Botanic Garden of Wales © Crown copyright (2011) Visit Wales, all rights reserved

Set in the beautiful Carmarthenshire countryside of South Wales, the National Botanic Garden is a fascinating blend of the modern and historic. Alongside the Norman Foster designed Great Glasshouse, there is an inspiring range of themed gardens, the British Bird of Prey Centre, a tropical Butterfly House and a national nature reserve, all set in a magnificent 560-acre Regency park developed by Sir William Paxton.

Carmarthenshire County Council Leader Emlyn Dole said: “This recognition is fantastic. The Garden is a great day out for all ages, and there is always lots to see and do whatever time of the year you visit. Hopefully, this will encourage even more people to visit, which is not only great news for the Garden but for Carmarthenshire itself and for our growing tourist industry.”

Other sensational destinations in Wales included in the book are: Mount Snowdon, Llyn-y-Fan Fach Lake, Skomer Island, Portmeirion Italian-style village, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, St David’s Cathedral, Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, Caernarfon Castle, Barafundle Bay, St Fagan’s National Museum of History and the Royal Welsh Show.

National Botanic Garden of Wales © Crown copyright (2011) Visit Wales, all rights reserved

Janet Redler, Chief Executive of Janet Redler Travel & Tourism, added: “It is great news that the National Botanic Garden of Wales is included in the Lonely Planet list of ultimate UK destinations, alongside some of the many other sensational attractions of Wales. As a leading inbound tour operator to Wales, we are ideally placed to create the perfect Welsh tour taking in the history, culture and top attractions of this wonderful country.”

If you or your group would like to enjoy a tailor-made garden tour of Wales, or indeed the rest of the UK, please do contact our friendly team today.