A beautiful necklace of garden lakes creates a gentle transition from the formal to the informal parts of the Garden
They also provide an important habitat for aquatic flora and fauna.
The Garden lakes were created around 200 years ago by engineer James Grier who was hired by landowner Sir William Paxton. His ingenious system of lakes, streams, ponds and cascades were formed using dams, bridges and sluices.
Over time the lakes gradually turned into muddy thickets, so dense with trees that it was hard to believe they had once held clear water.
Now, one by one, the five lakes have been restored – first Pwll yr Ardd (Garden Pool), then the bridge and weir that retain Llyn Uchaf (Upper Lake), and Llyn Canol (Middle Lake). With the help of grant and private funding, Llyn Mawr (big lake) and Llyn Felin Gat were restored around 2020.
A lovely network of wheelchair accessible paths lead you along the necklace of lakes. Keep your eyes and ears alert for the rich tapestry of wildlife and plants that thrive on the open water and edges – lucky visitors may come across otters and kingfishers.