Apples and Aqueducts in North Wales

In Brief.

The trees in the gardens at Erddig Hall and Gardens, which is run by the National Trust, are claimed to have given rise to 136 varieties of apple this year.  Erddig doesn't seem to be associated with much of historical significance, having largely been a family home, but has a large hall, an extensive area of parkland, and grand formal gardens with an emphasis on trees and topiary. The nearby Aqueduct at Pontcysyllte takes a canal over the River Dee, with a narrow footpath and good views for pedestrians.

Cider apples from the harvest.

What's Here? 

Though it has been extended over time, the original Erddig Hall was built in the late 17th Century, and was in the same family for 250 years until it was given to the National Trust in the 1970s, through seven generations of the Yorke family (all named Simon or Philip).  On my visit, only the below stairs areas were open, and these tend to seem pretty similar from stately home to stately home, though in this case there were portraits, photos and poems about the people who were in service.  

The Hall from the formal gardens.

There are, however, various tours on offer, and I took the informative garden tour, which among other things, described the changing garden design fashions and various features of the garden that were designed for entertaining. The tour certainly helped to bring the garden to life.  There is also extensive parkland, and even the shortest walk takes in the earthworks of a Norman Castle and a Cup and Saucer water feature that seemingly both moderates the river level and drives a pump to deliver water to the gardens.

The Cup & Saucer,

Nearby is the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct & Canal World Heritage Site.  It is not necessary to be able to pronounce it to visit it, so I went to the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. This was completed in 1805, and it is possible to walk or join a cruise across.  I just walked, which was fine, with pleasant views of the River Dee 38m below, though having walked over the only obvious thing to do is come back. Perhaps a day visiting several different parts of the World Heritage Site is more engaging than a single short visit.

It's a long way down, but falling in the water seems like the greater risk!

Practicalities.

Distance from Manchester Town Hall: 60 miles

Drive Time: 1 hour 20 mins

Price: $$ Erddig Hall and Gardens, Aqueduct Free

Parking: Included parking at Erddig; inexpensive but paid parking at Aqueduct.

Food and Drink: There is a coffee shop and a restaurant at Erddig. The restaurant was mobbed at lunchtime, and the worst National trust scone for some time was provided at the cafe. I had a better cake experience near the Aqueduct at Pontcysyllte Chapel Tearoom in the form of a Bara Brith.

Retail Therapy: There is a standard National Trust gift shop at Erddig, and a small visitor centre at the Aqueduct (with a nice video on how the Aqueduct was built), though I think the latter is mostly selling snacks. 

Child Friendly: There is a play area at Erddig.

Toilets: Yes.

Do it justice in: 3 hours for house / grounds at Erddig, 30 minutes across and back at the Aqueduct.

Inside-Outside: 20:80.

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