Dyffryn Gardens by Pam Lewis
28th November 2025
In: News, Members' Articles
About 5 miles West of Cardiff there is a property called Dyffryn House and Gardens.
Dyffryn House was built by John Cory who came to Wales from Devon in 1893.
John Cory bought the land and decided to build a house for himself and his family.
The house is set in some beautiful gardens which he and his son, Reginald, cultivated with the help of Thomas Mawson a well-known garden designer of the time. John Cory travelled frequently to South Africa to acquire some exotic plants for the gardens, some of which are still being cultivated in the greenhouses on site.
In 1913 the gardens were taken over by the Vale of Glamorgan Council who used the premises for educational purposes for many years. More recently it has been in the hands of the National Trust.
The gardens are always in pristine condition mainly kept that way by an army of volunteers. The gardens are beautiful in all seasons and it is difficult to decide the best time to visit.
Unfortunately, the house is currently closed for renovation but hopefully will re-open in the not too distant future.
Access is excellent with good paths suitable for wheelchairs. Buggies driven by volunteers will take you to all parts of the gardens if needed. There is a gorgeous cafe with beautiful cakes.
All in all it is a very pleasant place to visit and relax with a camera.
All photos were taken with the Panasonic G9 M2 and a 12-60 mm lens.
Pam Lewis.
Dyffryn House was built by John Cory who came to Wales from Devon in 1893.
John Cory bought the land and decided to build a house for himself and his family.
The house is set in some beautiful gardens which he and his son, Reginald, cultivated with the help of Thomas Mawson a well-known garden designer of the time. John Cory travelled frequently to South Africa to acquire some exotic plants for the gardens, some of which are still being cultivated in the greenhouses on site.
In 1913 the gardens were taken over by the Vale of Glamorgan Council who used the premises for educational purposes for many years. More recently it has been in the hands of the National Trust.
The gardens are always in pristine condition mainly kept that way by an army of volunteers. The gardens are beautiful in all seasons and it is difficult to decide the best time to visit.
Unfortunately, the house is currently closed for renovation but hopefully will re-open in the not too distant future.
Access is excellent with good paths suitable for wheelchairs. Buggies driven by volunteers will take you to all parts of the gardens if needed. There is a gorgeous cafe with beautiful cakes.
All in all it is a very pleasant place to visit and relax with a camera.
All photos were taken with the Panasonic G9 M2 and a 12-60 mm lens.
Pam Lewis.
Comments
By Keith Walker: A very good representation of the estate which it is good to know is safe in the hands of the NT.
The close ups of the flowers are superb. Thanks for sharing. By Alan Humphries: Thank you Pam, for introducing me to Dyffryn House and Gardens, hopefully a day out when we meet in Llanelli. Your images are give a real sdednse of the gardens and like Keith W i particularly like the closeups of the flowers.
Like you I have the Leica 12-60 lens, which think is superb, originally purchased with the G9 I now tend to us it on a GX7, which despite being slightly out of balance make a really good pairing.
If my memory serves me John Cory had big interests in coal when Cardiff was known as "King Coal" By Pam: Thank you both
Alan you are correct about John Cory was involved with coal and Cled said that the very first million pound cheque was signed in the Coal Exchange in Cardiff in 1901
As to the lens used it is my favourite lens and so versatile By David Askham: Pam,you have highlighted a place high on our wishlist. One day, maybe. I love the flower studies.
The name Cory reminds me of a boyhood memory. It was painted on many coal waggons passing beyond our kitchen garden during WW2 and slightly later. I gather the name had a global reach, according to Cled.