Being the fragrance enthusiast that I am, I’m always on the lookout for travel destinations that tie in with the world of scent. You could say I’m the original fragrance wanderluster. One such place I recently discovered is the enchanting Secret Walled Garden, nestled in the picturesque Wye Valley in the south of Wales. It also happens to be home to Wales Perfumery, founded by the wonderfully talented perfumer Louise Smith.
After first discovering the brand at Barnes Fragrance Fair, I knew I had to make the trip to explore more. From the moment you step onto the grounds of this 500-year-old walled garden, fragrance greets you with the scent of fallen apples from the trees — pops of red, sweet and vibrant, scattered across the grass. Small signs displaying perfume notes guide you gently along a scented path through a canopy of trees, leading down to the cabins.
There are three bespoke cabins on-site, each with their own charm. We stayed in Wild Heart Cabin, and from the moment I stepped inside, I felt completely at home. Warm, rustic, and undeniably quaint, the space features a cosy double bed backed by stacked wooden log slices, a charming seating area, and a wood-burning stove. We didn’t need it though, thanks to the glorious Welsh sunshine that weekend.
One of my highlights? The stunning copper roll-top bath, perfect for a long evening soak using Wales Perfumery products thoughtfully dotted around the cabin. There’s also an outdoor shower — an invigorating way to wash under the open Welsh skies.
The adjacent kitchen is well-equipped with a hob, fridge, cutlery, and everything you might need. I especially loved opening the wooden hatches to take in the view of flowers and trees, with swings hanging just to the side. It’s a peaceful spot to relax and enjoy the calm (and perhaps a treat of Welsh cakes). There’s a covered outdoor space for when the Welsh weather turns (as it sometimes does), but we spent our evenings by the rose garden’s fire pit, roasting marshmallows as the sun dipped below the horizon.
With Monmouth just a 10-minute walk away, you’ve got the choice of dining in with local goodies or exploring the lovely restaurants nearby.
Now, let’s talk about the scent-filled centrepiece of the trip: the Wales Perfumery workshop. Louise, founder of Wales’ first perfumery, is a wealth of knowledge. Trained in France, she created her brand to celebrate the beauty and heritage of the Welsh landscape, and you can feel that in every blend.
The on-site lab overlooks the garden and welcomes visitors daily, all eager to create a bespoke fragrance under Louise’s expert guidance. Walking into the space felt like stepping into a fragrant apothecary dream — bottles gleaming in the sunlight, raw materials lining the walls, and antique perfume diagrams lending a vintage charm.
We took part in the two-hour masterclass, where we learned the basics of perfumery before diving into a selection of thirty-five raw materials. My nose was in heaven. I drew inspiration from a night in Sorrento — my partner and I walking through a garden filled with jasmine and rose as the sun set. Louise helped refine the blend, guiding me on balance and structure. I measured, bottled, and labelled my very own 50ml creation. Although it’s still macerating, I can already tell it’s exactly how I wanted it to smell.
The experience was nothing short of magical. Honestly, if Louise would let me, I could spend days in that lab, getting lost in each ingredient. You can absolutely enjoy a stay at the Secret Walled Garden on its own, but I highly recommend pairing it with the fragrance workshop. Even if you’re not as fragrance-obsessed as I am, it’s a brilliant way to create a scent that captures the memory of your visit.
Before you leave, don’t miss the Wales Perfumery shop, where you’ll find not just fragrances, but also candles, oils, and home products infused with the heart and soul of Wales.
Louise, along with her husband Kenton and son Henry, have created something truly special with both the perfumery and the cabins — a place that will tug at your heartstrings long after you leave. This was my first trip to Wales, and I couldn’t have picked a more magical place to experience the joy of nature and fragrance in harmony.
Visit The Secret Walled Garden for a cabin stay or Wales Perfumery to book your fragrance workshop.
PR Stay – All views are my own
BLU BLAZER GUY 