A NORTH Wales National Trust site is to make its big screen debut in a forthcoming movie.

Bodnant Garden was a key filming location for The Secret Garden, a Sky Original released in cinemas and on Sky Cinema on October 23, starring Julie Walters and Colin Firth.

This October half-term, visitors to the National Trust garden near Conwy can explore the magical locations, which drew film-makers to North Wales and enjoy a host of wildlife-themed family activities which recreate the magic and capture the imaginations of children and adults alike.

Although local lockdown restrictions in Conwy mean that the garden is open for local residents only, families can still enjoy all things autumnal through the new Secret Garden Scavengers Hunt.

Children can explore the gardens by seeking out conkers, seeds and leaves to create wild art, and make friends with the birds by feeding them their breakfast.

Along the way, step into The Secret Garden story by looking for robins hidden up high and a magical tree laden with keys tucked away in the garden.

When visitors come face to face with the new giant ‘secret gardener’ crafted from willow, they'll know they've conquered the trail.

And there will be a few more surprises behind the garden gates; with a behind the scenes peek at how the movie was brought to life at Bodnant.

From storyboard to clapper board, displays throughout the garden tell the story of how Bodnant Garden captured the hearts of cast and crew, as well as a new The Secret Garden exhibition in the Old Mill and The Secret Garden themed Instagram filters.

There is also a competition to win a special Sky Package for a whole year so one lucky family can enjoy watching the film from the comfort of their own home and seeing if they can spot Bodnant Garden scenes in it.

Bodnant Garden’s general manager William Greenwood said: “Bodnant Garden is such a magical place and is the perfect setting for this magical children’s story.

"The film will bring this classic to life for a new generation and allow many more people to discover our very own, very real secret garden in Wales.”

Inspired by the book by Frances Hodgson-Burnett, The Secret Garden tells the story of Mary Lennox, an unloved orphan sent to live in her uncle’s lonely Yorkshire estate. There she discovers a secret walled garden and in tending it she finds friendship, family and healing.

Mr Greenwood added: “Bodnant is a gem of a garden here in the Conwy Valley - a film-makers’ dream. "With grand formal gardens, woods and dells, streams and waterfalls, amazing panoramic vistas and secluded nooks and crannies, it’s like many secret gardens rolled into one.

"It’s the first time Bodnant Garden has been featured in a major movie. We’re thrilled and can’t wait for people to discover the real magic right here at Bodnant Garden.”

Becky Hitchens, visitor experience manager at Bodnant Garden, said: “Children have an inbuilt instinctive need to play, to build shelters, to investigate wildlife and to follow paths and trails; with our ‘Secret Garden’ activities here at Bodnant this autumn half term, we’ll be providing opportunities for them to do all these things.

“We want every child to have the chance of direct contact with the natural environment, and one of the best ways of doing this is with fun activities which bring them, via muddy hands and grassy knees, in touch with the natural world.”

Bodnant Garden is currently under local lockdown restrictions and is open for pre-booked tickets only to visitors who live within the local authority area. The latest information on local restrictions will be updated on Bodnant’s website.