Chirk Castle




Magnificent medieval fortress of the Welsh Marches
Magnificent medieval fortress of the Welsh Marches
A stark symbol of power, the construction of Chirk Castle began around 1295 during the reign of the conquering Edward I in order to subdue the last princes of Wales. Built on an outcrop above the meeting point of the Rivers Dee and Ceiriog, the castle, with its imposing silhouette, was a brooding statement of English intent in these disputed lands.
Chirk Castle was purchased by grocer, sugar trader and privateer Sir Thomas Myddelton in 1595, and was inherited through the Myddelton family line. With over 700 years of history, and as the last castle from this period still lived in today, Chirk Castle has lavish interiors and a beautiful and eclectic collection. The interior includes a 17th-century Long Gallery, grand parade of three 18th-century State Rooms with rich furniture, paintings and tapestries, the unique servants' hall, and the Chapel Music room furnished to display Chirk Castle’s connections to high society in the 1920s and 1930s.
The award-winning gardens cover 5.5 acres of manicured lawns, clipped yews, herbaceous borders, beautiful rose, shrub and rock gardens, and the wooded pleasure ground – perfect for a stroll. Don't miss the terrace overlooking the 18th-century ha-ha at the bottom of the garden, with stunning views over the Cheshire and Salop plains.
Chirk Castle has over 480 acres of estate parkland for you to explore, with sheep, cattle, veteran trees, wildflower meadows and a beautifully preserved section of Offa’s Dyke. The estate is located within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and has also been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest as an important habitat for rare invertebrates, bats, fungi, and wild flowers.
Gift Aid | Standard | |
---|---|---|
Adult | £15.40 | £14.00 |
Child | £7.70 | £7.00 |
Family | £38.50 | £35.00 |
Group Adult
Minimum group size 15
|
N/A | £13.30 |
Group Child
Minimum group size 15
|
N/A | £6.65 |
Most of our places run the Gift Aid on Entry scheme at their admission points.
Under this scheme, if you're not a member you have the choice of two entry tickets:
If the place runs Gift Aid on Entry, we'll offer you a clear choice between the Gift Aid Admission prices and the Standard Admission prices at the admission point. It's entirely up to you which ticket you choose.
Gift Aid Admission includes a 10 per cent or more voluntary donation. Gift Aid Admissions let us reclaim tax on the whole amount paid - an extra 25 per cent - potentially a very significant boost to our places' funds.
An extra £1 paid under the scheme can be worth over £3 to the National Trust as shown below:
Gift Aid | Standard | |
---|---|---|
Amount paid by visitor | £11.00 | £10.00 |
Tax refund from Government* | £2.75 | £0.00 |
Total received by the National Trust | £13.75 | £10.00 |
*Gift Aid Admissions let us reclaim tax on the whole amount paid - an extra 25 per cent - potentially a very significant boost to our places' funds.
National Trust members have free admission. A child ticket is for ages 5 to 17. Under 5's are free. A family ticket is for two adults and up to three children. Access to the estate is free, but admission is required to access the castle or gardens. Group visits should be booked in advance. There is no charge for car parking.
The castle interior opens at 12noon daily. Last entry to the castle is 30mins before advertised closing. Home Farm Kiosk opening times may change on quiet days.