Chirk Castle

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Magnificent medieval fortress of the Welsh Marches

More about this place

Chirk Castle portcullis looking from the north

Chirk Castle blog 

Welcome to the Chirk Castle blog. Visit each month for updates from Visitor Services Assistant Huw Sayer, who will be delving into some of the castle's lesser known history and personalities, as well as reporting on the latest events, conservation work, and stories from the team....

The imposing north face of Chirk Castle

Mortimer's Fortress, a medieval castle 

Chirk Castle was constructed by Roger Mortimer de Chirk, between 1295 and 1310, under instruction from Edward I as part of the King’s chain of fortresses surrounding North Wales.

A view of the 17th century saloon at Chirk Castle

The Myddelton family home 

Discover how from 1595 the fortress was turned into the Myddelton's elegant family home - with lavishly furnished rooms which reflect 400 years of changing taste.

The opulent Bow Room at Chirk Castle

Twentieth-century indulgence 

In 1910 Thomas Scott-Ellis, 8th Lord Howard de Walden, fell in love with Chirk Castle, and negotiated a lease with the Myddelton Family, which continued until 1946.

The Chirk Castle gardens in autumn looking towards the Hawk House

Relax in our glorious gardens 

Indulge your senses and refresh your spirit with a gentle wander amongst the scents and Autumn colours of the rare shrubs and flowers in this lovely 5.5 acre garden.

Chirk Castle estate and castle as seen from Tyn y Groes

Find space to explore on the Chirk estate 

Take a walk on one of our trails around the fascinating 480 acre parkland, and discover a working landscape full of ancient trees, wildflowers, birds and bugs.

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Chirk Castle

What's on

Upcoming events

See all events

Nordic Walking 2017

Tue 26 Sep 2017
10:00-12:00
Get fit and have fun with weekly volunteer guided Nordic Walking sessions at Chirk Castle.

Conservation Exhibition

Tue 26 Sep 2017
12:00-16:00
Keeping Chirk Castle looking great is a year round challenge. This exhibition focuses on the work our Conservation team do through the year, and the challenges they face looking after a 700 year old building.

Running for beginners 2017

Sat 30 Sep 2017
09:00-11:00
Give your fitness a boost in the beautiful surroundings of the Chirk Castle estate. A great opportunity to get started with running and meet other people, and who knows? You might be taking part in one of our 10km runs before you know it!

Pretty Muddy Chirk 5K

Sat 07 Oct 2017
10:00-13:00
Race for Life Pretty Muddy is a brilliant 5k muddy obstacle course. Scramble over the A-frame. Crawl through the mud pit. Have fun with your friends. And raise valuable funds for beating cancer.

Guided estate walks

Sun 08 Oct 2017
11:00-13:00
Fancy seeing more of what Chirk Castle estate has to offer? Join a guided walk and enjoy the freedom to explore.

Trust10 trail run at Chirk Castle 2017

Sun 22 Oct 2017
08:00-11:00
The Trust10 is a monthly 10k trail run that gives you the opportunity to explore Chirk Castle's estate for free.
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Chirk Castle

History

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  • Chirk Castle portcullis looking from the north

    Chirk Castle, built to defend 

    Started in 1295, Chirk Castle was one of several medieval marcher fortresses sited on the Welsh-English border to keep the Welsh under English rule.

  • The Cromwell Hall at Chirk Castle

    Changing fashions in the Myddelton family home 

    All is not as it seems at Chirk Castle. Many of the impressive interiors are recreations of previous schemes, a nostalgic tribute to days gone by and a nod to previous incumbents.

  • Three photographs of Thomas Scott-Ellis, 8th Lord Howard de Walden, in the Bow Room at Chirk Castle

    Lord Howard de Walden, patron of Wales 

    In 1910 the castle was leased to Thomas, 8th Lord Howard de Walden. He has been described as a shy man, a polymath (a man of many interests) and an eccentric millionaire.

  • The front of the Kings Cabinet at Chirk Castle

    Treasures of our collection 

    When a family lives in the same place for 400 years they gather a diverse collection of art, furniture and curiosities.

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Chirk Castle

Eating and shopping

Delicious scones in the Chirk Castle tea room

Castle catering at its best 

We celebrate the best in Welsh and British produce with a passion for quality cooked food and homemade cakes. Our delicious food is prepared daily using the freshest ingredients to ensure we provide you with the tastiest food available.

The Chirk Castle gift shop through seasonal flowers

Shop 'til you drop! 

Looking for a present for that special someone, or a souvenir for yourself? Our gift shop is packed with goodies for your home and garden, with a wide selection of books for extra inspiration.

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Chirk Castle

Get involved

A picture of Toby, one of our volunteer minibus drivers at Chirk Castle

Volunteer with us 

Looking for a great way to spend your spare time, meet new people, and make a difference?

Four members of the Chirk Castle garrison in medieval costume

Ways to get involved 

Each year over 150 volunteer donate their time, energy and skills to help us at Chirk Castle, from driving the minibus to keeping our gardens immaculate. Here are some of the ways volunteers help us make Chirk castle special.

A view across the Chirk Castle gardens from the roof

Chirklands Association 

The Chirklands Association supports the work of the National Trust in Wales.

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Chirk Castle

Groups

A coach group on their way to Chirk Castle

Visit Chirk Castle with a group 

Chirk Castle welcomes group bookings. We can accommodate small and large groups for full-day or half-day general visits, or ‘specialist interest’ groups. We have ample parking and excellent catering facilities to cover most needs.

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Chirk Castle

Learning

School children try on medieval armour at Chirk Castle

Guided school visits 

With over 700 years of history, Chirk Castle is a fantastic location for your school visit. From the medieval Adam tower and the magnificent State Rooms in the castle, to the beautiful gardens and surrounding estate there’s plenty to see and lots to explore.

A Father and daughter using the self-guided education equipment at Chirk Castle

Self-guided visits 

From school parties to holiday clubs, scouts, guides, pre-school groups and youth clubs Chirk Castle is a fantastic day out for any self-guided group.

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Chirk Castle

Places to stay

Exterior of the House by the Dyke holiday cottage

Great views, from the House by the Dyke 

The House by the Dyke is a 1930s villa located near the Kitchen Garden and with spectacular views along Offa’s Dyke and down into the Ceiriog Valley.

Exterior of Home Farm Cottage on the Chirk Castle estate

Explore the estate, from Home Farm Cottage 

Set within the Castle grounds, this traditional stone cottage is one of a semi-detached pair standing close to the old farm buildings, a few hundred metres from the Castle.

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Chirk Castle

Art and collections

Our collections

Explore the objects and works of art we care for at Chirk Castle on the National Trust Collections website

Search the collections
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