Collections in Wales

A watercolour painting of Edward Herbert, 1st Lord Herbert of Cherbury (1581/3-1648), by Isaac Oliver, showing a man with a doublet and shield reclining by a stream in a wood surrounded by trees with his grooms and horse in background — A watercolour painting of Edward Herbert, 1st Lord Herbert of Cherbury, by Isaac Oliver | © National Trust Images/Todd-White Art Photography

From palatial buildings to industrial machinery and family heirlooms, there are rich and diverse collections throughout Wales. Visit some of the special places we care for and discover these hidden gems, family stories and secrets behind the scenes.

Collections in North Wales

A view of the Saloon at Chirk Castle, with a highly deocrated gold paneled ceiling, pale wood harpsichord, chimneypiece and serpentine settees with matching oval-backed chairs and tapestries hanging on the walls — The Saloon at Chirk Castle in Wales | © National Trust Images/Andreas von Einsiedel

Chirk Castle’s collection: When a family lives in the same place for 400 years they gather a diverse collection of art, furniture, and curiosities. The treasures housed at Chirk Castle include The King’s Cabinet, given to Sir Thomas Myddleton II by Charles II to thank him for his part in the restoration of the monarchy, and a Japanese Shagreen Chest from c.1600 with intricate panels showing scenes of animals, plants and houses.Visit Chirk Castle’s collection
The first Welsh Bible: The first Welsh bible is now also part of the fascinating collection at Chirk Castle. It is the most important book in the history of Wales and was crafted by Bishop William Morgan who was born at another house in our care, Tŷ Mawr Wybrnant, Snowdonia. Published in 1588 it set the standard for a language, that had no official status at the time, and it is credited with preventing the Welsh language from dying out.
Erddig's collection: Erddig has the second largest collection of items in the whole of the National Trust. With a total of 30,000 to care for, it's no mean feat for the house team of conservators and volunteers. The most fascinating part of the collection includes portraits, photographs and verse celebrating Erddig’s servants. Recorded over 200 years nothing of such breadth survives anywhere else in the world.Visit Erddig’s collection
The collection at Plas yn Rhiw: Originally from Nottingham, the three sisters Eileen, Lorna and Honora Keating bought Plas Yn Rhiw in 1938. Their love of their home and the Llŷn Peninsula is ever present, and the intimate collection enhances this atmosphere. Explore collections of furniture, fine clothing and china from the 1930s, as well as a delightful collection of artworks.Visit Plas yn Rhiw's collection

Collections in Mid Wales

The wood-panelled State Dining Room at Powis Castle, Powys, Wales, with a long dining table and chairs on a mainly red carpet. Portraits are hung on the walls, with a portrait of Violet Lane Fox, Countess of Powis, by Ellis Roberts to the left. — The State Dining Room at Powis Castle, Powys, Wales. Portrait of Violet Lane Fox, Countess of Powis by Ellis Roberts to the left. | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

The collection at Powis Castle and Garden: Once a stark medieval fortress, Powis Castle was transformed into a comfortable family home with a collection that reflects the changing needs and ambitions of the Herbert family. Discover exceptional works of art with paintings, sculpture, furniture and textiles from Europe, India, and East Asia. From a marble cat sculpture carved in ancient Rome, to Isaac Oliver’s intricate miniature portrait of Sir Edward Herbert decorated in precious metals, there’s a wealth of treasures to explore.Visit Powis Castle and Garden's collection
The Clive Museum at Powis Castle and Garden: The largest private collection of South and East Asian artefacts of its kind in the UK, the museum features more than 1,000 items, amassed in the early nineteenth century. Find out about Robert Clive’s role in the East India Company and how he influenced British interests in the Indian subcontinent, profiting financially and materially in the process.Visit the Clive Museum collection
Llanerchaeron’s collections: Explore the fascinating collections, given to the nation by two determined collectors, for everyone to enjoy. In the villa you’ll find over five thousand curious items from Pamela Ward’s antique shop. Meanwhile, in the grounds the history of Welsh farming is brought to life with Geler Jones’s once private collection of agricultural, industrial, and domestic treasures from times gone by.Visit Llanerchaeron’s collections

View of Powis Castle, perched above its terraced gardens, Powys, Wales, in autumn.

Discover more in Wales

A Celtic land with an industrial past steeped in myth, legend, poetry and song. Croeso i Gymru.

Explore Wales

A view of the front of the red mansion house

Houses and buildings in Wales

Explore magnificent Welsh mansions and their collections, from ancestral homes to buildings designed by renowned architects. Discover the history and tales from bygone days, in breath-taking settings across Wales.

Arial view of the spiral mini-meadows, Dyffryn Gardens, Vale of Glamorgan

Gardens and parks in Wales

Visit an amazing collection of gardens and parks in Wales. From walled gardens to arboretums and countryside estates, there’s plenty to explore.

View of Powis Castle, perched above its terraced gardens, Powys, Wales, in August.

Castles and forts in Wales

Step into a medieval fortress with dungeons at Chirk or visit the home of the Welsh princes at Powis Castle. Discover some of the finest and most famous castles in Wales.