Family days out at Chirk Castle

Planning your family visit

Here is the information you need at a glance to make the most of your next family day out to Chirk Castle:

• Children under 5 visit for free
• Baby changing facilities are located in the toilets at Home Farm and the castle's courtyard
• Our tea room serves children's lunch boxes and a range of hot meals, sandwiches, ice cream and cakes
• Picnics welcome
• There is no access for prams into the castle's rooms. A parking area is available
• Our shuttlebus takes visitors up and down the hill to the castle and runs throughout the day

Spring at Chirk Castle

Spring at Chirk Castle and Garden is a magical season for a family adventure, as the grounds come alive with blooming daffodils and vibrant blossoms. 

With 1,200 acres of estate to roam, families can tick off exciting challenges from the ‘50 Things to Do Before You’re 11¾’ list’. Children can get to know a tree, enjoy a picnic in nature and spot wildlife as they wander through parkland. 

For those eager to step back in time, Chirk Castle’s magnificent 13th-century fortress is waiting to be explored. Journey through the Adam Tower, Servants Hall and richly decorated state rooms to uncover centuries of history. 

May half term

This May half-term from 26 May to 1 June, join us at Chirk Castle as we shine a spotlight on one of the countryside’s most iconic and much-loved birds - the curlew. 

Following the recent community curlew parade, we’re continuing the celebration with a week of family-friendly activities that honour our feathered friends. 

At Home Farm, discover a vibrant display of children’s artwork from the parade. Families can also enjoy an interactive installation that brings the curlew’s story to life and listen out for the curlew’s distinctive call. 

On Monday 26 and Tuesday 27 May, don’t miss storytelling sessions with Jake the Storyteller. Gather the family for magical tales of birds great and small, from soaring eagles to playful robins – perfect for sparking imaginations. 

On Wednesday, 28 May, design and make your own bird mask under the marquee in the garden using card and tissue paper. Drop in anytime between 11am and 3.30pm.  

And there’s even more to enjoy in the gardens, with fun outdoor games and activities to keep young explorers busy throughout the holiday. 

Visit our events page to find full details on times, meeting points and how to join in on all the fun. 

Things to see and do at Chirk Castle

Adam Tower

We recommend your visit starts at the medieval Adam Tower, where signs of the castle's medieval past can be seen. Have fun dressing up in armour, go on the hunt for the medieval garderobes (toilets to you and me) and murderholes, and venture down into the two-level dungeons... if you're brave enough!

 

Wild play area

Our outdoor play area at Home Farm is great to keep little ones entertained. It is conveniently located next to the Kiosk which serves hot and cold drinks and snacks, with ample outdoor seating. So, it's a great place to stop to run off some energy, or for a rest before tackling the hill up to the castle.

Children must be supervised at all times. Kiosk opening times vary.

 

50 things to do before you’re 11¾

Bring your family closer to nature with 50 ideas designed to help us play and explore. There’s plenty of outdoor activities to do all year round, here's some that you can do at Chirk Castle:

No. 1 Get to know a tree

Every tree has something special about it. Search for clues in its roots, bark and branches to uncover its story. Measure how wide its trunk is with your arms and use your hands to feel the texture of its bark – is it bumpy, rough or smooth? Are there any flowers or seeds growing there? You could make a rubbing with paper and a crayon to reveal the lines and patterns. 

No. 9 Eat a picnic in the wild

You're welcome to picnic in our gardens and on the estate. There are some picnic tables located in front of the castle, benches dotted around the garden and shadey spot next to hedges and under trees. Before you set off, it’s time to raid the fridge but if you fancy an extrra treat or two, our courtyard tearoom has takeaway hot and cold food, snacks and cakes.

No. 33 Go cloud watching

Pick your spot in the garden on a dry day, lie back on the grass and look up. What can you see? Use your imagination to pick out shapes and pictures in the clouds as they drift by. Do they resemble anything, like animals, trees or cartoon characters?

If the sky is bright, make sure to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes and remember, don't look directly at the sun.