Group and school visits to Chirk Castle

A group of elderly visitors smiling at Hidcote in Gloucestershire — Enjoy Chirk Castle with a group of like-minded people | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

Begun around 1295, Chirk Castle is the only one of Edward I’s border castles to have been continuously inhabited since its completion in 1310. This means that Chirk Castle has a uniquely long, colourful history, giving your visit the potential to complement a whole range of subjects and group visits.

Self-guided visits

At Chirk Castle we offer self-guided group visits so you’re in control of your own itinerary. Our website contains lots of information to help you plan your day and there are plenty of National Trust staff and volunteers available throughout your trip to answer any budding questions.

Educational group bookings

Whether you’d like to visit the castle, or to explore the surrounding estate this is the perfect place to learn about history, from medieval times to the twentieth century.

To book your visit:

Firstly, please read our FAQs on this page and then download our group information pack to learn more about group bookings.
Next, complete a booking form and return it to chirkcastle@nationaltrust.org.uk. All group visits must be booked in advance. Chirk Castle is very popular so we recommend booking early to avoid disappointment.
Once your booking is confirmed it’s time to plan your visit. We’ve put together this useful downloadable Resource Pack which contains background information and activities for the castle, the garden and parkland.

Group bookings

Groups and coach parties will love discovering the castle’s medieval past, state rooms and award-winning gardens. Plus, because your visit is self-led, individuals can spend time in whatever area interests them most.

To book your visit:

Scroll down and read our frequently asked questions and then download our group information pack to learn more about group bookings at Chirk Castle.
Next, download a booking form and return it to chirkcastle@nationaltrust.org.uk. All group visits must be booked in advance. Chirk Castle is very popular so we recommend booking early to avoid disappointment.
Once your booking is confirmed you may want to plan your itinerary. Below we've put together the top things to see during your visit for you to find out what piques your interest, or simply show up and see what captivates the group. You’re in control of your self-guided visit.

A man places a helmet on the head of a child, who holds a shield, during a session of trying on medieval costumes at Chirk Castle, Wrexham, Wales. — Trying on medieval costumes at Chirk Castle, Wrexham, Wales. | © National Trust Images/Trevor Ray Hart

FAQs

Opening times

Our castle, garden, shop and tea room open at varying times throughout the year. Please visit our homepage to view all opening times.

Pricing and payment

Group must be a minimum of 15 people (including teachers or accompanying adults) to qualify for group rate entry prices. Normal admission rates apply for groups fewer than 15 people and prices can be found on our homepage.

Groups with Education Group Membership receive free entry to Chirk Castle.

Coach drivers receive free entry plus a voucher for 1 x free tea or coffee (this offer does not apply to educational group bookings).

Members of the National Trust and National Trust for Scotland enjoy free entry.

Group members will receive a 10% Off voucher redeemable in the shop only with a minimum spend of £10 (excludes educational groups. Not applicable for National Trust staff and volunteers).

Please be ready to pay for your group in one transaction at the Ticket Office when you arrive using credit or debit card, or cash. We no longer accept cheques. Payment can also be made by voucher but only if your company has a Credit Agreement with National Trust. In this instance we will send you an invoice. Any Credit Agreement must be approved and be in place prior to your visit.

Coach parking

At Chirk Castle, we have free coach parking on site which is located near to the Ticket Office.

On arrival, we recommend that the group leader first visit the Ticket Office to check in, make payment and collect tickets, maps and vouchers. Coach parties are welcome to drop visitors off at the Castle entrance, therefore avoiding walking up the steep hill. Coaches must then return to park in the coach park.

Accessibility

Chirk Castle is a historic building and is therefore not fully wheelchair accessible. Please click here to read our full access statement.

We have one Tramper electric powered mobility vehicle which is capable of exploring the gardens and estate. To reserve this please contact us.

Much of the garden has accessible pathways and wheelchair access is possible into the Ground Floor of the Adam Tower, Servant’s Hall and tearoom– though there are small steps in each case.

Unfortunately, there is no wheelchair or step free access to the castle interior, however our virtual tour enables visitors to view the State Rooms, and the rooms both up and down stairs in the Adam Tower.

Eating and shopping

Your group are welcome to visit our courtyard tearoom. Each group member will receive a 10% Off voucher redeemable in the shop only with a minimum spend of £10 (excludes educational groups. Not applicable for National Trust staff and volunteers).

Planning your visit

We encourage you to make a pre-visit to Chirk Castle to undertake your own risk assessment. Please let us know when returning your booking form so we can arrange for free admission to the property on your chosen day.

In severe weather conditions we may close the property for safety reasons and your group will be contacted as soon as possible if this will affect your visit.

Please note, we do not have any indoor spaces available at Chirk Castle in which to store bags or have lunch.

A group of children, looking at a printed guide, learn how to identify trees in winter at Chirk Castle, Wrexham, Wales — Learning how to identify trees in winter at Chirk Castle, Wrexham, Wales | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

Things to see and do

Adam Tower

We recommend your visit starts at the medieval Adam Tower, the area of the castle with the most visually original features, complete with its two-level dungeons, medieval garderobes (toilets) and murder holes.

State rooms

The State Rooms tell the story of the castle from 1595 onwards, when the Chirk Castle became the Myddelton family home. Discover grand interiors with paintings, furniture, and symbols of great wealth. Our team of room guides are on hand to answer your questions and tell you tales of English Civil War heroes, Pugin's Gothic Revival and Lord Howard de Walden’s patronage of Welsh Art.

Tranquil gardens

The award-winning gardens at Chirk Castle are wonderful to visit in their own right: with rare shrubs and trees, herbaceous borders, a rose garden, scenic views, and meandering pathways. The gardens are full of life and colour all year round, with beautiful carpets of snowdrops in the early spring through to the enchanting autumn colour at the end of the year.