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Family days out at Penrhyn Castle

Children investigating one of the ponds in the Walled Garden during the summer at Penrhyn Castle
Lily ponds full of interest to discover at Penrhyn Castle | © National Trust/Paul Harris

A visit to Penrhyn Castle will keep the whole family entertained. Find out what delights to expect on your next visit.

Planning your family visit

Here’s the information you need at a glance to help plan your next day out at Penrhyn Castle: 

  • Baby-changing facilities are available by the Visitor Welcome Centre, in the kitchen courtyard and in the Barbican archway. 
  • Pushchairs are permitted on the castle's ground floor. At busy times you may be asked to leave these on entry.
Celebrate Calan Gaeaf with National Trust Cymru this October half term
Celebrate Calan Gaeaf with us this October half term | © National Trust/Frank Duffy

Calan Gaeaf

24 October – 1 November

Join us this October half term as we celebrate the end of the agricultural year and the arrival of autumn with a magical Calan Gaeaf adventure inspired by Welsh harvest traditions.

Follow an autumn trail through the gardens and Rook Woods, where giant harvest vegetables have sprung up along the way. Discover colourful displays, fun activities, fascinating harvest facts and plenty of photo opportunities as you explore.

Learn about Stwmp Naw Rhyw (the mash of nine sorts), the traditional Calan Gaeaf feast made from nine harvest ingredients. This hearty meal was once linked to fortune-telling traditions, with a hidden ring said to predict who would marry within the year.

Autumn printmaking with Jŵls Williams

29 October, 11am-3pm

Discover the magic of autumn through gelli printing, transforming fallen leaves into stunning harvest-inspired artwork with local artist Jwls Williams.  This will be a drop-in session running through the day in the Stable Block.

Storytelling with Mair Tomos Ifans

30 and 31 October

Gather around for magical Calan Gaeaf tales in the Grand Hall as local storyteller Mair Tomos Ifans brings Welsh folklore and seasonal traditions to life. Four daily sessions: one English and one Welsh session in both the morning and afternoon.

Play areas at Penrhyn Castle

Looking for a place to go wild? We have two adventure playgrounds to choose from at Penrhyn Castle ready for your family visit.

Rook Wood

Just beyond the picnic tables near the stables courtyard entrance, you can find our playground in Rook Wood. Head up through the woodland to find the park where you can climb, swing and see-saw to your day away.

Cwt Ogwen

Our natural play area in Cwt Ogwen takes you down to the Ogwen River. Find the wooden archway in the main car park and follow the path down. Discover our hide, a perfect spot to play house, or to sit quietly and take in the sounds and sights of wildlife around you. For the little adventurers, the adventure playground is just up the path, have a go and see who can complete it fastest.

 

Visitor looking at the mountains of Snowdonia from Penrhyn Castle's garden at sunset

Discover more at Penrhyn Castle and Garden

Find out when Penrhyn Castle and Garden is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.

You might also be interested in

Explore the estate at Penrhyn Castle 

Why not take a stroll off the beaten track and visit the hide down by the River Ogwen. Families will also enjoy the natural play area. Remember to bring your wellies.

The castle and part of the estate at Penrhyn as seen from above

Visiting Penrhyn Castle 

The castle exterior hides an opulent and lavishly decorated interior. A much-loved home to the Pennant family, learn about some of the glorious rooms you can see on your visit.

The grand dome of the Grand Staircase at Penrhyn Castle with skylight and plasterwork

Discover nature walk at Penrhyn Castle 

Enjoy a circular walk around the lesser-known parts of the castle grounds as you discover a diverse range of wildlife and nature that call this place home.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1 (km: 1.6)
Gate from Walled Garden in winter at Penrhyn Castle