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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.

A family enjoy playing badminton on the lawn at Penrhyn Castle during the Summer of Play
Fancy a quick game on the lawn? | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

Summer of Play at Penrhyn Castle

18 July - 31 August

Penrhyn Castle is the perfect place to just kick back and relax on a summer’s day. Discover plenty of wide-open spaces to explore and enjoy a whole host of games and activities together. Discover five different play zones, featuring activities for all the family to enjoy whilst making the most of the great outdoors. Whether you’re feeling competitive, creative, energetic or just want to sit a while and enjoy a peaceful moment surrounded by nature – there's something for everyone to enjoy. 

Challenge your family to a spot of badminton, or if you fancy trying your hand at some engineering why not head to the construction zone?  Head over to the picnic area for some outdoor games to play together as you enjoy a picnic lunch or just a quiet moment in the shade of the trees.  You could even pop over to the cafe to treat yourself to a bite to eat. 

Summer walks by Afon Ogwen 

Fancy venturing a little further before heading home? Head through the wooden archway located down in the carpark to take a walk to Cwt Ogwen, where you'll discover a small wooden hut and play area along with a wooden walkway.  Sit a while and enjoy the tranquillity of Afon Ogwen, which flows alongside.  

Crafty Tuesdays 

Head over to The Stables every Tuesday throughout the summer holidays for some crafty, creative fun with our team of volunteers. Located in the corner of the Stables courtyard, it’s only a small walk away from the Slate Splitting Demonstration area with the quarrymen from The National Slate Museum – why not head on over and discover more about this fascinating skill, passed down from generation to generation? The demonstrations take place daily.  

Activities are all free, normal admission prices apply.  

Family enjoying spending time together in the play area, Rook Wood, at Penrhyn Castle
Enjoy time outdoors this summer | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

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.
Children enjoy playing in the play area, Rook Wood at Penrhyn Castle, Gwynedd
Enjoy some time together in Rook Wood | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

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