Visiting the house at Plas Newydd

View of Plas Newydd on Anglesey in North Wales — Plas Newydd on Anglesey, North Wales | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

With views across the Menai Strait to the mountains of Snowdonia, it’s easy to see why a house has stood in this spot since the early 16th century. Today, you can discover art, military history and the interior design that made Plas Newydd what you see today. See Whistler’s mural in the Dining Room, or the first articulated wooden leg, designed for the 1st Marquess of Anglesey.

From Tudor residence to family home

The house itself has changed over the years, from the original Tudor House to changes made by the fashionable architect James Wyatt in 1793-9 and the modernisation during the 1930s when the family of the 6th Marquess made Plas Newydd their main residence.

Work stopped inside the house

In 2019 we began work to upgrade the pipes and wires throughout the building. The Covid-19 pandemic forced us to stop and the building work is on hold for now.

Things to see inside the house at Plas Newydd

'All that was left' exhibition

‘All that was left’, explores the lesser-known story of the 5th Marquess of Anglesey and the 1904 Great Anglesey Sales.

When Henry Cyril Paget (1875-1905) became the 5th Marquess of Anglesey in 1898, he surrounded himself with luxurious clothing, costumes, and jewellery, but the world he created was unsustainable. He had to sell everything he owned to pay off his debts in one of the biggest sales in Britain.

With creative installations including paper and wire models of his printed leather heels, ‘All that was left’ invites you to explore the impact of this remarkabele event on the House and the local community, and to consider what we value.

The Anglesey Leg, the world's first articulated wooden leg at Plas Newydd, Wales — The Anglesey Leg, the world's first articulated wooden leg | © National Trust Images/Andreas von Einsiedel

Military Museum

Occupying several of the former domestic offices the Military Museum is an exhibition of items and pictures of the 1st Marquess and his part in the Battle of Waterloo, this exhibition was curated by the late 7th Marquess. It’s here that you are able to see the famous Anglesey Leg.

The Rex Whistler mural

Plas Newydd is home to one of the largest and most well-known murals in the United Kingdom, painted by artist Rex Whistler. This ambitious and fantastical mural, over 17.5 metres long, was designed as an imaginary view from the windows of Plas Newydd

The Saloon

Once the main sitting room of the house, it still boasts fantastic views from the large bay window. The Saloon contains the pastoral landscapes which date back to 1789 and were painted by the Flemish artist, Balthasar Paul Ommeganck.

The 7th Marquess’s study

A much-loved and lived-in area of the house, the study remains just as the 7th Marquess left it following his death in 2013. Full of personality, this fascinating room gives a real insight into the Marquess’s work as a leading military historian and patron of local arts. You can still smell his cigar smoke, which lingers in the pages of the surrounding books and documents.

A Whistler portrait of a young 7th Marquess is also on display in the study. Other portraits of the family can be seen upstairs in the house; one of the 6th Marquess and another of Lady Caroline.

Inside the 7th Marquess' Study, with a wall of book shelves and many tables and surfaces covered with books and papers, at Plas Newydd House and Gardens, Anglesey — The 7th Marquess' Study at Plas Newydd House | © National Trust Images/Paul Highnam

The Gothick Hall

Although it may look as if it’s made of stone, the ceiling is plaster painted to look like marble and the columns are wood. The walls are decorated with several paintings, including Van Dyck’s full-length portrait of Katherine Manners, Duchess of Buckingham.

The Music Room

The Music Room is one of the largest in the house and displays some of the largest portraits including one of the 1st Marquess which sits above the fireplace.