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Family days out at Powis Castle

Young girl enjoying the great outdoors
Young girl enjoying the great outdoors | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

Whether you’re visiting with children or grandchildren, you’ll find there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained at Powis Castle. Explore the rooms of the 13th-century castle or follow a garden trail guaranteed to delight the little ones.

Planning your family visit

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

  • Baby-changing facilities are available by the Garden Entrance and in the Formal Garden. 
  • Due to the number of stairs and the historic interior, pushchairs are not permitted inside the castle. You are welcome to leave pushchairs at the castle exit lobby. 
  • Bikes and scooters are not permitted in the garden for health and safety reasons. 
  • Please note that photography is not allowed in the castle. 
  • From 1 November until 28 February, our furry friends are invited to clip their lead on and bring their favourite humans for a stroll and explore our world-famous gardens. Well behaved dogs are welcome to come along on a short lead to explore the grounds of the garden.

Visitors with the Wyvern sculpture by Simon O'Rourke at Powis Castle, Powys, Wales
Visitors with the Wyvern sculpture by Simon O'Rourke at Powis Castle | © ©National Trust Images/Paul Harris

The colder months have arrived, so pull on the woolly hats and wellington boots as you head out on a family adventure within this historic landscape.

There’s still so much to see in the fresh crips of the winter months. A light frost adds a touch of sparkle to the classical statues along the Aviary Terrace, and bare branches glisten with icy patterns. Walk underneath the canopy of the 300 year old yew trees and spot the twinkling lights along the path.

Step inside the castle for an unforgettable Christmas journey, as you’re taken on an adventure through a winter wonderland.

An Enchanted Christmas

From the 29 November – 4 January* the first floor of the castle is transformed into a winter spectacle as we tell a captivating winter tale. Keep an eye out for delightful little mice, dressed for their frosty adventure…

From 12 to 22 December, the enchantment continues with special late-night openings from 4:30pm to 7:00pm. Step into the courtyard and enjoy festive illuminations dancing across the medieval walls. Warm up with a comforting hot chocolate or a glass of mulled wine as the castle glows against the winter night—before venturing inside to experience the magic.

*Closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day

Discover the Dragons

Two friendly dragons have landed within the Wilderness, an informal woodland behind the main garden. Hop on to the saddles on their backs and let your imagination take you on a magical adventure. These magical Wyverns are here for everyone to play upon and enjoy.

This new addition to the garden has been skilfully created by the renowned local artist, Simon O’Rourke.

Paws at Powis

Your four-legged friend can also join in your adventures this autumn. Paws are permitted back into the garden from 1 November – 28 February. Dogs are welcome to explore on a short lead in the garden and courtyard, but we kindly ask they are not taken inside the shop or café.

Share your photos on social media

If you would like to share your photos with us, please use the hashtag #CastellPowis #PowisCastle and tag us @PowisCastleNT

 

Facade of Powis Castle showing the sequence of garden terraces below featuring massive clipped yews at Powis Castle and Garden, Wales

Discover more at Powis Castle and Garden

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

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Visiting the garden at Powis Castle 

Dating back 300 years, explore a world-class garden steeped in history. Experience dramatic terraces, flower borders, fantastical topiary and superb views.

View of the 30ft high yew hedges and Formal Garden, Powis Castle and Garden, Wales

Eating and shopping at Powis Castle and Garden 

After exploring the castle or traversing the terraces, refuel with a tasty treat from our Courtyard Café or take home a gift from the shop to help you remember a great day out.

A tray of fruit scones straight from the oven being held by the baker

Powis Castle's State Rooms 

Every inch of Powis Castle is decorated with intricate, beautiful detail. As you wander through the castle’s state rooms, you’ll be taken on a journey of eras gone by. From Elizabethan through to Edwardian, be sure to stop and pause in each room to take it all in.

Visitors looking up at Lanscroon's ceiling painting in the Blue Drawing Room at Powis Castle and Garden, Powys.