Summer of Play at Powis Castle and Garden 

Looking for a family day out in Mid Wales this summer? Discover lawn games, creative play, picnic spots, summer colour and space to enjoy time together in the garden. 

Outdoor play 

This summer, the garden becomes a place for outdoor play, games and family challenges. Have a go at badminton or volleyball on the lawns, test your balance on the stepping stones, or get stuck into creative play with parachutes, beanbags and quieter toys.  Whether children want to run, skip, play games or take things at their own pace, there’s plenty to keep them moving in the fresh air. 

Explore the garden

There’s more to discover beyond the play activities. Wander through summer borders, look out for seasonal colour and enjoy the rich greenery of the woodland areas. 
As you explore, listen for birdsong, notice the changing textures of the garden and find hidden corners where families can pause along the way. 

Pause for a picnic

When it’s time to stop for a break, find a scenic spot for a picnic or take a seat on one of the benches around the garden. 
From open lawns to quieter corners, there are plenty of places to rest, recharge and enjoy the surroundings at your own pace. 

Enjoy the garden with your dog

Check the dog-friendly information before you set off, including where dogs can go and what to expect during your visit. 

See what’s on this summer

Check the events listings before you visit and make the most of your day at Powis Castle and Garden. 

'Powering Up’ the fun inside the castle

This year we’re 'Powering Up' the fun as we celebrate the start of our large-scale project to upgrade the wiring within this 13th century castle.

As you explore the ornate State Rooms, discover how this medieval castle has been carefully modernised over the centuries, and step into the role of a castle electrician as you tackle activities and challenges along the way.

Don’t miss the adorable felt mice in their high vis jackets, hidden throughout the castle - you’ll spot them fixing wiring, carrying tools, and hard at work in the most unexpected places. How many will you spot?

There’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained as you discover more about how we care for this majestic medieval castle now and into the future.

The trail is free, but normal admission prices apply. Free to National Trust members.

Family fun in the garden

Step outside and discover even more adventures waiting in the celebrated garden. With formal woodland, hidden corners, and plenty of space to roam, it’s the perfect place for families to explore together.

Outside of school holidays, take on the ‘Pocket Trail’ and see what natural treasures you can find to fill your pockets - an interesting leaf, a smooth stone, or a fallen petal - what will you find? Along the way there are plenty of fun challenges to tackle too. Spot statues, play hide and seek, balance along stepping stones, race along the longest path, and find the biggest tree - perfect for a giant hug. 

Whether you’re running, discovering, or simply escaping into nature, the garden is the perfect place to make memories together.

The trail is free, but normal admission prices apply. Free to National Trust members.

Discover Dragons

Step beyond the garden and into The Wilderness, the formal woodland, where a pair of friendly Wyverns and their hatching eggs have made their home. Smaller cousins of dragons, these winged, two-legged creatures are full of character and ready to spark your imagination.

Climb up onto the saddles on their backs and let your imagination take flight. Will they carry you over towering mountains, through drifting clouds, or into a story entirely your own?

Created by renowned local artist Simon O’Rourke, these extraordinary carved sculptures will transport you and your little explorers into a world of myth, magic, storytelling, and play.

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.