Family days out at Powis Castle

May half term

Wander through the world-famous Garden at Powis Castle, taking in the incredible natural beauty that is available at every turn. Children will have the chance to explore the garden with a special navigation trail, where they can use visitor maps and follow instructions to guide their way. The trail will feature numbered locations, and little adventurers will need to hop, jump, and explore between the numbers to uncover the hidden wonders of the garden.

For even more excitement, children can venture into the woodland and meet the carved Wyverns, adding a sense of mystery to their journey, or head to the newly opened Discovery Den where there are lots of activities for children to enjoy.

 

Explore a Welsh garden this spring 

Powis Castle’s magnificent gardens truly come to life in the Springtime. With warmer weather within reach, and as we welcome back much-loved wildlife, you’ll see a splash of colour on every corner. 

Explore a world-famous terraced garden as it comes to life with everyone’s spring favourites. From the famous Welsh daffodil and much-loved blossom to wonderful wisteria and wrinkly-leaved primroses.

Immerse yourself in the stories and palatial interiors of the State Rooms in the 13th century castle. Elaborately decorated with paintings, tapestries and sculptures; discover eras gone by, tales of love and tragedy and wondrous treasures from around the world.

For those who enjoy a touch of adventure, wander the woodlands to uncover the fascinating carved wyverns hidden among the trees. These intricate wooden creatures add a magical, mythical touch to your visit.

And don’t forget to pick up your Trail in a Bag, a fun outdoor activity for all ages. Perfect for families, the trail will guide you through the grounds as you explore the history, nature, and hidden gems of Powis Castle’s estate.

 

Blossom and blooms 

The famous Welsh daffodil blooms early and transforms our paddock into a breath-taking carpet of yellow. The magnolia puts on a stunning show every year, exposing its pink and white goblet-shaped flowers. As you stroll along the Aviary, witness the wisteria swaying in the wind, and as you enter the Edwardian Formal Garden, you'll be blown away by the pink blossom showering our beloved apple blossom trees. 

Lady Violet, Countess of Powis, planted the apple trees hundreds of years ago, in her mission to make Powis Castle “one of the most beautiful, if not the most beautiful in England and Wales”. Violet’s Edwardian Garden with a croquet lawn, flowering borders and meticulously trimmed fruit trees, is still one of our garden’s highlights today. 

The blossom in the wilderness can be seen from as far as the terraces. The bright pink and white cherry blossom and magnolia campbellii are truly spectacular. As the petals fall, the woodland floor is transformed into a wonderful carpet of pink and white.

The apple blossom in the Formal Garden is a visitor favourite. Lining the paths, apple trees planted hundreds of years ago by Lady Violet continue to bear fruit all these years later. Showered with pink and white petals throughout spring, it’s a sure sign of spring.

Celebrate spring at Powis Castle with our exclusive, limited-edition pin badge. This beautiful pin features an artistic representation of the Clivia miniata, a stunning plant you can find blooming in the Orangery during the spring and summer months. The Clivia was named in 1828 by botanist John Lindley in honour of Charlotte Percy, Duchess of Northumberland. Charlotte, a passionate botanist herself, was the first person in Britain to successfully bring a Clivia into bloom. This unique pin is a perfect way to commemorate your visit and take home a piece of Powis Castle’s botanical history.

 

Spring walks

There are walks for those who want to see it all or walks for families with prams or wheelchairs who don’t want to go too far. If you can’t go far at all, view the garden from the Courtyard and listen to the birds sing as you enjoy a cup of tea from the Courtyard Café. There are perfect picnic spots and benches positioned to take a moment to pause and admire your surroundings. Don’t miss:

• Century-old apple trees which line the pathways sprinkled with beautiful blossom.
• Terraces – wisteria flowering on the Aviary Terrace. It’s over 300 years old and wows visitors every year, it’s a must for the Instagram grid. Bright arrangement of multi-coloured tulips in the containers on the Orangery Terrace.
• The wilderness – from beautiful blossom in early spring to the fabulous rhododendron display in late May.
• Daffodil Paddock – don’t miss the famous Welsh daffodil display as it transforms an empty stretch of lawn into a breath-taking display of yellow.

 

Trail in a Bag Spring Edition

Come and join us on a mindful trail that has been designed for people of all ages. Collect a bag from the Ticket Office and start your sensory visit. Collect, draw, spot and listen.

Discover the beauty of Powis Castle's gardens with our fun-filled Trail in a Bag activity! Perfect for explorers of all ages, this self-guided trail offers a unique way to engage with nature and uncover hidden wonders. With your trail bag in hand, embark on a journey through the historic gardens and complete the exciting challenges along the way.

Whether you're a nature lover or simply looking for a fun day out, the Trail in a Bag offers a delightful way to experience the gardens at Powis Castle. Don't forget to share your discoveries and photos with us!

 

Indoor Trail

Extend your adventure at Powis Castle and Garden with an exciting Trail in a Bag indoors! We're offering a special indoor version of our popular outdoor trail. Pick up your trail bag for inside the castle from Visitor Reception, and explore the fascinating rooms and hidden treasures. The indoor trail compliments the outdoor experience, with additional activities and surprises to discover as you explore the grand interiors. Perfect for a family day out, this trail provides a wonderful way to engage with the castle's history and architecture.

 

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.

 

Share you photos on social media

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