Family days out at Powis Castle

October Half-Term - Calan Gaeaf

This October half term, bring the whole family and join us as we celebrate Calan Gaeaf with a programme of fun, family-friendly events inspired by Welsh tradition and folklore - with a touch of Halloween spirit. 

As autumn colours spread across the Garden, the much-loved pumpkin trail returns with a folklore twist. Follow the pumpkins through the garden in search of a legendary Welsh beast and learn the tale of the Hwch Ddu Gwta along the way.

Keep your eye out for colourful treats, trickily hidden in unexpected places, enjoy family-friendly spooky storytelling, and get creative with autumn-inspired mask making. 

With seasonal trails, crafts and stories waiting to be discovered, it’s the perfect place to enjoy autumn and make lasting family memories. 

Whatever your age, why not come dressed in your best fancy dress costume! 

See what’s on this autumn  

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

What is Calan Gaeaf? 

‘Calan’ meaning the first day of the month and ‘Gaeaf’ meaning winter marks the ‘First Day of Winter’ and falls on 1 November. It has distinct roots in Welsh tradition, shaped by folklore, seasonal change and a rich cultural heritage. 

On the eve before, known as Nos Galan Gaeaf, communities would come together to light fires, gather, and take part in protective customs believed to guard against wandering spirits and mischief. 

Today, Calan Gaeaf is celebrated as a traditional Welsh autumn festival marking the start of the darker half of the year, when it was believed the boundary between the living world and the spirit world grew thin. 

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. 

 

'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.