For anyone seeking to explore the stunning architecture and rich history of Wales, a trip to Powis Castle is an absolute must. Renowned for its breathtaking formal gardens, this medieval castle stands out as one of the most picturesque in the region. In my view, the gardens surrounding Powis Castle are among the finest in the entire United Kingdom.
In contrast to the imposing castles found in Conwy, Caernarfon, Harlech, and the nearby Montgomery, which were constructed by the English as a means to dominate the Welsh population, the castles located in Welshpool hold a different significance.
These fortifications were erected by the Welsh princes of Powys Wenwynwyn, serving as a symbol of their power and heritage. Rather than being tools of oppression, the castles in Welshpool represent the aspirations and legacy of the Welsh nobility.
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Where is Powis Castle and How to Get There?
Powis Castle can be found in the picturesque region of Powys, Wales, just a stone’s throw away from the town of Welshpool. Nestled amidst lush greenery and rolling hills, this historic castle offers a stunning backdrop that reflects the beauty of the Welsh countryside.
🚆 BY TRAIN
Powis Castle is conveniently located near Shrewsbury, making it easily accessible for visitors. If you’re traveling from Shrewsbury, you can reach Welshpool train station in a quick 21-minute journey. Once you arrive at the station, it’s just a pleasant 1.3-mile walk to the castle, which should take you around 30 minutes to complete. For those coming from Birmingham, there’s also a direct train option that takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach Welshpool train station.
🚗💨 BY CAR
If you’re planning to visit Powis Castle by car, you’ll be pleased to know that there is a spacious National Trust Car Park available on-site, and parking is completely free.
The journey to Powis Castle is quite manageable from various cities in the region. For those coming from Liverpool, you can expect a drive of approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. If you’re starting your trip from Manchester, it will take around 2 hours and 10 minutes to reach your destination. Meanwhile, travelers from Birmingham will find that the drive is a bit shorter, taking about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Powis Castle Tickets
When you arrive at Powis Castle, purchasing your tickets is a straightforward process. If you’re interested in exploring Powis Castle without spending any money, consider planning your visit to Wales in September. During this month, Wales hosts an annual event known as Open Doors, which allows visitors to access various historical sites at no cost.
Powis Castle has participated in this initiative in the past, although it’s important to note that there’s no guarantee it will be included every year. Nevertheless, the chances are quite favorable, especially since other well-known attractions like Conwy Castle do not offer free entry due to their immense popularity.
Another way to enjoy a visit to Powis Castle without the ticket price is by obtaining a seasonal free pass from the National Trust. Each season, the National Trust provides a limited number of complimentary passes that can be used at any of their sites, although some locations may be excluded from this offer. We were fortunate enough to secure a National Trust summer pass at no cost, which allowed us to visit Powis Castle and save a significant amount – specifically, £45 for the three of us.
Powis Castle Entrance
Visitors to the castle can access it through the West Entrance located in the courtyard. It’s a great idea to start your adventure by exploring the interiors of Powis Castle first, as the last opportunity to enter the building is typically a bit earlier than the gardens close for the day.
Unfortunately, photography is prohibited inside the castle. However, if you have had the chance to explore Chirk Castle in the past, you might find that both Powis and Chirk share a striking resemblance in their architectural styles and overall ambiance.
Ballroom Entrance and Clive Museum at Powis Castle
The Clive Museum at Powis Castle houses a fascinating collection of artifacts that reflect Clive’s extensive acquisitions. Upon his return to England, Robert Clive found himself in possession of a staggering fortune amounting to approximately £234,000. This positioned him as the wealthiest self-made individual in all of Europe. This remarkable wealth, as noted by historian William Dalrymple, was largely derived from treasures that Clive had obtained through questionable means following the pivotal Battle of Plassey.
Powis Castle Gardens
The allure of Powis Castle lies significantly in its stunning gardens, which stand out as one of the rare examples of Baroque gardens still preserved in the United Kingdom. These gardens at Powis Castle hold a prestigious Grade I listing on the Cadw/ICOMOS Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in Wales.
The Giant Yew Topiary at Powis Castle Gardens
During my visit to Powis Castle Gardens, I was immediately struck by the impressive giant yew topiary that has been a part of the landscape since the 1680s. It was fascinating to learn that this style of gardening was once all the rage, characterized by its strict geometric patterns.
As I continued my exploration, I discovered how gardening trends evolved over the years. By the 1780s, the landscape style emerged, transforming the way gardens were designed across the country. This new approach favored a more organic integration of the garden with the natural surroundings, allowing the topiary trees to grow into their natural forms.
However, the Victorian era brought about yet another change in gardening practices, as the desire for more control over plant shapes returned. The gardeners of that time used a sickle to shape the yews. Today, the tradition of maintaining these unique topiary figures continues, but with modern tools like electric hedge trimmers making the task more efficient.
However, it takes a team of staff members three months to trim all the hedges annually, with the yew topiary being carefully sculpted between late August and early November.
The Terraces
The gardens of Powis Castle feature four distinct terraces, each stretching an impressive 150 meters in length. These terraces are known as the Top Terrace, Aviary Terrace, Orangery Terrace, and Lower Terrace. Unfortunately, during our visit, we overlooked the Aviary Terrace, which is home to a birdhouse adorned with four exquisite statues of shepherds and shepherdesses crafted by the artist van Nost.
It’s a bit disappointing that we didn’t get to see the Aviary Terrace and the Lower Terrace during our time at Powis Castle due to exploring the gardens in a hurry. Each area has its own character and beauty, and I can only imagine the experiences we missed. Next time, I’ll make sure to explore every corner of the gardens to fully appreciate their splendor.
Great Lawn
Families looking for a place to relax and have fun will find the Great Lawn at Powis Castle to be just the right setting. During our time there, we noticed that nets and badminton rackets were readily accessible for guests, encouraging playful interactions among visitors. The expansive area allows everyone to step away from the castle exploration for a while, providing a perfect opportunity to play games or simply unwind on the grass while soaking in the stunning surroundings.
Giant Rhubarb
During my visit to Powis Castle Gardens, I was particularly struck by the impressive giant rhubarb, scientifically known as Gunnera manicata. However, there is some uncertainty surrounding its classification, as recent findings by the Royal Horticultural Society in 2022 revealed that many of these plants might actually be Gunnera × cryptica, a hybrid that combines Gunnera manicata with the highly invasive Gunnera manicata.
The sheer size of Gunnera manicata is truly remarkable, with the potential to reach heights of 2.5 meters (8 feet) and widths of over 4 meters (13 feet). Its leaves are often exceeding 120 centimeters (4 feet) in diameter, with some recorded specimens boasting leaves as wide as 3.3 meters (11 feet). While wandering through the gardens, I noticed that some of the leaves appeared to be over 2 meters in diameter, dwarfing my own height of 1.75 meters.
One of the most distinctive features of the giant rhubarb is the spiky texture found on the underside of its leaves and along the stalks. In early summer, the plant produces small, red-green flowers that eventually give way to a round fruit.
Despite its common name, “giant rhubarb,” it is not closely related to true rhubarb. The plant is named in honor of Johan Ernst Gunnerus, a Norwegian bishop and naturalist. Originally, giant rhubarb became popular in the United Kingdom and Ireland as an ornamental plant, primarily admired for its enormous leaves. It thrives best in moist environments like those found near garden ponds, although it tends to struggle in cold, wet winters.
Yew Walk
Yew Walk is a linear pathway that runs alongside the Great Lawn and the Formal Garden, creating an inviting atmosphere for visitors. This passage is designed to enhance the experience of those exploring the area, as it offers several openings that lead directly to the expansive Great Lawn. These access points allow guests to enjoy the lush greenery from different angles, making it easy to appreciate the beauty of the surroundings.
As you stroll through Yew Walk, you’ll notice small windows carved into the hedges, which frame breathtaking views of the Formal Garden. These unique openings serve as delightful vantage points, allowing visitors to pause and take in the meticulously landscaped beauty of the garden.
Formal Garden
A formal garden is characterized by its well-defined structure, featuring geometric patterns and often a balanced, symmetrical design. At Powis Castle Gardens, visitors can admire the meticulously arranged apple trees that contribute to the garden’s charm. However, one of the standout attractions is undoubtedly the enchanting grapevine tunnel, which offers a stunning visual experience and a delightful stroll through nature.
East Front
I highly suggest heading to the East Front of Powis Castle, where you’ll discover a stunning setting adorned with a sculpture nestled among vibrant greenery. This area offers a serene and picturesque atmosphere that many visitors tend to overlook, making it a hidden gem worth exploring.
Croquet Lawn
Powis Castle, dating back to the 13th century, was originally erected by the Welsh prince Gruffydd ap Gwenwynwyn. Over the centuries, it has witnessed numerous transformations, reflecting the changing of history and the influence of its various owners.
In the late 16th century, the castle came into the possession of Edward Herbert, who was the younger son of the Earl of Pembroke. During the late 17th and early 18th centuries, the Herbert family undertook extensive renovations, transforming Powis from a formidable border fortress into an elegant aristocratic country house.
They also created one of the few surviving examples of a British Baroque garden, enhancing the estate’s beauty and grandeur. Today, visitors can appreciate both the architectural splendor of the castle and the exquisite design of its gardens, which continue to captivate those who explore this historic site.
Fountain Garden
During the early 1900s, the 4th Earl of Powis embarked on an ambitious project to renovate the castle, collaborating closely with the renowned architect George Frederick Bodley. Meanwhile, the Earl’s wife, Violet, played a crucial role in the estate’s overall aesthetic by focusing her efforts on the gardens.
With a vision to create a landscape that could rival the finest in England and Wales, she dedicated herself to cultivating a space that was not only beautiful but also harmonious with the castle’s architectural elegance.
Plunge Pool
This plunge pool, constructed in the 1770s, was designed to be filled to the top with refreshing cold water. The 1st Earl, Henry Arthur, received guidance from Robert Clive, famously known as Clive of India, who suggested that incorporating a cold bath into the gardens could greatly enhance his well-being.
During that era, it was widely believed that engaging in physical exercise followed by a quick dip in a cold bath was a beneficial practice. The experience of using a plunge pool outdoors also allowed individuals to breathe in the fresh air and take in the stunning scenery, both of which were thought to contribute positively to mental health.
The plunge pool itself boasts a depth of 1.4 meters, allowing the water to rise to a gentleman’s chest level. To facilitate easy access, steps were incorporated into the design, ensuring that bathers could comfortably enter and exit the pool.
If you look closely, you can spot the pipes embedded in the walls of the pool. These pipes were essential for maintaining the water quality, as they allowed fresh water to flow in and out of the pool.
Pet Cemetery
I was quite suprised to discover that Powis Castle and Gardens has a pet cemetery on its grounds. While the tradition of honoring and burying cherished pets has roots that stretch back to ancient civilizations, dedicated burial sites for animals only became more prevalent in the late 19th century.
During our visit to the pet cemetery, we were also captivated by a carved wooden dragon that stood proudly among the memorials. This dragon is not just a beautiful piece of art; it carries significant cultural meaning as a symbol of Welsh national pride.
Stone Foot
The stone foot sculpture at Powis Castle and Gardens leaves me a bit puzzled regarding its exact meaning, yet I can confidently say that it brings an element of surprise to the estate’s exploration. As visitors wander through the beautifully landscaped grounds, this unique feature stands out, inviting curiosity and sparking imagination. Whether it’s a place for children to play or a conversation starter for adults, this sculpture undoubtedly enriches the experience of all who visit.
Ice House
The Ice House served as a crucial facility for storing ice harvested from the nearby Stable Pond during the colder winter months. To ensure the ice remained frozen throughout the year, it was carefully layered with straw, which acted as an effective insulator.
This preserved ice was primarily utilized during the summer months for various purposes, including keeping items like meat and fish fresh, chilling beverages, and even creating delightful frozen treats such as sorbet. Additionally, the ice was sometimes crafted into intricate sculptures, showcasing its versatility beyond mere preservation.
Constructed in the early 19th century, the Ice House has a fascinating history, although the above-ground structure fell into disrepair over the years. The entrance shaft measures 4 meters in width and plunges down to a depth of 5.4 meters, revealing the impressive engineering of its time.
In 1984, the National Trust undertook the restoration of the brickwork above ground after the original underground structure was uncovered amidst the surrounding vegetation. It is believed that the original design featured a thatched roof along with a brick dome, both of which contributed to the insulation necessary for maintaining the ice’s longevity.
Ice houses like this one can be found in various locations across England, with notable examples including Painshill Park in Surrey. These structures reflect a bygone era when ice was a luxury commodity, essential for food preservation and enjoyment during warmer months.
Stable Pond
Our final stop at Powis Castle and Gardens was the enchanting Stable Pond. This location offers a peaceful retreat, making it a delightful surprise to discover such a tranquil area within one of Wales’ most popular attractions.
Who Owns Powis Castle Estate?
Powis Castle is currently under the ownership of the National Trust, which ensures its preservation and accessibility to the public. However, generation of the Herbert family still resides in a portion of the castle since 1578, maintaining a unique relationship with the National Trust.
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