Powis Castle and Garden sits on a hill above Welshpool, in mid Wales. The red sandstone castle began as a medieval fortress built by a Welsh prince and later became a grand country house. The terraced gardens are the main draw, laid out in Italian and French styles, with original lead statues, a sunken orangery and an aviary. Inside, the Clive Museum holds textiles, bronzes, ivory and jade brought back from India and the Far East. Plan at least half a day.
A castle built by Welsh princes
The castle was built in the 13th century by Gruffydd ap Gwenwynwyn, prince of Powys, to guard against Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, prince of Gwynedd to the north. The princes of Powys stood between the Welsh and the English, and they sometimes allied with one side and sometimes with the other. The castle changed hands several times over the following centuries.
In 1587 Sir Edward Herbert, son of the Earl of Pembroke, bought the castle and estate. Generations of the Herbert and Clive families then enriched the house. In the 17th century it was remodelled in the Renaissance style, and the fortress grew into a stately home.
The Clive Museum
The Clive Museum is the castle's best-known room. It holds objects brought back from India and the Far East by Clive of India, the British commander who conquered Bengal at the Battle of Plassey in 1757, and by his son Edward. Edward married the daughter of the first Earl of Powys.
The collection includes textiles, bronzes, ivory and jade, along with South Asian artefacts dating from the 1600s to the 1830s. Some of these objects came to Britain during the colonial period, so take time to read the labels. Visitors who enjoy history often spend a long time with the large historical painting in the museum.
The gardens and terraces
The gardens were created in the 17th century on the slope below the castle. The terraces follow Italian and French styles. They keep their original lead statues, a sunken orangery, hanging gardens and an aviary. A row of old topiaried yews runs through the garden, and a laburnum arch is one of its best-known features.
From the terraces, the view runs over the lake, the valley and the surrounding countryside. The planting is varied, and the gardens hold a collection of rare plants.
Walking the garden route
A good order is to start at the cafe by the stream, then take the long path up the valley past the dam, weir and folly. The route loops back and finishes in the meadow in front of the house. Two marked routes give a gentler, step-free visit.
Lawns and picnic tables under large trees are good for a shaded lunch on a hot day.
Getting there and getting around
Powis Castle is a short distance from the centre of Welshpool. You can walk through the parkland from the gate at the southern end of Berriew Street car park. The walk is about a mile each way, roughly two miles there and back. A shuttle bus runs from the car park to the castle.
Parking is free, and paid parking is also available. Toilets, a shop and cafes are on site, and there are two cafes in the grounds: a garden cafe and a courtyard cafe.
FAQ
Do I need to book in advance?
Booking tickets in advance is recommended. Arrive early on sunny weekends, when the site gets busy.
Can I take photos inside the castle?
No. Photography is not allowed inside the castle, but you can take photos in the gardens.
Is Powis Castle and Garden wheelchair accessible?
The entrance, restrooms and parking are wheelchair accessible. The garden has a stair-free route, while the castle and museum have stairs.
How do I get there from Welshpool?
You can walk about a mile through the parkland from the southern end of Berriew Street car park. A shuttle bus also runs from the car park to the castle.
How long do you need for a visit?
Plan at least half a day. Many visitors spend a full day here, with time for the castle, the museum and the gardens.
