Powis Castle is the grandest and, arguably, the best castle in Mid-Wales, known for its beautiful gardens and extravagant interiors.
The castle was originally built in the 13th century by the Welsh prince Gruffydd ap Gwenwynwyn, to protect against the Welsh Princes of Gwynedd to the north. However, the castle spent most of its life as the family home of the Herbert and Clive families.
Powis Castle is now under the care of the National Trust and the castle and gardens are open to visitors. In this guide, I'll share everything you need to know ahead of your trip.
Getting to Powis Castle
Powis Castle is located just outside the town of Welshpool in Powys. Here are the best ways to reach the castle:
- By Car: It's easy to reach Powis Castle by car, follow the A483 towards Welshpool and the castle is signposted from the main road.
ㅤ - By Public Transport: There is no public transport direct to Powis Castle. The nearest train and bus stations are in Welshpool town centre which is a 30-minute walk to the castle entrance, although the walk is very scenic and mostly through the castle grounds. You can also arrange a local taxi for around £8-10 (I recommend Wrights Taxis).
Is There Parking at Powis Castle?
Yes, there is a car park at Powis Castle with free parking for visitors. However, on weekends during the summer this can quickly get full and becomes chaotic so it's a good idea to arrive early if travelling by car.
Visitor Information
Entrance Fees
| National Trust Members | Free |
| Adult | £15 |
| Child | £7.50 |
| Family | £37.50 |
| 1 Adult, 3 Children | £22.50 |
Is Powis Castle free to National Trust members?
Yes, Powis Castle is free to National Trust members.
Do You Need to Book to Visit Powis Castle?
No, you don't need to book to visit Powis Castle, simply turn up and pay on arrival.
Opening Times
Powis Castle is open year-round although opening times vary slightly.
| Summer (Apr to Sept) | Castle & Clive Museum: Midday - 4pm Gardens, Shop, and Cafe: 10am - 5pm Garden Coffee Shop: 11am - 4.40pm |
| Winter (Oct to Mar) | Castle & Clive Museum: Midday - 4pm Gardens, Shop, and Cafe: 10am - 4pm Garden Coffee Shop: Usually closed |
Last entry is half an hour before closing time.
The garden coffee shop is usually closed during the Winter but may still open on some weekends and school holidays whilst the weather is good.
How Long to Visit Powis Castle?
Allow at least half a day to visit Powis Castle, this will give you time to explore the castle interior, the Clive Museum, and the castle gardens. When the weather is particularly nice, you can spend the whole afternoon in the gardens so I recommend that you take a picnic or enjoy food from the cafes.
Is Powis Castle Dog Friendly?
No, dogs are not allowed to visit Powis Castle between March and October during the peak tourist period. However, during winter, you are welcome to bring your four-legged friends into the courtyard and garden areas.
Is Powis Castle Accessible?
No, accessibility is not great at Powis Castle. There is a shuttle to help disabled visitors up the steep path from the car park to the castle, however, some parts of the castle are not accessible due to steps.
Outside, there is a step-free route around the garden and there are disabled toilets on site. Braille guides to the castle are available. There are also guided touch tours inside the castle and sensory tours of the grounds, although these must be arranged in advance of your visit.
Things To Do at Powis Castle
Here are the best things to do during your visit to Powis Castle:
1. Explore the magnificent interiors of the castle
The interior of Powis Castle has been described as 'the most magnificent in Wales'
As you wander the interior of the castle, expect lots of artwork, murals, and ceiling paintings that are magnificent. The building is a little dark, but this is to protect the valuable antiques from the sunlight that can damage them.
2. See historic artefacts at the Clive Museum
The Clive Museum is a part of Powis Castle that contains many artefacts collected by the Clive Family during the colonial days in India. Among over 1,000 artefacts, you'll see ivories, statues of Hindu gods, weapons and armour, and ornaments made from gold and silver.
Keep in mind that the museum is controversial. Although some items were bought or gifted to the Clive family, some were acquired as spoils of war and are a symbol of Britain’s colonial past.
3. Explore the stunning castle gardens
In my opinion, the gardens at Powis Castle are one of the best things to see. There are wonderful terraces, historic statues and historic topiary. You can also spot brightly coloured peacocks roaming freely around from time to time.
There are shaded woodland areas for when it gets hot and stunning views so that you can get the perfect Instagram photo.
During summer, there is a cafe in the garden where you can enjoy ice creams or an afternoon tea.
4. Spot deer in the Medieval deer park
Next to Powis Castle is a medieval deer park where you can spot wild red and fallow deer that roam freely around the grounds. Admittedly, I've never managed to spot the deer myself, but I'm informed that they do roam the area.
Although this is often considered to be part of the castle, keep in mind that this is not owned by the National Trust which owns and manages the castle. Entrance to the deer park is free.
Special Events at Powis Castle
Throughout the year, Powis Castle put on special events to make the castle come alive. Most of the events are free, however, you'll need a valid ticket. Here are a few:
- Easter Trail - An Easter trail featuring an egg-citing Easter egg hunt in the castle gardens.
ㅤ - Come Out and Play - During summer, Powis Castle has lots of activities to keep the kids entertained, including races, badminton, cricket, croquet, basketball, and more.
ㅤ - Outdoor Cinema Experience - Occasionally, the castle screens hit movies in the garden such as Mamma Mia or The Greatest Showman.
ㅤ - Christmas Lights - The festive lights at Powis Castle make it that extra bit special to visit over the holiday season.
Check out the castle's 'What's On' guide for events happening now.
Facts About Powis Castle
Here are some interesting facts about Powis Castle:
It's one of few castles in the area to be built by the Welsh
Unlike most neighbouring castles such as Caernarfon, Conwy, and Harlech, which were built by English invaders, Powis Castle was built by a Welsh prince, Gruffydd ap Gwenwynwyn, who was Prince of Powys at the time.
He built the castle as a residence and to establish independence from his aggressive neighbours to the north in Gwynedd
Powis Castle houses over 1000 Indian artefacts
The castle is home to one of the most significant collections of Indian artefacts outside of India
These were amassed under the ownership of the Clive family when Henrietta Herbert married Edward Clive, son of Robert Clive who was known as 'Clive of India' at the time.
Clive of India was a powerful figure in the British colonisation of India and became one of Europe's richest self-made men, estimated to be worth over £100 million in today's money
Most of the artefacts looted by the Clive family can be seen at the Clive Museum inside Powis Castle. It's a powerful illustration of the connection between colonialism in India and the acquisition of expensive textiles and art.
It wasn't the only castle to be built near Welshpool
The current fortress wasn't the only castle to be built on that site or in the surrounding areas. Experts suggest that there was a timber fortification on the site prior to the masonry one we see today.
Elsewhere around Welshpool, there is evidence of other two other motte-and-bailey castles including one right near the railway station today
If you want to learn more, see our dedicated article with even more fun facts about Powis Castle.
History of Powis Castle
Powis Castle is a medieval fortress built in the 13th century by Gruffydd ap Gwenwynwyn, who was the prince of the Kingdom of Powys at the time
Shortly after it was built, Llywelyn ap Gruffudd (Prince of Gwynedd from North Wales) destroyed much of the castle as retaliation for an assassination attempt. The castle was rebuilt within 3 years.
After being passed down to Gruffydd's granddaughter, Hawys Gadarn, there was another battle at the castle when her uncle, Gruffudd Fychan, thought he should have inherited the castle. His attack failed and Hawys kept control but she and her husband rebuilt it again but with added fortifications to prevent further attacks which can still be seen today.
Since the early 14th century, there have been no further conflicts at the castle. In the 16th century, it was sold to the Herbert family which eventually became the Clive family when Henrietta Herbert married Edward Clive. Edward was the son of Robert Clive who was a powerful figure in the British colonisation of India and the richest man in Europe at the time
Related Questions
Who Owns Powis Castle Now?
Powis Castle and gardens are now owned by the National Trust, although much of the land surrounding it, including the deer park, remains under private ownership.
Is There a Cafe at Powis Castle?
Yes, there are two cafes at Powis Castle, the Garden Coffee Shop which serves hot drinks and light snacks, as well as the Courtyard Cafe which also serves hot meals. However, the Garden Coffee Shop is only open between March and October
Are There Deer at Powis Castle?
Yes, there are deer at Powis Castle, although these are not on the castle grounds themselves but in the adjacent deer park. This is privately owned but access is provided free of charge.
Can You Walk Around Powis Castle?
Yes, there is a 1-mile walk around Powis Castle, this can take anywhere from 30 minutes to more than 1 hour depending upon your speed. There is also a step-free route around the gardens for those with accessibility requirements.
Published: 28 May 2022 · Last updated: 26 August 2023