Powis Castle is both a medieval stronghold and a stately country mansion. Inside the 13th-century building are paintings, tapestries and a museum filled with treasures from India. Outside are spectacular gardens that date back 300 years.
Tour the castle rooms to survey a rich collection of art and furniture. Among them is a set of 17th-century busts known as the Twelve Caesars and an Italian table inlaid with semi-precious stones that's around 450 years old. There are also gorgeous 17th-century tapestries that tell parts of the story of Mark Antony and Cleopatra.
Explore the castle’s Clive Museum, which encompasses a collection of more than 300 pieces from India and the Far East. The artifacts date from the 17th to the 19th centuries. See textiles, ivories, weapons, ceremonial armor and statues of Hindu gods. Admire the interior décor of the museum. It is housed in a part of the castle that used to be the 18th-century ballroom.
After your exploration of the castle interior, go for a stroll through the formal gardens. Gaze up at the huge 46-feet (14-meter) yew hedge, which was planted in the early 18th century. Walk through the fountain garden and relax by the croquet lawn. Study the numerous lead statues dotted around the place. Look out over the gardens and the Welsh countryside beyond from the 18th-century Italianate terraces. This is a garden for all seasons, so matter what time of year you visit, there will always be something beautiful to see.
The castle and gardens are situated in Welshpool. The town is served by bus and train, and once there, you can walk to the castle in less than 30 minutes. Drivers will find free parking spaces in the castle grounds.
Powis Castle is open daily and there is an admission charge with discounts for children. Tickets can be bought to see the whole property or separately for either the castle or the garden.
