Key facts
- Operator
- National Trust
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
Pinpoint
Powis Castle, Welshpool SY21 8RF
Telephone 01938 551944
Possible Opening hours
Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
A medieval border fortress absorbed and softened over centuries into a grand family residence, best known now for its dramatic Italianate terraced gardens cut into the hillside below the castle. Both castle and gardens draw large weekend crowds, so reviewers recommend timing a visit for quieter hours if you can.
Worth the trip
The terraced gardens — among the finest formal gardens in Britain, and reviewers rate them as highly as the castle itself.
Before you go
At around £37 for two adults it's pricier than most sites in this list, and terraces occasionally close early for private events like weddings, so a weekday visit is worth considering if crowds or closures are a concern.
Reviewers consistently praise both the castle's richly decorated interiors and the extensive, immaculately kept gardens, with knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides mentioned as a highlight. Several visitors note that photography is not permitted inside the castle, which a few found disappointing, and that the site can get busy and somewhat pricier than other comparable attractions. Even so, the overall verdict across reviews is strongly favourable, with many visitors planning return trips to see the gardens in different seasons.
Medieval fortress turned grand residence; terraced gardens
“A lovely castle and gardens well worth a visit. A bit more pricey than some others at £37 for two adults. Nice terrace gardens and grounds. Usual slightly pricey gift shop, bookshop, cafe etc. Day we went there was a…”— Darren Cope, visitor review
Further reading
Gibsons - Castle Cutaway (1000pc)
Detailed cutaway illustration of a medieval castle's rooms, dungeon to battlements.
Find it on Amazon
