Powis Castle & Gardens

Perched high on a rock above the world-famous garden terraces, Powis Castle, originally built circa 1200, began life as the medieval fortress of the Welsh Princes of Powys, who held onto their kingdom despite the threats of their more powerful neighbours in Gwynedd and England.

In 1587, Powis Castle was sold to Sir Edward Herbert who created the romantic long gallery, which is richly decorated with the coats of arms of his ancestors. In 1784, the marriage of Lady Henrietta Herbert and Edward Clive, son of Robert Clive, the conqueror of India, combined the Powis and Clive estates.

Today, the medieval Castle contains one of the finest collections of paintings and furniture in Wales. It was originally built by Welsh Princes and was then the ancestral home of the Herberts and Clives. The beautiful collection of treasures from India is displayed in the Clive Museum.

The Castle & Gardens have been remodelled and embellished over more than 400 years and reflect the changing needs and ambitions of the Herbert family - each generation adding to the magnificent collection of paintings, sculpture, furniture and tapestries.

In the early 20th Century, the 4th Earl of Powis and his wife, Lady Violet, redecorated much of the castle and brought the garden back to life, introducing new varieties from all over the world.

POWIS CASTLE GARDENS

The Gardens at Powis Castle are one of the few Baroque gardens to survive almost intact since the 1680s and are of the highest horticultural and historical importance.

The world-famous gardens include grand Italianate terraces blasted from the solid rock, The terraces are overhung with clipped yews, and shelter rare and tender plants is laid out under the influence of Italian and French styles, retaining its original lead statues and an orangery on the terraces.

The combination of terraces, formal and informal gardens make the Garden at Powis a delight for enthusiasts as well as lovers of beauty and tranquility. Not to miss are the 30ft high yew hedge, dancing statues and lavish herbaceous borders. The sweet scent of flowers fills the air - the gardens are spectacular whatever the season.

THE COURTYARD RESTAURANT & GARDEN COFFEE SHOP
Located in what was once the stable, the Courtyard Restaurant is open daily serving hot lunches, sandwiches, savoury snacks, cakes and hot and cold drinks or wander down to our Garden Coffee Shop nestled in the Edwardian formal garden. It’s the perfect spot to treat yourself to a cream tea or light snack, whilst admiring the beautiful scents and scenes of the garden.

THE COURTYARD SHOP
The Courtyard Shop at Powis Castle i has a beautiful selection of homeware, gifts, souvenirs and delicious treats to choose from.