Discover more at Chirk Castle
Find out when Chirk Castle is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
Family days out at Chirk Castle
Find inspiration for your next family outing at Chirk Castle. Explore the Adam Tower, complete with medieval toilets and murder holes, tick off some '50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ activities, and run off some energy in our natural play area.
Planning your family visit
Here is the information you need at a glance to make the most of your next family day out to Chirk Castle:
- Children under 5 visit for free
- Baby changing facilities are located in the toilets at Home Farm and the castle's courtyard
- Our tea room serves children's lunch boxes and a range of hot meals, sandwiches, ice cream and cakes
- Picnics welcome
- There is no access for prams into the castle's rooms. A parking area is available
- Our shuttlebus takes visitors up and down the hill to the castle and runs throughout the day
February half term
This February half term, Chirk Castle invites you and your family to celebrate the first signs of spring with a fun-filled two weeks of nature-inspired activities.
Calling all little explorers! Pick up a spring bingo card from the ticket office and set off on an exciting adventure around the castle grounds. Tick off the challenges on your card as you explore and see how many signs of spring you can discover.
Ready for another challenge? On 22, 25 and 26 February, join our friendly rangers for a fun-filled bug hunt. Get ready to search high and low for all sorts of incredible insects. From bugs with shiny wings and tiny spots to those with long, wiggly antennae, how many can you find? It’s the perfect way to learn all about the tiny creatures that live around us.
Get creative with our nature-themed craft clay sessions on 17 and 24 February. Join us for a hands-on experience where you’ll sculpt your very own bugs, flowers and other signs of spring using clay. Whether you're crafting a buzzing bee, a pretty daffodil or a bright butterfly, this is the perfect chance to unleash your creativity. Best of all, you can take your handmade creations home as a special reminder of your day at Chirk Castle.
Mothers day
Celebrate Mother’s Day in a creative and meaningful way on Sunday, 30 March, with a ranger-led craft activity. Drop in anytime between 10am and 12.30pm to decorate wooden hearts using natural materials, creating a unique and heartfelt keepsake. This fun, hands-on session is a wonderful way to connect with nature and make something special for a loved one. No booking is required, just come along and join our rangers for a creative morning.
Easter trail adventure
Embark on an exciting, family-friendly Easter adventure this half term.
Inspired by a medieval Welsh legend, this interactive trail will take you through the beautiful gardens of Chirk Castle as you help a courageous hare on its journey to safety.
The hare has been dashing through the Welsh valleys, overcoming challenges and meeting friendly animal companions along the way. Complete ten fun activities to guide the hare safely to the Castle Courtyard.
Can you help the hare overcome the obstacles and reach its destination? Follow the trail, complete the tasks and as a reward for your bravery, the hare will thank you with a delicious chocolate egg.
The trail costs £3.50 per participant and runs from 14 April until 27 April, or until stocks last.
Hare hapa zome craft sessions
Join our rangers on 8 and 23 April for a fun, hands-on session where you can discover the art of hapa zome. This traditional Japanese technique uses plant pounding to create beautiful natural prints, allowing you to design your very own hare on cloth using flowers and leaves. During the session, you'll get to hammer natural materials onto fabric in the shape of a hare, creating a colourful, eco-friendly masterpiece to take home.
Things to see and do at Chirk Castle
Adam Tower
We recommend your visit starts at the medieval Adam Tower, where signs of the castle's medieval past can be seen. Have fun dressing up in armour, go on the hunt for the medieval garderobes (toilets to you and me) and murderholes, and venture down into the two-level dungeons... if you're brave enough!
Wild play area
Our outdoor play area at Home Farm is great to keep little ones entertained. It is conveniently located next to the Kiosk which serves hot and cold drinks and snacks, with ample outdoor seating. So, it's a great place to stop to run off some energy, or for a rest before tackling the hill up to the castle.
Children must be supervised at all times. Kiosk opening times vary.
50 things to do before you’re 11¾
Bring your family closer to nature with 50 ideas designed to help us play and explore. There’s plenty of outdoor activities to do all year round, here's some that you can do at Chirk Castle:
Every tree has something special about it. Search for clues in its roots, bark and branches to uncover its story. Measure how wide its trunk is with your arms and use your hands to feel the texture of its bark – is it bumpy, rough or smooth? Are there any flowers or seeds growing there? You could make a rubbing with paper and a crayon to reveal the lines and patterns.
No. 9 Eat a picnic in the wild
You're welcome to picnic in our gardens and on the estate. There are some picnic tables located in front of the castle, benches dotted around the garden and shadey spot next to hedges and under trees. Before you set off, it’s time to raid the fridge but if you fancy an extrra treat or two, our courtyard tearoom has takeaway hot and cold food, snacks and cakes.
Pick your spot in the garden on a dry day, lie back on the grass and look up. What can you see? Use your imagination to pick out shapes and pictures in the clouds as they drift by. Do they resemble anything, like animals, trees or cartoon characters?
If the sky is bright, make sure to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes and remember, don't look directly at the sun.
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Visiting Chirk Castle
Chirk Castle was never planned as a family home. It was one of several medieval Marcher fortresses along the Welsh-English border, built to keep the Welsh under English rule.
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The 480-acre estate can be a great place to explore with your pooch whatever the weather. Find out more about where you can take your dog and where you can stop for a tasty treat.
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Visiting the garden at Chirk Castle
Indulge your senses and refresh your spirit with a gentle wander amongst the scents and seasonal colours of the rare shrubs and flowers in this lovely five-and-a-half acre garden.
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Eating and shopping at Chirk Castle
Visit our tea-room and enjoy homemade cakes that are baked daily, using the freshest ingredients. Or visit the gift shop which is packed with handmade treats and souvenirs.