Family days out at Chirk Castle

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

Spring at Chirk Castle

Spring at Chirk Castle and Garden is a magical season for a family adventure, as the grounds come alive with blooming daffodils and vibrant blossoms. Young explorers can embark on the Easter trail to help guide the hare to safety and get creative with hands-on craft activities led by our rangers. 

With 1,200 acres of estate to roam, families can tick off exciting challenges from the ‘50 Things to Do Before You’re 11¾’ list’. Children can get to know a tree, enjoy a picnic in nature and spot wildlife as they wander through parkland. 

For those eager to step back in time, Chirk Castle’s magnificent 13th-century fortress is waiting to be explored. Journey through the Adam Tower, Servants Hall and richly decorated state rooms to uncover centuries of history. 

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.  

Visit our events page to find full details on times, meeting points and how to join in on all the fun. 

 

Hare hapa zome craft sessions 

Join our rangers on 8 and 22 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.

Visit our events page to find full details on times, meeting points and how to join in on all the fun. 

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:

No. 1 Get to know a tree

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.

No. 33 Go cloud watching

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.