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Family days out at Powis Castle

Christmas courtyard illuminations at Powis Castle, Welshpool
Christmas courtyard illuminations at Powis Castle, Welshpool in December | © Paul Harris

Whether you’re visiting with children or grandchildren, you’ll find there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained at Powis Castle. Explore the rooms of the 13th-century castle or follow a garden trail guaranteed to delight the little ones.

Planning your family visit

Here’s the information you need at a glance to help plan your next day out at Powis Castle:

  • Baby-changing facilities are available by the Garden Entrance and in the Formal Garden.
  • Due to the number of stairs and the historic interior, pushchairs are not permitted inside the castle. You are welcome to leave pushchairs at the castle exit lobby.
  • Bikes and scooters are not permitted in the garden for health and safety reasons.
  • Please note that photography is not allowed in the castle.
Interior Christmas decorations at Powis Castle and Garden
Interior Christmas decorations at Powis Castle and Garden | © Paul Harris

Christmas Courtyard Illuminations

From 13 to 23 December, Powis Castle transforms into a breathtaking winter wonderland, with enchanting lights illuminating the castle’s grand exterior. Extended hours from 4:30pm – 7:00pm allow visitors to experience the magic after dark, as twinkling lights cast a warm glow over the majestic architecture against the winter night sky.

Tickets for the Courtyard Light Spectacle are available at Visitor Reception in the car park, with admission included in regular entry and free for National Trust members. Booking not required. Find out more here.

A Dickensian Christmas

Step into the charm of a Victorian Christmas at Powis Castle! From 30 November to 5 January, the castle’s first floor transforms into a festive wonderland inspired by A Christmas Carol. Immerse yourself in a 19th-century holiday setting with flickering candlelight, evergreen garlands, and nostalgic scenes that bring Dickens’ Christmas spirit to life.

Wander through beautifully decorated rooms and halls, each evoking the warmth and joy of a traditional Victorian Christmas.

Tickets for A Dickensian Christmas are available at the Visitor Reception in the Car Park and are free for National Trust members. Booking not required. Click here for more information.

Breakfast with Father Christmas

Give your little ones a magical start to the festive season! On select dates (30 November, 1 December, 7 December, 8 December, and 15 December), Father Christmas will join young guests at Powis Castle for a delightful breakfast experience. Set in the enchanting café and library, children can share stories with Santa, enjoy tasty breakfast treats, and create unforgettable holiday memories.

Spaces are limited, so early booking is recommended. Prices are £20.95 per child (ages 2 and up), £5.95 for children under 2, and £16.95 per adult. Click here to book your place!

Winter walks

Pull on your winter woollies and blow away the cobwebs with a stroll in the world-famous Baroque Garden. Winter is the best time to appreciate the garden's architectural beauty. See statues sparkling in the frost along the Italianate Terraces, admire ancient evergreen yew hedges standing proud in the winter sun and walk through the Wilderness where bare branches reveal magnificent views of the 13th-century castle.

  • The garden is open daily throughout December from 10am to 4pm (closed 25 and 26 December).
  • Dogs on short leads are welcome in the garden from 1 November to 28 Feburary.

Discover the Dragons

Two friendly dragons have landed within the Wilderness, an informal woodland behind the main garden. Hop on to the saddles on their backs and let your imagination take you on a magical adventure. These magical Wyverns are here for everyone to play upon and enjoy.

This new addition to the garden has been skilfully created by the renowned local artist, Simon O’Rourke.

Dogs in the Garden

From 1 November until 28 February, our furry friends are invited to clip their lead on and bring their favourite humans for a stroll and explore our world-famous gardens. Well behaved dogs are welcome to come along on a short lead to explore the grounds of the garden.

Share you photos on social media

If you would like to share your photos with us, please use the hashtag #CastellPowis #PowisCastle and tag us @PowisCastleNT

Facade of Powis Castle showing the sequence of garden terraces below featuring massive clipped yews at Powis Castle and Garden, Wales

Discover more at Powis Castle and Garden

Find out when Powis Castle and Garden is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.

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Every inch of Powis Castle is decorated with intricate, beautiful detail. As you wander through the castle’s state rooms, you’ll be taken on a journey of eras gone by. From Elizabethan through to Edwardian, be sure to stop and pause in each room to take it all in.