Powis Castle's State Rooms

Visitors looking up at Lanscroon's ceiling painting in the Blue Drawing Room at Powis Castle and Garden, Powys. | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

Over 400 years, the Herbert family enlisted artists to grow their superb collection of paintings, tapestries, furniture, and sculptures. How you see the castle today reflects their visions and ambitions for their home. 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.

The State Dining Room

The medieval Great Hall was transformed by Gothic Revival architect, G.F. Bodley, into a richly decorated Jacobean style dining room. Based on designs that George Herbert, 4^th Earl Powis, greatly admired in the Victoria and Albert Museum.

See important family portraits in here, including marriage companion portraits of William Herbert and Eleanor Percy, 1st Lord and Lady of Powis from early 1600.

The wood-panelled State Dining Room at Powis Castle, Powys, Wales, with a long dining table and chairs on a mainly red carpet. Portraits are hung on the walls, with a portrait of Violet Lane Fox, Countess of Powis, by Ellis Roberts to the left. — The State Dining Room at Powis Castle | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

The Blue Drawing Room

Located at the top of the Grand Staircase and known as the Great Chamber or Saloon in Elizabethan times, guests would eat, drink and be entertained here. The room hasn't changed much since 1705 when Gerard Lanscroon was commissioned to the paint the ceiling, and many of its decorative features can still be seen today.

Spot the two fabulous commodes (cupboards), made from panels of Chinese lacquer by Pierre Langlois.

The Blue Drawing Room at Powis Castle | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

The State Bedroom

One of few in Britain to retain the formal layout of a bed alcove set behind a railing, this room was designed to accommodate royal visits. Its baroque character suggests a creation date in the 1660s or 1670s, although a royal occupant didn't stay there until the 20th century.

The bed itself is partly made of gilded mahogany and covered in crimson silk cut-velvet - a sign of wealth and status. Those who wished to welcome royal occupants would equip themselves with furniture covered in silvered leaf, which you can still see on the chairs today.

Plan your visit

The castle is open daily from 12pm to 4pm (last entry 3.30pm). Please check the opening times for the most updated information before you travel. Please note photography is not allowed in the castle.

Due to re-wiring work within the castle, some visits may need to be by a guided tour or timed entry. Please check the homepage for more details.