Skip to content
The Orangery Terrace and Powis Castle above, Wales
The Orangery Terrace and Powis Castle above, Wales | © National Trust Images/Joe Wainwright
Wales

Powis Castle historical walk

Explore Powis on this easy historical trail. Stroll along Italianate terraces, around the formal garden and through the Wilderness woodland. There are plenty of rest stops along the way, and you can reward yourself with a hot drink and slice of cake in the Courtyard Restaurant at the end.

Entrance ticket required

To enter the garden, you'll need to collect an entrance ticket from the Ticket Office at Powis.

Total steps: 6

Total steps: 6

Start point

Powis Castle Garden Kiosk, grid ref: SJ2152106369

Step 1

Collect your entrance ticket from the ticket office and enter the garden. Follow the path, taking a left turn at the end. Continue on this path along the Top Terrace which affords a great aerial view across the garden, Severn Valley and Breidden Hill.

Step 2

At the end of the terrace, take the set of steps on your right down to the Aviary Terrace. Be sure to admire the 18th Century statues of dancing shepherds adorning the balustrade on your right before taking the next flight of steps down to the Orangery terrace. At the bottom, follow the path on your left which leads through the giant yew hedge.

The 'cold' herbaceous border on the Orangery Terrace at Powis Castle, Wales
The 'cold' herbaceous border on the Orangery Terrace at Powis Castle, Wales | © National Trust Images/Mark Bolton

Step 3

Continue along the path that slopes between two yew hedges. At the bottom, turn left into the formal garden. Follow the path straight ahead, then turn right at the end of the path. This will take you past our holiday home The Bothy, a black and white timber framed building that was once the home of Powis’ Edwardian gardeners. Continue along the path admiring the 100-year-old apple trees as you pass them by. Turn right and then right again to complete your loop of the formal garden.

Step 4

As you leave the formal garden, turn left to follow the straight path between two tall box hedges. At the end turn right then immediately left. On your right you’ll see some shallow steps which will take you up into The Wilderness, Powis’ formal woodland. Continue along this path, stopping at the clearing on your right to admire the beautiful view of the castle, terraces and Great Lawn.

Step 5

Continue along the path, taking a right at the fork. Follow this path through the Wilderness woodland, taking in the views of the castle as you go.

Step 6

As you reach the Stable Pond, continue ahead keeping the pond on your left. When you reach the cross roads, take the steepest path which will lead you back to the garden entrance. After your walk, you are welcome to reward yourself with some hot food and drink from the Courtyard Restaurant.

End point

Powis Castle Garden Kiosk, grid ref: SJ2152106369

Trail map

Map showing route and steps of the winter walk at Powis Castle
Winter walk at Powis Castle | © National Trust/Robert Polley

You made it

Share your experience

More near here

A view across an autumn landscape
Place
Place

Powis Castle and Garden 

Discover a Grade I listed garden and medieval castle with a vast collection of South Asian artefacts at Powis Castle and Garden in Mid Wales.

Welshpool, Powys

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

Powis Castle autumn walk 

As the cooler air arrives, the garden, woodland and terraces at Powis come alive with autumn colours. Enjoy the crunch of autumn leaves and the scent of apple trees on this easy walking trail.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1 (km: 1.6)

Get in touch

Our partners

Cotswold Outdoor

We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.

Visit website 

You might also be interested in

View of Snowdonia with mountains in the background and a rocky landscape and wooden bridge in the mid ground

Walking in Wales 

Explore wide open landscapes, gentler coastal strolls or energetic hikes for something a little more challenging. We've rounded up some of the best places to walk in Wales.

Family enjoying the snow in the garden at Powis Castle, Powys, Wales
Article
Article

Visiting the garden at Powis Castle 

Dating back 300 years, explore a world-class garden steeped in history. Experience dramatic terraces, flower borders, fantastical topiary and superb views.

A tray of fruit scones straight from the oven being held by the baker
Article
Article

Eating and shopping at Powis Castle and Garden 

After exploring the castle or traversing the terraces, refuel with a tasty treat from our Courtyard Café or take home a gift from the shop to help you remember a great day out.

A small white dog sat at a café table
Article
Article

Visiting Powis Castle and Garden with your dog 

Powis Castle and Garden is a one pawprint rated place. Find out more about bringing your dog to Powis Castle and Garden. Take in a view of the castle with a drink and bite to eat and your four-legged friend by your side. Explore the garden 1 November - 28 February.

A family walking alongside Lake Windermere at Fell Foot during winter, Cumbria

Walking 

Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.

A man and a woman enjoy the view whilst walking in the Peak District
Article
Article

Cotswold Outdoor: our exclusive walking partner 

Learn about the National Trust’s ongoing partnership with Cotswold Outdoor. Find out how they help us care for precious places and the exclusive discount available for National Trust supporters.

An aerial view of an adult and baby walking a dog along a path at Baggy Point, Devon
Article
Article

Staying safe at National Trust places 

The special places in National Trust care sometimes come with a few risks for visitors, be it coastline or countryside. Find out how to keep safe throughout your visits.