Near the English-Welsh border, in the town of Welshpool, stands a genuine fairy-tale fortress which seems to have been plucked from the pages of a storybook, bringing vibrant colour to its expansive verdant landscape.

Built during the 13th century, this medieval stronghold brims with stories and continues evolving, much to visitors’ satisfaction.

For an ideal day appreciating architectural splendour, discovering diverse heritage and wandering through magnificent gardens, Powis Castle provides the perfect destination.

Its most recent proprietors belonged to the same dynasty who took residence as far back as the 1570s – the Herbert family. This continued until the castle and grounds were transferred to the National Trust in 1952 by the 4th Earl of Powis.

One visitor on TripAdvisor said: “This site is stunning. I was blown away by how picturesque the place is.”

Another added: “This place really exceeded my expectations. The interior is super detailed and interesting, with some spectacular pieces of furniture.

“The gardens are truly beautiful on a lovely warm hillside and some stupendous giant yew trees. Has to be seen.”

History

This castle’s heritage stretches across centuries, and several families have lived there, as the property expanded and evolved while preserving its authentic character.

However, everything started during the 13th century when Welsh prince Gruffudd ap Gwenwynwyn secured a measure of autonomy.

When he and his immediate family line died in 1309 without a male successor, the fortress passed to an heiress called Hawise, who married Sir John Charlton of Shropshire.

During this period, the castle came under assault from Hawise’s uncle, who attempted to seize the lordship he believed rightfully belonged to him rather than her, though his efforts proved unsuccessful.

In the aftermath, they opted to restore the damage and built two imposing drum towers flanking the castle’s western gateway. Charlton’s descendants remarkably maintained their position as lords of Powis for more than a century, until no male successor could be found.

Consequently, in 1421, the fortress was split between two daughters, but the castle fell into significant deterioration, desperately needing renovation following years of abandonment. Before long, it was acquired and lovingly restored before being leased to the Herbert family.

Most significantly since that time, one of the most substantial transformations occurred when the Clive family introduced what’s now referred to as the Clive collection – an assemblage overflowing with South and East Asian treasures exhibited throughout the castle, representing Britain’s largest private collection of this kind.

Clive Collection

What renders this fortress particularly distinctive is its fascinating assortment of treasures housed within its walls. Initially gathered by two generations of the Clive dynasty, comprising Robert and his son Edward, who had wed Henrietta Herbert, daughter of the 1st Earl of Powis.

The collection originated during Britain’s colonial rule of India, when these artefacts were removed from their homeland and brought to the castle from the 1800s onwards. Today it houses more than 1,000 pieces originating from South and East Asia.

According to its website, visitors can anticipate viewing an extensive array of ivories, fabrics, Hindu deity sculptures, decorative silver and gold pieces, weaponry and ceremonial armour.

Naturally, this intriguing collection carries a troubling past, one which connects the castle to a proprietor implicated in India’s invasion. Robert Clive worked directly for the East India Company, which dispatched military forces to both invade and subjugate India.

Consequently, they exploited the nation economically and profited from its abundant natural resources. This contributed to establishing the British Empire’s presence within India and, in doing so, secured lifelong prosperity and riches for Clive, evidenced by the castle’s magnificence.

Gardens

Beyond the striking castle itself, the estate’s true highlight lies in its grounds and immaculately-maintained gardens. Part of its impressive display of flora and foliage stems from the captivating hedging encircling the castle.

It covers up to 8,500 square metres of the estate, whilst the yett, tumps and top terrace contribute an additional 7,000 square metres to that figure. Maintaining this requires extreme-gardening techniques employed by the National Trust to preserve its immaculate condition.

To illustrate the scale, it reports that a single skilled gardener can dedicate up to 10 weeks annually working at height, utilising a hydraulic cherry picker to trim and maintain the towering hedges. That represents merely one aspect of these magnificent gardens.

What renders them particularly remarkable is their Italian-inspired layout dating from 1680. The gardens at Powis Castle are recognised as Britain’s finest surviving example of baroque terraced horticulture – blending Italian and French influences.

Beyond National Trust membership, standard admission to the castle and gardens costs £18.00 for adults, excluding gift aid. Children’s tickets are priced at £9.00, whilst families can purchase discounted family passes.

It’s worth noting that ticket prices are reduced during quieter periods throughout the year.