Great Escapes: Penrhyn Castle, a National Trust Fairytale.

Close your eyes and imagine a fairy tale castle with turrets and towers and vast gardens.  This is what Penrhyn Castle in Wales looks like. It is a proper castle.  If I were going to draw a castle with knights and dragons and princesses, then this would be it.

Penrhyn Castle is a spectacular National Trust Property set in the stunning North Wales country side.  On a recent weekend break with friends we enjoyed a wonderful day imagining ourselves sleighing dragons and rescuing maidens in distress as we took in the full splendour of this beautiful castle. I hope this will give you a little taste of that and help you think about where to go on your own great escape especially if you are travelling this bank holiday weekend in the UK.

The History

The Castle

One of the first things you see on entering the castle is the imposing great hall.  Thick white plaster walls, tall stained glass windows and a large balcony stretching around  the whole room which gives wonderful views down into it.  The small(ish) table and chairs set out just add to the size and splendour of this vast space.  This was a room designed to impress from the moment you step foot in side the castle. A taste of things to come.

There are many rooms to wander through in the castle, each almost more luxurious and opulent than the last. The attention to detail is quite phenomenal.  It seems that every ceiling, staircase or wall has been intricately constructed to include complex patterns, and shapes and a fair smattering of gargoyles!  If you have a tendency towards minimalism then Penrhyn castle may  not be for you.  If however luxury drapes and wall hangings are you thing then you will feel very much at home here.

The rooms which always fascinate me inside these grand houses are bedrooms. I imagine myself as a guest waking up in a luxurious bedroom, being brought a tray of carefully prepared breakfast before donning a large frock to float around in. Penrhyn Castle has a collection of very impressive bedrooms including a state bedroom which was reserved for royalty and very special guests.

The dining room is dwarfed by a splendid table set with crystal glasses and gleaming silver and huge candelabras.  All it needed was a willing group of guests.  We would have been very happy to oblige.  I have no doubt any meal served here would be a grand and memorable affair.

The Railway Museum

Along side the house in what was once the stable block is a railway museum full of a collection of very impressive industrial locamotives, some of which were once used in the Penrhyn quarry just a few miles away in Bethesda.  Despite the beauty of these, it seems I forgot to take any pictures of them!

The Gardens

I loved the interior of the castle, but I think I almost liked the gardens more.  Perhaps because they were so unexpected.  There is a wonderfully kept walled garden which was just coming into its own when we were there a little earlier in the spring. Weathered brick walls, topiary, places to sit and ponder and lots of blossom sit along side clean lines and water features.

Step beyond the walled garden and there are vast woodland walks and meadows.  Stretches of neatly cut grass on which to picnic and a huge area of prehistoric like plants.  You may also stumble upon a collection of friendly cows! Like so many National Trust Properties, the gardens are worth a visit alone and are likely to inspire even the most reluctant gardner.

Practicalities

Cafe and Shop

I can highly recommend the cafe for tea and scones.  There are a number of shopping opportunities.  The stable shop sells mainly garden and outdoor equipment.  The Castle shop is full of all the quality gifts you would expect from any NT shop.  There is also a second hand books shop where I picked up a Miss Read book which is always a sign of a good second hand bookshop for me!

Opening times

These vary throughout the year so I would recommend checking the website.

Entrance Fees

£14 for adults, £7 for children and £35 for a family.  However if you are a lover of historic houses and beautiful gardens then I would recommend joining the National Trust.

Penrhyn Castle far outweighed our expectations.  For a group of 6 adults and one very imaginative 9 year old it was the perfect great escape.

Below are links to some other posts about National Trust properties I have visited.

Belton House

Thomas Hardy’s Cottage

Woolsthorpe Manor

Osterley Park and House

Carlyles House