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What's the attraction?
A magnificent Marcher Fortress, with elegant state rooms and fine plasterwork,completed in 1310. is ideal for a family visit, surrounded by 18th-century parkland and home to open air theatre performances in the summer. It was built in the late 13th century by Roger Mortimer, Justice of North Wales for Edward 1. The castle was sold for £5,000 to Sir Thomas Myddelton in 1595 and his descendants continue to live in part of the castle today.
What's on offer?
A medieval tower and dungeon and 18th-century servants' hall, 17th-century Long Gallery and grand 18th-century state apartments, with elaborate plasterwork, Adam-style furniture, tapestries and portraits. In the award-winning gardens are clipped yews, herbaceous borders and a stunning shrub garden, with many rare varieties. Other areas are more informal, with a thatched Hawk House and rock garden. A terrace that looks out over the Cheshire and Salop plains and leads to a classical pavilion and 17th-century lime tree avenue. The 18th-century parkland provides a habitat for rare invertebrates and contains many mature trees and also some splendid wrought-iron gates, made in 1719 by the Davies brothers.
Every Wednesday head gardener David Lock gives a talk called Chirk and Yew, with a chat about the garden and a Q&A on your own gardening problems.
How did you get there?
We took the scenic drive over the Horseshoe Pass, before driving through Llangollen to Chirk on the A5 road to Shrewsbury. The entrance was six miles from Llangollen, signposted off the road. You can also get there by train (quarter mile from station) or bus (Arriva 2A Wrexham-Oswestry).
How long did you stay?
We arrived about 11am and left after 3pm. It was a beautiful day and we enjoyed a walk around the grounds once we had left the castle.
Did you take a brolly?
No, the weather was kind to us. though there were many options inside the Castle if it was raining.
What did you do there?
You can't help but be impressed by the solidity of the castle. The stone exterior is quite plain, further reinforcing the impression of a formidable Marcher stronghold. The welcoming courtyard accesses to the state rooms. There are many paintings and tapestries. to be seen in the numerous rooms you can visit. Some rooms have views over the surrounding countryside. We went to the tea rooms for a bite to eat before heading out to the gardens. These are not as formal as some we have visited, but are well maintained with lots of nooks and crannies to discover. The yews were very impressive and the daffodil walk ways stunning in the warm spring air.
How much did it cost you?
Gift aid admission (standard prices in brackets) full castle: £9.20 (£8.28), child £4.60 (£4.14), family £23 (£20.70), groups (£7.88), garden & tower £6.50 (£5.85), child £3.25 (£2.92), family £16.25 (£14.62), groups (£5.53)
How about food and drink?
There is a new tea-room at Chirk Castle called Lady Margaret, which was by the long gallery inside. which specialised in High Tea including a delicious range of cakes and Welsh cream teasWe went to the other Tea Shop, which had various options, all mouth watering and tempting. We settled for baguettes filled to the brim with fresh produce and bacon. We also opted for the famous home made bara brith made on site. It's well worth a visit.
Are there any shops?
We spotted a farm shop on site, selling locally reared meat, vegetables and even chocolate. There's a second hand book shop and gift shop.
Is it ok for kids?
There is a children's playground on site and of course the promise of a trip to the dungeon will keep the kids amused and excited. Kids can also try out the old stocks, there's a giant chess game on the lawn and children can try on some period costumes.
Can people with disabilities get around?
The main car park has a wheelchair-accessible transfer, drop-off point. There are stair lifts and wheelchairs to hire (call to book). One wheelchair at any time in first floor.
There were seven steps to the entrance; however a stair lift was available. There were three wheelchairs on offer, but booking is essential. The ground floor appeared accessible. There were many stairs with handrails to other floors. Access is restricted to one wheelchair user at any one time on first floor. Grounds appeared partly accessible with loose gravel paths; some visitors may require assistance from their companion. The shop had some steps but the cafe had a level entrance.
What were the best bits?
We enjoyed the walk through the stunning location, as we followed the Circular woodland path through the medieval hunting park to burn off the calories we had just put on at the tea room. James preferred the Adam's Tower, which has a magnificent dungeon on two levels and upper rooms with 'murder holes', through which material could be poured on to anyone trying to batter or burn down the doors below. This tower, like the others, was originally at least one storey higher, the upper parts probably being removed after the Civil War bombardment of 1659, certainly a place to let your imagination run wild.
Opening times?
There is on-going work which can restrict access. Open 10am-6pm Tues-Sun, until Aug 30, then 10am-6pm Weds-Sun Sept 2-30. 10am-5pm Weds-Sun Oct 1-Nov 1. Chirk, Wrexham, LL14 5AF
01691 777701
nationaltrust.org.uk
