0c Fair
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What's the attraction?
The original 16th hall house has been modernised and expanded several times to become today's listed building. There's spectacular views of Snowdonia, Menai Strait and Britannia Bridge. You must see Rex Whistler's masterpiece - a trompe d'oeil painting in the dining room. And there's a neolithic cromlech, thought to be 8,000 years old.
What's on offer?
The 169 acres include an ornamental garden, great lawn, lots of woodland area, and a children's play area. Inside, there's a Cavalry Museum - with a false leg - plus portraits including one thought to be Katherine Manners by Sir Anthony Van Dyke and some lovely chalk drawings by Francis William Wilkin of the children of the 1st Marquess of Anglesey. There is a tea room, selling hot food and snacks, a coffee shop with to a second hand bookshop where you can relax on large comfy sofas. And the family guide booklet has adult and children's sections.
How did you get there?
On the A55 we crossed the Menai Strait via Britannia Bridge (Plas Newydd can be seen to the left) then followed the signs for Llanfair PG and signs for Plas Newydd and Niwbwrch, passing the column dedicated to the Marquess.
Click to launch Google MapHow long did you stay?
We arrived at 11am and stayed until about 2.30pm.
Did you take a brolly?
Yes, and waterproof gear just in case, but we didn't need them. However, you may need one in autumn when the weather's not so pleasant and you want to explore the gardens. Bags are available so you don't have to carry wet brollies around.
What did you do there?
First we explored the grounds - this could be a day out in itself. We really enjoyed the Mediterranean terraced garden, it was so colourful and the little grotto was magical. The fantastic walks through the woodlands and along the coast were great because, even though it seemed as if we were going on a forest expedition, the children felt very safe.
The lawns were good for the children to run around and play. The children's wooded play area was a real hit - again, safe but fun! For lunch, we took sandwiches and ate them in the picnic area accompanied by hot drinks from the tearoom. The children loved the small play area nearby, as we enjoyed a nice cup of tea.
Inside the house we visited all the rooms, appreciating the various pieces of art as well as the decor. The Whistler exhibition was fascinating as was the Cavalry Museum showing artefacts used during the battle of Waterloo and a fantastic painting by Denis Deighton depicting the battle and the Marquess' role. We saw the 1st Marquess' prosthetic leg, now known as "the Anglesey leg" and famous for being the world's first articulated wooden leg!
How much did it cost you?
We paid £16.50 for a family ticket. National Trust members go free.
How about food and drink?
As there is a tearoom and coffee shop, there's plenty of choice for adults and children. The food available is fair trade or locally sourced. Teas, coffees, drinks for the children and cakes came to around £12. We took a packed lunch but the tearoom seemed good value for money for hot food.
Are there any shops?
The National Trust Gift Shop sells all kinds of souvenirs from welly warmers to linen sprays, NT advent calendars to handkerchiefs. They also have an array of books for children and adults.
Is it OK for kids?
It's great for kids. Plenty of things to do and see. The junior guide book is excellent, a really good way of helping them engage with the property and its history. The volunteers were also very kind and informative, the children found them approachable and helpful.
Can people with disabilities get around?
Yes. There is a minibus service from the entrance to the house and a shuttle around the grounds (depending on volunteer availability so ring to check before arriving). Wheelchairs are provided as electric wheelchairs are not allowed inside the house.
What were the best bits?
The prosthetic leg was quite amusing and the Whistler exhibition is stunning as is the mural. The children's wooded play area was brilliant and we loved the walks and gardens. The coffee shop was very comfortable with plenty of room to relax at the end of the day.
Opening times?
Plas Newydd gardens from 11am, house noon. More details on 01248 715272 or http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ Plas Newydd, Llanfairpwll, Anglesey LL61 6DQ
