Visiting Penrhyn Castle and Garden National Trust

When we were holidaying in Wales over Easter we spent a day at Penrhyn Castle – and it may well be one of the best National Trust properties we have ever visited. Like with all national Trust sites, you get free entry and free parking with National Trust membership.

What is Penrhyn Castle?

Penrhyn Castle is a country house in Bangor, North Wales, that was built in the style of a Norman castle in the 1820s. It’s a listed building and is seen as one of the most important country houses in Wales – and among the best of the Revivalist castles in Britain and it is home to an art collection of international importance.

The castle has strong links to the Penrhyn Slate Quarry history and the slave trade and the castle is also now part of The Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Visiting Penrhyn Castle

We visited Penrhyn Castle during their Easter event which was a lovely introduction to the site. The Easter trail took us on a journey around the Penrhyn Castle grounds, seeing incredible views and so much woodland whilst taking part in fun Easter activities.

The trail led us to the castle gardens – a formal gardens, a walled garden and a beautiful lake with bridges, a boardwalk and ornaments as well as soon many flowers and foliage to admire.

Food and drink at Penrhyn Castle

Like with many National Trust properties, Penrhyn Castle has two different cafes – one before you enter the castle and one in the castle basement, right next to the castle kitchens.

We went to the stables cafe before heading for the castle and bought hot drinks and ate a picnic. There was a lovely selection of hot and cold food on offer as well as cakes and snacks.

The stable block is also home to the industrial railway museum, telling the history of the Penrhyn Quarry Railway. This is now closed whilst they redevelop the exhibit, with plans to open it again later this year.

Penrhyn Castle

After lunch we headed for Penrhyn Castle and were immediately blown away. We have seen a lot of castles in Wales, and they are in varying conditions – some completed ruined and some brought back almost to their former glory. But, Penrhyn Castle is in a league of its own.

Penrhyn Castle is beautiful. It’s like stepping back in time with stone walkways, carved stairs and bannisters, so much woodwork and incredible works of art.

Each room is dressed perfectly, with furniture, wall hangings and accessories. There are boards to read to tell you about each room and it really is like being transported to another world. Plus, there are staff on hand to answer any questions you may have.

After exploring the castle we wandered back to the visitor centre, past fields of sheep and wild flowers. When we got back to the car we felt so uplifted. Penrhyn Castle brought us utter joy, it was a lovely place to spend time.

Really though, we only scratched the surface of Penrhyn Castle. There was so much more to explore – vast grounds, an adventure playground and even a chapel ruin. We’re looking forward to exploring more on another visit in the future – and I just wish we lived closer!

You can find out more about Penrhyn Castle over on their website and for reference the address is: Bangor LL57 4HT