Chirk Castle
A magnificent medieval fortress on the Welsh border, boasting grand state apartments and stunning gardens.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Chirk Castle
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A magnificent medieval fortress on the Welsh border, boasting grand state apartments and stunning gardens.
"A truly wonderful place to see and to be, with beautiful gardens and stunning castle views."
🐾 Dog-Friendly Estate Walks
Dogs are welcome on the estate and gardens, perfect for a scenic walk! :dog:
📸 Photography Allowed Inside!
Capture the history! Photos are permitted inside the castle. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Castle Interior
Inside the castle
Step back in time through grand state apartments and medieval defenses.
Chirk Castle Gardens
Castle grounds
Explore beautifully manicured gardens with stunning views across the Welsh border.
The Dungeon Experience
Castle dungeons
Descend into the castle's historic dungeons for a glimpse into its formidable past.
Panoramic Views
Castle ramparts and gardens
Enjoy breathtaking vistas of the surrounding countryside and beyond.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for a Peaceful Visit
Explore Beyond the Castle Walls
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐾 Dog-Friendly Estate Walks
Dogs are welcome on the estate and gardens, perfect for a scenic walk! :dog:
📸 Photography Allowed Inside!
Capture the history! Photos are permitted inside the castle. :camerawithflash:
☕ Cafe Delights
Enjoy a mocha or a pasty at the cafe. :coffee:
🚶♀️ Explore the Parkland
Venture beyond the castle for lovely walks and stunning views. :hiking_boot:
Tips
from all over the internet
🐾 Dog-Friendly Estate Walks
Dogs are welcome on the estate and gardens, perfect for a scenic walk! :dog:
📸 Photography Allowed Inside!
Capture the history! Photos are permitted inside the castle. :camerawithflash:
☕ Cafe Delights
Enjoy a mocha or a pasty at the cafe. :coffee:
🚶♀️ Explore the Parkland
Venture beyond the castle for lovely walks and stunning views. :hiking_boot:
🚗 Ample Parking Available
Good-sized parking lot, some shaded spots available. :car:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Chirk Castle for its well-preserved state, beautiful gardens, and the welcoming atmosphere. Many appreciate the opportunity to take photos inside and enjoy the extensive parkland for walks. While some find the gardens could be more vibrant, the overall experience is described as peaceful and enjoyable, making it a highly recommended day out.
"Not too busy, which made it really enjoyable to explore. The staff were very nice and welcoming. The gardens are beautiful and it’s great that you can take pictures inside the castle too. There are lots of lovely walking paths around, a perfect place for a peaceful day out. It's also a dog friendly too."
Anastasia Martin
"We were on our way north and stopped here for a lunch break and a walk on the castles estate.
There's a good sized parking lot, even with some spaces providing a bit of shade from the trees. Great for a hot summer day (like it was on our visit).
We traveled with our Bulldog, so we just came to enjoy the castle from the outside and to have a walk around the estates parkland. Staff we've met were all very friendly and welcoming.
It was built in 1295 as part of Edward I's chain of fortresses across the north of Wales. It was later on demolished in the English Civil War, but then rebuilt. Since 1981 it belongs to the National Trust.
And it's a beautiful castle. It's really in a fantastic condition and the land and park surrounding it are well taken care of. There are some small trails around the the meadow and castle and some longer trails to enjoy a bit more of the parkland. Some tables and benches in front of the castle to enjoy a picnic with these wonderful views all around.
For another time it's surely worth a re-visit to see the gardens and the inside. It's just really a wonderful place to see and to be. We really enjoyed it."
Alex Haas
"This place makes for a great day out. It’s a nice drive, a stunning castle and the views out over various counties from the bottom of the garden are amazing. The garden was slightly disappointing. Those borders could be amazing, and should be at this time of year. There is too much bare soil and some of the plants need replacing or rethinking but there are pockets of delight. I’ve felt this year, having visited a number of these historic gardens, that the NT is putting lots of effort into the properties but the gardens can appear a little neglected. Nevertheless, a thoroughly lovely place."
Martin Nicklin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
If driving from Leeds, you might pass through Chester or Stoke-on-Trent. Chirk Castle is located in North Wales, near the border with Shropshire. The postcode is LL14 5AF.
Chirk train station is nearby, offering good connections. From the station, it's a walk or short taxi ride to the castle.
The address for Chirk Castle is Chirk, Wrexham LL14 5AF, United Kingdom. 
Yes, there is a good-sized parking lot available for visitors, with some shaded spaces.
Absolutely! Chirk Castle is a popular day trip destination from Chester, offering a historical escape.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening times for Chirk Castle can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official National Trust website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Admission prices can vary. As a National Trust property, members often get free entry. Check the National Trust website for current ticket prices and booking information.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance, especially during peak times, is recommended to guarantee entry and potentially save time.
Yes, Chirk Castle is a National Trust property, meaning members can usually enter for free. +1
Keep an eye out for special promotions, like the 'dogs passport promo' mentioned by visitors, which can offer discounts or benefits.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find well-preserved medieval defenses, grand 18th-century state apartments, and fascinating suits of armor.
Yes, photography is allowed inside the castle, allowing you to capture its historical interiors. :camerawithflash:
The gardens are a highlight, featuring manicured lawns, borders, and beautiful walking paths with stunning views.
While specific play areas aren't heavily advertised, the expansive grounds and castle itself offer plenty for children to explore and enjoy.
Dogs are welcome on the estate and in the gardens, making it a great spot for a walk with your pet. However, they are not permitted inside the castle itself. :dog:
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe on-site where you can enjoy refreshments like coffee and pasties.
Picnics are welcome, with tables and benches available in front of the castle, offering wonderful views.
The cafe offers items like mocha coffees and pasties, providing a pleasant break during your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
The castle exterior, the manicured gardens, and the panoramic views from the ramparts offer fantastic photo opportunities.
Drone usage is typically restricted at National Trust properties to protect wildlife and visitor experience. It's best to check their specific drone policy.
Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer light for photography, especially in the gardens.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The expansive gardens and parkland offer plenty of space for children to run around and explore, making it a great place for a picnic or a game of chase. While there might not be a dedicated 'play area,' the sheer scale of the grounds and the historical intrigue of the castle provide ample entertainment. Consider bringing a carrier or reins for very young children if navigating the castle interior, as advised by some visitors.
The opportunity to see suits of armor and imagine knights can make history come alive for kids. 🐶 Dog Owners
It's a perfect opportunity for a leisurely stroll and to let your dog stretch its legs in a picturesque setting. However, it's important to note that dogs are not permitted inside the castle itself.
🚶♀️ Active Explorers & Walkers
Beyond leisurely strolls, Chirk Castle even hosts events like the Chirk 10k race, appealing to more serious runners and fitness enthusiasts.
Whether you're looking for a gentle walk or a more vigorous activity, the grounds offer diverse options to suit your pace. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Chirk Castle's Rich History
+1 Its formidable stone structure, complete with round towers and defensive features, speaks to its military origins. The castle has witnessed significant historical events, including damage during the English Civil War before being rebuilt. Over time, Chirk Castle transitioned from a military stronghold to a grand residence. The Middleton family, who moved in during the 16th century, significantly shaped its interior, transforming parts of it into the elegant 18th-century state apartments seen today.
+1Managed by the National Trust since 1981, Chirk Castle is meticulously preserved, allowing visitors to walk through its halls and imagine life within its walls centuries ago. The castle's history is deeply intertwined with the border region between England and Wales, making it a significant landmark in the area.
+1The Enchanting Gardens and Parkland
The surrounding parkland provides ample opportunities for leisurely walks, with trails winding through meadows and offering stunning views.
While dogs are welcome on the estate and in the gardens, they are not permitted inside the castle itself. This allows visitors with pets to fully enjoy the outdoor spaces and the scenic beauty of the castle's surroundings.
Chirk Castle: A Photographer's Dream
Inside the castle, visitors are permitted to take photos, allowing them to capture the grandeur of the state apartments and the historical artifacts. This is a rare treat for castle photography, offering a chance to document the interiors without restriction.
The gardens and parkland provide a different, yet equally captivating, photographic experience. The changing seasons bring new colors and textures, from the vibrant blooms of spring and summer to the rich hues of autumn. The panoramic views from the higher points of the estate also offer stunning backdrops for any photographer.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit