Plas Newydd House and Garden - Image 1
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Plas Newydd House and Garden Anglesey

4.6
·3k reviews·, United Kingdom

Historic waterfront mansion on Anglesey with stunning gardens, famous Rex Whistler mural, and chances to spot red squirrels.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, Spring/Autumn

Fewer crowds, pleasant weather

CrowdLow
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Plas Newydd House and Garden - Image 1

Plas Newydd House and Garden Anglesey

Best Time

Weekdays, Spring/Autumn

Fewer crowds, pleasant weather

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Historic waterfront mansion on Anglesey with stunning gardens, famous Rex Whistler mural, and chances to spot red squirrels.

4.6
(3k reviews)

"A fantastic day out with amazing views, a beautiful house, and helpful staff!"

Vertical photo
TIP

☕ Cafe Delights

Enjoy a Red Boat ice cream or lunch at the Dairy Cafe. Plenty of seating available!

🐿️ Squirrel Alert!

Bring your camera and patience for red squirrel spotting in the gardens.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Rex Whistler Mural

Rex Whistler Mural

Dining Room

A whimsical and detailed mural by Rex Whistler, offering a glimpse into the family's playful side.

Menai Strait Views

Menai Strait Views

Gardens and Terrace

Stunning panoramic views of the Menai Strait and Snowdonia mountains, perfect for a peaceful moment.

Red Squirrel Spotting

Red Squirrel Spotting

Woodland Walks

Keep your eyes peeled for the charming red squirrels darting through the trees in the gardens.

Military History

Military History

House Interior

Discover fascinating military connections, particularly relating to the Napoleonic Wars, within the house.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Visit during National Trust's Heritage Weekend for free entry, but expect crowds. For a more serene experience, aim for weekdays outside peak season. Check opening times as they vary seasonally.

Embrace the Outdoors

The gardens and waterfront views are a major draw. Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the grounds and keep an eye out for the elusive red squirrels!

Best Times

When
Weekdays, Spring/Autumn
Why
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Crowd
Low
When
Heritage Weekend
Why
Free entry, lively atmosphere
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Hardwick Hall aka Malfoy Manor🐍🧙‍♂️ #nationaltrust #nationaltrustuk #hardwickhall #malfoymanor #harrypotter #dracomalfoy #harrypotterdeathyhallows #wizard #magic #malfoy #potter
@jess.woodsx
443.2K likes • 2.1M views

☕ Cafe Delights

Enjoy a Red Boat ice cream or lunch at the Dairy Cafe. Plenty of seating available! Reddit

🐿️ Squirrel Alert!

Bring your camera and patience for red squirrel spotting in the gardens. Instagram

Plas Newydd House and Garden, North Wales, United Kingdom Located on the Isle of Anglesey, in North Wales, United Kingdom, this is a spacious property with two mansions on it by the banks of the Menai Straits, with the mountains of Snowdonia in the background. The property is administered by the UK National Trust. Plas Newydd reinforces the notion of ‘fairy tale Europe,’ where people live in a gar...
teachallnations
12 likes • 130 views
Amazing day yesterday in the grounds of Plas Newydd Historic House and Garden looking for red squirrels. We only saw one and it got pretty close! Although I was too slow with my camera and only caught him when he was on to the next tree 🙃 #wales #anglesey #nature #outdoors #travel #animals #wildlife #redsquirrel
liamwbrown
32 likes • 459 views

🚶‍♀️ Garden Strolls

Wear comfy shoes for exploring the beautiful grounds and waterfront walks. Reddit

♿ Accessibility

The house and gardens are accommodating for those with mobility issues. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

☕ Cafe Delights

Enjoy a Red Boat ice cream or lunch at the Dairy Cafe. Plenty of seating available! Reddit

🐿️ Squirrel Alert!

Bring your camera and patience for red squirrel spotting in the gardens. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Garden Strolls

Wear comfy shoes for exploring the beautiful grounds and waterfront walks. Reddit

♿ Accessibility

The house and gardens are accommodating for those with mobility issues. Reddit

💡 Volunteer Guides

Chat with knowledgeable volunteers to uncover hidden details, especially about the Rex Whistler mural. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Plas Newydd for its stunning waterfront location, beautiful gardens, and the captivating Rex Whistler mural. The knowledgeable and friendly staff, along with the opportunity to spot red squirrels, are frequently highlighted as positive aspects. Some find the house interior sparsely decorated, but the historical context and the overall setting make for a highly recommended visit.

"We visited for free on a Heritage Weekend, along with hundreds of others, but the staff were welcoming and coped well. We had lunches in the Dairy Cafe -all good.
The gardens and setting are wonderful.
The house us very interesting. The highlight is the Rex Whistler mural, which we were able to appreciate because a volunteer guide showed us many of the details personal to the family and special effects."

Steven Brooke

"Fantastic day out. Lovely staff, who are helpful with directions and info. Great Red Boat ice cream outside the house with plenty of seating too. Well kept interior & gardens with a variety of things to see. Accommodating to those with mobility issues too, which is nice to see. Would 100% recommend stopping here!"

Katie Fleetwood

"Had a fantastic experience here. Both Tracey and Keith were very, very knowledgeable. The views out are amazing. With the beautiful house set in a tranquil environment. Plenty to see and do."

Loulou Vdl

What People Like

Stunning waterfront views
Beautiful gardens
Rex Whistler mural

What People Dislike

Sparsely decorated interior

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Plas Newydd is located on the Isle of Anglesey in North Wales. It's accessible by car via the A55, with parking available on-site. Public transport options might involve local bus routes, but driving is generally the most convenient way to reach the attraction. Instagram

Yes, there is ample parking available for visitors at Plas Newydd. It's usually included with your admission or National Trust membership.

While possible, reaching Plas Newydd without a car can be challenging. Check local bus timetables for routes serving the area, but be prepared for potentially longer travel times and transfers. Instagram

The nearest major train station is Bangor, on the mainland. From Bangor, you would need to take a bus or taxi across the Menai Bridge to reach Anglesey and then find a local bus to Plas Newydd.

Plas Newydd is well-signposted from the A55 and local roads on Anglesey, making it relatively easy to find. Look for the National Trust signs.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission fees apply for Plas Newydd, but National Trust members get free entry. Keep an eye out for special events like Heritage Weekend, which sometimes offers free admission. Reddit

Opening hours for Plas Newydd vary seasonally. It's best to check the official National Trust website for the most up-to-date information on house and garden opening times before your visit. Instagram

Absolutely! If you are a National Trust member, you can enjoy free entry to Plas Newydd House and Garden. Reddit

Discounts may be available, especially during special events like Heritage Weekend. Some visitors have also mentioned using 2-for-1 garden vouchers. Reddit

For general visits, advance booking is often not required, but it's always a good idea to check the National Trust website, especially during peak times or for special events, to avoid disappointment. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Plas Newydd offers a rich experience with its historic house, the stunning Rex Whistler mural, beautiful gardens, woodland walks, and breathtaking views of the Menai Strait. You can also look for red squirrels. InstagramReddit

Yes, Plas Newydd is generally family-friendly. The gardens offer space to explore, and the house has interesting features. Keep an eye out for red squirrels, which kids often enjoy spotting. Instagram

Volunteer guides are often available within the house to share insights and details about the history and collections, particularly highlighting features like the Rex Whistler mural. Reddit

The terrace overlooking the Menai Strait offers spectacular views. The gardens themselves, with their varied flora and the house as a backdrop, also provide excellent photographic opportunities. Instagram

Plas Newydd aims to be accommodating for visitors with mobility issues. Some areas of the house and gardens may have limitations, but staff can provide information on accessible routes. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a cafe on-site, the Dairy Cafe, which serves lunches and refreshments. They also offer Red Boat ice cream, a popular local treat. Reddit+1

The cafe typically offers a selection of light meals, sandwiches, cakes, and hot and cold drinks. It's a good spot to refuel after exploring the house and gardens. Reddit

While specific picnic areas might not be designated, the extensive grounds offer many beautiful spots where you can enjoy a picnic, weather permitting. The cafe also provides ample seating. Reddit

Visitors are generally welcome to bring their own picnics to enjoy in the grounds, provided they are respectful of the environment and dispose of any waste properly.

The cafe's opening hours usually align with the house and garden's seasonal opening times. It's advisable to check the National Trust website for current operating hours. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The waterfront views across the Menai Strait towards Snowdonia are iconic. The gardens, especially during bloom, and the exterior of the house itself offer beautiful compositions. Don't forget to capture the unique Rex Whistler mural inside. Instagram

Photography is generally permitted inside the house, but usually without flash to protect the collections. Always check for any specific signage or ask staff if you're unsure. Reddit

Drone usage is typically restricted at National Trust properties to protect wildlife and the visitor experience. It's highly recommended to check the National Trust's drone policy before flying any drone in the vicinity. Instagram

The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset can offer beautiful light for landscape shots of the Menai Strait. Midday can be good for capturing the details of the house and gardens, though direct sunlight might be harsh. Instagram

The Rex Whistler mural is a must-photograph interior feature. Outside, the view from the terrace and the various garden vistas provide ample opportunities for stunning shots. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Plas Newydd offers a great day out for families. The spacious gardens provide plenty of room for children to explore and burn off energy. The chance to spot red squirrels is often a big hit with younger visitors, so keep those eyes peeled! Instagram

Inside the house, the Rex Whistler mural is a visually engaging piece that can capture children's imaginations with its whimsical details. While the house itself is historic, the National Trust often provides resources or activities to make it more accessible and interesting for families. The cafe also offers treats like ice cream, which is always a plus. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Garden Enthusiasts & Nature Lovers

For those who appreciate horticulture and natural beauty, Plas Newydd's gardens are a must-see. The diverse planting schemes and the stunning waterfront location provide a picturesque backdrop for a leisurely exploration. The walks along the Menai Strait offer unique perspectives and a chance to connect with the coastal environment. Reddit

Nature lovers will also be thrilled by the opportunity to observe red squirrels in their natural habitat within the grounds. Instagram The combination of manicured gardens and wilder woodland areas creates a rich ecosystem that supports various wildlife. It's an ideal spot for birdwatching and enjoying the tranquility of the Welsh countryside. Reddit

🏛️ History Buffs & Art Aficionados

Plas Newydd is a treasure trove for history enthusiasts. The Paget family history, spanning centuries of influence and military service, is deeply embedded in the house's narrative. Exploring the rooms offers insights into aristocratic life and significant historical periods, including the Napoleonic Wars. Reddit

Art lovers will be captivated by the iconic Rex Whistler mural, a significant piece of 20th-century art. Reddit Beyond the mural, the house's architecture and the curated collections provide a comprehensive look at the artistic and historical evolution of the estate. The knowledgeable volunteer guides can further enrich the experience with detailed explanations. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Art and History of Plas Newydd

Plas Newydd, meaning 'New Place' in Welsh, has a rich history dating back to the 15th century, though its current grand appearance is largely thanks to a significant rebuilding in the late 18th century by Sir Robert Taylor for the Paget family. The house is renowned for its architectural significance and its fascinating family history, particularly the Paget family's involvement in military and political affairs. Visitors can explore rooms that showcase this heritage, with displays and information bringing the past to life. Reddit

One of the most celebrated features within Plas Newydd is the enormous mural by Rex Whistler, commissioned in the 1930s. This whimsical and detailed artwork covers an entire wall in the dining room and is a playful yet masterful piece that reflects the artistic trends of its time and the personality of the family. A volunteer guide can often point out specific details and personal touches within the mural, making the viewing experience even more engaging. Reddit

The military history associated with Plas Newydd is also a significant draw, particularly for enthusiasts of the Napoleonic Wars. The house holds artifacts and stories connected to the family's military service, offering a deeper understanding of their contributions and the historical context of the era. This blend of art, architecture, and military history makes Plas Newydd a compelling destination for diverse interests. Reddit

Exploring the Gardens and Wildlife

The gardens of Plas Newydd are a significant attraction, offering a beautiful contrast to the imposing architecture of the house. Designed to complement the natural landscape, they provide stunning views across the Menai Strait towards the mountains of Snowdonia. Visitors can wander through various sections, enjoying the carefully curated planting and the serene atmosphere. InstagramReddit

A particular highlight for many visitors is the chance to spot red squirrels in the woodland areas of the garden. These charming creatures are a delight to observe in their natural habitat. While sightings are not guaranteed, keeping a quiet watch and a bit of patience can be rewarded. Bringing a camera is highly recommended, though as one visitor noted, they can be quick! Instagram

The waterfront setting of Plas Newydd adds another layer to its appeal. The walks along the Menai Strait offer picturesque scenery and a chance to appreciate the natural beauty of Anglesey. Whether you're enjoying a leisurely stroll or seeking out wildlife, the gardens and surrounding grounds provide a refreshing and engaging outdoor experience. Reddit

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