2 minute read
The historic house
Exploring Plas Newydd
Plas Newydd, which means ‘new mansion’ in Welsh, sits along the banks of the Menai Strait, offering spectacular views of the surrounding scenery and the mountains of Snowdonia.
The current building has its origins in 1470, evolving over the centuries to become one of Anglesey’s principal residences and the country seat of the Marquesses of Anglesey. The property has been cared for by National Trust Cymru since 1976.
Explore the house
Inside the house you can explore the Military Museum, where you will find an exhibition of items and pictures of the 1st
Marquess of Anglesey and his part in the Battle of Waterloo. It’s here that you can see the famous Anglesey Leg, the first
ever articulated artificial limb, created for the Marquess after
he lost his leg due to a cannonball in the battle.
Painted by artist Rex Whistler, Plas Newydd is home to one of the largest and most well-known murals in the United Kingdom. It’s designed as a European fantasy landscape and encourages looking out over the sea with an impressive coastal town featuring Roman and baroque architecture, along with identifiable British buildings, all backed by the
mountains of Snowdonia. This playful scene was one of Whistler’s great masterpieces, and he even included a portrait of himself as a gardener with a broom in hand.
From March until November 2022 we are presenting unfinished artworks by Rex Whistler, some of which are on
show for the first time in over a decade.
Enjoy the gardens
With 40 acres of garden and 129 acres of woodland, there’s a garden for every season at Plas Newydd. Discover fiery colours,
atmospheric woodlands and romantic rhododendrons as you explore. The Italianate Terraces and Sunroom Courtyard are full of colour from early spring to autumn.
Expansive lawns dotted with large specimen trees, beautiful magnolias, many hydrangeas, as well as Japanese maples, bring colour and interest throughout the seasons.
Thanks to a reintroduction programme, the woodland is now home to over 100 red squirrels, see if you can spot one as you walk around, or join one of the guided Red Squirrel walks.
For younger visitors make sure to visit the fabulous Treehouse and adventure playground, the whole family can join in the fun on the ‘Frisbee Golf’ course too. n
