Summer day out at Penrhyn Castle and Garden Penrhyn Castle is a neo-Norman fantasy castle, commanding spectacular views towards Snowdonia and the Menai Straits.
which can be seen in its entirety for the first time this year, highlights items in our collections that connect us to our colonial past A grand house masquerading as a castle,
and showcase local school children’s creative
Penrhyn Castle was built to impress. Its detailed
responses to them. The exhibition will be
carvings and lavish Victorian furniture are a
shown until the beginning of November.
demonstration of the extreme wealth of the Pennant family who lived there.
Alongside What a World, discover the ‘Haenau’ interventions which reveal the castle’s local history and its connection
Using profits generated on Jamaican plantations and in
to the slate industry. The Pennant family owned the local
the North Wales slate industry it overlooks, the castle was
Penrhyn Quarry, which became the site of one of the longest
constructed between 1820 and 1833. No expense was
industrial disputes in British history.
spared in its design and Thomas Hopper, the architect, ensured every corner of the castle was finished with ornate
Things to see and do:
details and intricate carvings. The Grand Staircase, the
There’s plenty to do here over the summer holidays. From 16
showstopper of his design, took ten years to build and has
July to 29 August, collect a challenge card from the Visitor
wowed visitors for decades.
Welcome Centre and discover which games are in the garden. Drop by on Thursdays to take part in some tennis
Outside, our extensive grounds and gardens have dramatic
games and challenges.
views of both the mountains and the sea. Over the last five years we have been developing our meadows and as a result
After some more history? Find the Railway Museum in the old
more birds, bees and butterflies visit the grounds. The picnic
stables block and discover all sorts of trains and locomotives
spots cut out in the middle of the meadows provide a great
that are a part of our collection or head down to the Victorian
opportunity to immerse yourself in this wildlife.
Kitchens to see what life was like below stairs. n
For a more formal garden, head towards the Walled Garden
Penrhyn Castle and Garden is open daily in the spring and
where you will find precise topiary and meticulous planting.
summer months and closes at 4pm. Please check opening
It features our beautiful Fuchsia Arch, which provides the
times before travelling, as they are subject to change.
perfect photo opportunity when it’s in bloom between July and October. Here, Walter Speed’s 19th Century vision for one of Britain’s top three gardens of the time can really be appreciated. @NTPenrhynCastle
Don’t miss Find the castle’s compelling history in the opulent rooms through our exhibitions. The What a World exhibition,
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ penrhyn-castle
NWM 2022 Page 37
