I have just taken early retirement and have one daughter and two adorable grandchildren. I also writ...
I have just taken early retirement and have one daughter and two adorable grandchildren. I also write reviews for dooyoo under the name of poppyash.
Member since:10.06.2009
Reviews:80
Members who trust:9
This is a magnificent castle with fantastic views and it is one of the finest National Trust Properties in the area. It is 1 miles of the A5, 2 miles from Chirk village and approximately 6 miles from Llangollen. For SAT NAV. users the postcode in LL14 5AF.
It is open from Wednesday to Sunday each week from February half term to the end of October, but also open on Tuesdays during July and August. The castle itself is open from 11.00am. but the garden and tea rooms open at 10.00am.Closing times vary from 4pm to 5pm depending on the time of year. It is also open on Bank Holidays.
The car park is about 200 yards from the castle but there is a drop off point nearer the castle for the disabled.
Prices including a gift aid contribution for the castle and gardens are £9.20 per adult, £4.60 per child but there is a family ticket for £23.
Baby changing and feeding facilities are available. Front carrying baby slings and hip carrying infant seats are on loan, as pushchairs are not allowed in the property . Toilets are in reception and the courtyard.
Dogs are only allowed in the car park and on the estate walks and must be kept on a lead.
There is wheelchair access to the ground floor, but there are steps at the entrance and the shop. There is access to the first floor but only one wheelchair user at a time is permitted.
As with all National Trust properties there is the usual shop and tea rooms at the castle. There is also a Home Farm Visitor Centre. The farm shop sells local and estate produce (although a bit pricey). There are also plant sales and a second hand bookshop.
There is only one guided tour from 11 am - noon. On arrival at the castle I could not fail to be impressed by the size and splendour of the castle gates. I later found out that these were made by Robert and John Davies, brothers of Croesfoel Forge in 1719 and that they were paid 2 shillings a day ( equivalent of about 10p today). The gates display the Myddleton coat-of-arms which depicts a red hand, 3 wolves heads and an eagles head. The red hand is said to have originated from a dispute over the inheritance of the property. Where it was decided that two youths would run a race and the first one to touch the gates would inherit. However, when the first youth outstretched his arm to reach out for the gate he was deprived of victory by a supporter of his adversary who drew his sword and cut off the youth’s hand. There are other versions to this story but I won’t go into them now.
The castle is steeped in history and is a fantastic example of a medieval fortress completed in 1310 during the reign of Edward 1 by Roger Mortimer. It is in a stunning location with views over nine counties. The Adam Tower and the Dungeon are just as they were 700 years ago and I was amazed at how thick the walls are. To think of the construction and work that went into the construction without any modern technology or equipment is astonishing. There is also, an example of two “murder holes” - where material would be poured down on anyone trying to invade the property.
The castle featured in the War of the Roses and in 1563 Elizabeth 1 gave it to Robert Dudley who reorganised the living accommodation and then the castle was sold to Sir Thomas Myddleton (who was founder of the East India Company who invested in the expeditions of Drake, Raleigh and Hawlins).Sir Thomas Myddleton paid £5000 in 1595 for the castle and his descendents still live in part of the castle.
Other features include the Servants' Hall, the 17th century Long Gallery and the State Apartments, where there is a display of lavish furnishings, tapastries and elaborate plasterwork. From the windows there is stunning views over the surrounding countryside.
Having walked round the castle we then went into the gardens and looked at the various trees and shrubs in a very neat and well trimmed area. There is also a rock garden and other features involved the thatched Hawk House and Chapel where I believe weddings can be arranged.
We then went for something to eat in the Tea Shop, where there was a good selection of food on offer, we settled for the baguettes which were filled to the brim and a pot of tea. There were many tempting mouth watering cakes on display but we were both full after the baguettes so didn’t try any - next time maybe.
We then went on the 11/4 mile circular walk through the woodlands which were originally the medieval hunting park. It was a beautiful day and the trees offered some welcomed shelter from the sun.
Outside there is also a children’s play area, a giant chess game on the lawn and some stocks that they can try out. There is also a family room where you can try on various period costumes.
I thoroughly enjoyed my visit and will definitely go again. There is plenty to see and do and you get a real feel of history. Well worth a visit.
For more information contact 0691 777701.
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Jun 27th, 2009
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