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Powis Castle is a magnificent building of mellow sandstone, standing on a rock overlooking superb terraced gardens.

Built around 1200 by Welsh Princes, generations of Herberts and Clives have subsequently occupied the castle, bringing their own unique style and taste to influence the decor, furniture and gardens.

Powis castle is a family home, welcoming and comfortable. It has many fine paintings and furniture.

The castle is also home to the Clive Museum which displays a collection of Indian treasures.

The views from the castle are breathtaking looking across the valley over the steep terraced garden and the "woodland wilderness".

The terraced garden is influenced by French and Italian styles. It features an orangery, aviary and statues on its terraces. Huge clipped yews cling on to the top of the terrace to protect the planting on that level.

Following the paths anticlockwise takes you from the formal terraces into the woodland wilderness, which runs across a gently descending ridge which encompasses a large area of lawn.

The woodland area is a very relaxing walk, through shrubs, trees, and of course, rhododendrons. From the ridge you can enjoy views across the valley and see the castle from possibly the best vantage point directly opposite the terraces.

Following the path along the ridge you descend to more formal gardens arranged in a series of "rooms".

The nature of the garden makes it largely unsuitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs. Cars can be driven to the castle gates for the disabled to alight, then returned to the car park.

You can picnic in the car park or on the surrounding slopes. A fairly steep road or steps take you up to the castle where you will find the toilets, a plant centre and the entrance to the gardens.

Attractions near Powis Castle include Newtown, Welshpool And Llanfair Railway at Llanfair Caereinion, Llanymynech Golf Club near Oswestry, Bear Lanes Shopping Centre at Newtown, Decorative Antiques near Bishops Castle, Bury Ditches at Clunton, Oswestry Golf Club near Oswestry.