On a sunny afternoon at the end of March, I found myself exploring the beautiful Powis Castle and gardens in Powys, Wales. Powis Castle is probably one of the most recognised National Trust properties because of the beautiful layered gardens. Powis Castle was a medieval fortress, and it was built in the 13th century by a Welsh prince (instead of my English invaders). After grabbing a quick lunch in the cafe and sitting in the sun in the beautiful castle courtyard, I had a wander around the castle.
The bloosoms of magnolia were out in full bloom and looked beautiful.
The rooms of the castle look stunning and are beautifully-furnished.
Powis Castle's gardens are one of the few remaining Baroque-style gardens in the UK. It is thought that they date from the late-1600s. The layered terrace design was common in Italian gardens, and the designer was William Winde. Winde worked on Cliveden gardens in Buckinghamshire. (You can read about Cliveden during one of my previous visits here.) The gardens did have a water garden, but this was removed in a later phase.
Four of the original terraces remain, but the last two have reverted to earthen banks. The terraces are 150 meters long, and the top of the terraces is covered with yew trees, and these add to the distinctive feature of the gardens. The yews were originally in the shape of obelisks, but they are now trimmed to organic shapes.
The orangery is located on the third level, and there is a beautiful terrace here with a few statues and amazing views.
I walked to the bottom of the terraces and to the rest of the gardens below the castle.
Here there are some views and lovely fountains.
The daffodils were in bloom during my visit, and I loved seeing the sunny blooms. The ones with the orange centres have always been my favourite.
In very early spring, the full glory of the gardens have yet to be realised, but the castle with the sculpted yew trees and terraces is the important overall feature.
I walked part of the wilderness walk to get these views and to see all of the beautiful daffodils in bloom. There were also a few primroses.
This walk led past the pond and then back up to the terraces.
Now that I have seen Powis Castle in the spring, I would love to re-visit it in the summer months when the gardens will be at their best.
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