This festive season, National Trust Cymru invites visitors to Penrhyn Castle and Garden to experience the magic of Christmas that brings communities and loved ones together.
From 14 December, discover beautiful decorations, twinkling trees, including one standing an impressive 25ft tall, and a range of Christmas craft activities the whole family can enjoy.
Start your day by following the festive wooden stars from the Visitor Centre, each individually decorated by local community groups that line the way to the neo-Norman castle. As you wander, enjoy views of the Great Orme and Puffin Island in one direction, and the majestic backdrop of Eryri (Snowdonia) and the Carneddau in the other.
Once inside, explore the magnificent ground floor rooms of the early 19th century castle, each tastefully decorated with a magical Christmas tree, and visit the dining room where the table has been lavishly dressed for a sumptuous Victorian festive feast.
Enjoy a range of craft activities as you go. Make your own Christmas decoration to take home using natural materials, design your own Christmas card, make a pom pom or play ‘I spy’ and see what you can spot in the artwork hanging on the walls. On 18 December, storyteller Siwan Llynor will be visiting to entertain younger visitors with her captivating tales at 11am and 1.30pm.
No visit would be complete without a journey into the impressive Grand Hall itself, where an enormous 25ft Christmas tree takes centre stage. Be sure to take a photo next to it before heading out into the garden for a winter stroll. Enjoy the wintery scents of Sarcococca and Hamamelis at the ponds and capture a picture next to the giant outdoor wreath. Finish your day with a relaxing warm drink and a delicious treat in the cafe.
Lois Jones, Visitor Operations and Experience Manager at Penrhyn Castle, said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone to Penrhyn Castle and Garden this Christmas to spend time with loved ones and create lasting memories.
“Staff, volunteers and local community groups have come together to create a wonderful festive experience, and we can’t wait for everyone to enjoy it.
“Penrhyn Castle’s rooms are incredible to visit year-round, but over the Christmas period we sprinkle a little bit of extra magic, and we look forward to seeing people from the local community and beyond enjoying the space.”
After you have enjoyed the Christmas experience head into the library to see essential conservation work happening and witness how the collection team look after the castle and its furniture.
Volunteer-led behind-the-scenes tours of the castle will be available on 19 and 20 December at 10.30am, 11.30am, 1.30pm and 2.30pm. If you would like to learn more about the garden, join head gardener Gethin Crump on 16 and 17 December from 1-2pm for an insightful winter walk. Booking is essential for both.
Finally, on 18 December join one of the ‘Meet the Maker’ sessions in the Butler’s Pantry to meet the people behind some of the local produce that is available in the castle shop. No booking required.
Enjoy Penrhyn Castle’s Christmas from 14- 22 December and from 27 December until 1 January between 10am and 4pm, with the last entry at 3pm. The castle is closed on 13, 23, 24, 25 and 26 December. Normal admission charges apply, National Trust members and under 5s enter for free.
