Powis Castle is built high on a rock above the Welsh market town of Welshpool, just over the border of Shropshire, about an hours drive from here and well worth the drive. The castle, originally built circa 1200, began life as a medieval fortress but has been modernised over the years and was the family home of Clive of India. The world-famous garden, overhung with clipped yews, shelters rare and tender plants. Laid out under the influence of Italian and French styles, it retains its original lead statues and an orangery on the terraces.
Owned by the National Trust the castle and gardens are open year round and there is an excellent restaurant and tearooms. Plants from the garden are also on sale.
