Chirk Castle has been managed by the National Trust since 1981. The castle itself was completed in 1310 as part of the castle building program instigated by Edward I to subdue the Welsh. Chirk Castle is strategically located in the Welsh Marches, at the mouth of the Ceiriog Valley, leading up into the wild, Berwyn mountains. These are some of the photos from my last visit made earlier this month. 
The castle gates were built by the Davies Brothers, renowned iron craftsmen from near Wrexham. 
They look out of place at their current location by the lodge, for good reason, they were originally erected in a more imposing position close to the castle where their grandeur added awe to the castle entry. 
The route from the car park is a challenging enough reminder that attacking the castle would not have been a walk in the park, but that is exactly what it is today. Take the free minibus if you wish. 
The entrance to the State Rooms. The first room on the visit contains one of the best collections of 17 th century muskets in the country. 
The impressive Long Gallery, displaying portraits of the Myddelton's ancestors. 
I am always interested in the Servant's quarters of Stately homes as it gives a tiny insight into how they were treated. 
The gardens had become overgrown, but Lady Margaret Myddleton gradually retorted them to their former magnificence after the Second World War. 
There are extensive yew hedges and topiary. The yew clippings are used to make cancer treatments. 
The statue of Hercules was relocated to the gardens in the 1980's using a helicopter to extract it from the nearby woodland. These photos offer a glimpse of some of the things on offer to a visitor. The castle has lots of 'hands on' activities for children. This August is an ideal time to visit as children can visit for Free! See the National Trust The dungeon is probably one that will appeal to lovers of Horrible histories while they can try their hand at archery and train to be a Medieval Soldier with Will the Archer, Head Guard in 1310. It also suggests its Top 5 things to do off the 50 Things to Do Before You’re 11¾ list. They are:
- Roll down a really big hill
- Build a den
- Find a geocache
- Balance on a fallen tree
- Run around in the rain
There has been plenty of opportunity to do the latter this year, but now normal summer weather has resumed. Visitor information Entry prices for whole property Adult: £9.00 Child: £4.50 Family: £22.50 Group: £8.50 Garden and tower only Adult: £6.48 Child: £3.24 Family: £16.20 Group: £6.12 UK taxpayers can also opt to pay a gift aid admission price where you pay an extra 10% on the ticket price and enable the National Trust to gain an extra 25% in tax refunds from the government. Another option is to take out one of the membership options for the National Trust, which is beneficial to both the trust and to members who visit four or more properties in a year. Getting there The castle is a 1½ miles steady climb from Chirk Railway Station, or the canal moorings, allow 45 minutes. Take the 2A Wrexham - Oswestry bus. Readily accessible by car. Google map.
