A Royal Day Out: Visiting Powis Castle from Your Shropshire Cabin Retreat

Our woodland cabin offers everything you need to slow down — birdsong in the morning, wildflower meadows in bloom, and just enough wildness to feel the world soften.

But for those days when you feel like a little adventure — somewhere with grandeur, history, and the kind of gardens that make you pause. I always recommend a trip to Powis Castle.

Located just 40 minutes from the cabin, this dramatic red sandstone castle is perched high above the Severn Valley and is home to one of the most impressive collections of art, tapestries, and treasures in Wales. It's managed by the National Trust, and whether you're into history, architecture, or just love wandering through opulent spaces imagining past lives (guilty!), it’s a deeply enriching way to spend a day.

But the real showstopper? The gardens.

Terraced Italianate gardens spill down the hillside in dramatic layers, with centuries-old yew trees clipped into towering shapes, vibrant borders brimming with colour, and views that stretch for miles. It’s no wonder visitors from across the UK come to see it — yet it still feels peaceful and quietly regal.

It’s the perfect balance to staying at the Black Rhadley Cabin — stepping from forest trails and owls at dusk into a day of baroque beauty and royal gardens. Then, once you've had your fill of art, antiquities, and maybe a slice of Victoria sponge from the tea room, you can wind your way back to the cabin — back to the trees, the quiet, and your own little sanctuary in the hills.

Whether you’re booking a nature escape in the UK, a romantic Shropshire weekend break, or just need a restorative reset, a visit to Powis Castle is a magical addition to your time here. And that’s the beauty of this place — the ability to do nothing or everything, depending on the day.

Planning Tips:

  • Powis Castle is open year-round but check National Trust opening times before you go.

  • Wear comfy shoes — the gardens are terraced and worth every step.

  • Stop off at nearby Montgomery for lunch or dinner on the way home or stock up on local treats for your cabin supper

Patricia Hall