Powis Castle named best National Trust walk in the UK

PA

A top tourist attraction in Wales has been named as the best National Trust walk in the UK.

Powis Castle, near Welshpool, beat seven other National Trust sites to the title, after it carried out an online poll as part of its walking festival.

The 800-year-old medieval castle beat Croome Park in Worcestershire, which came in at second place, and Newton Pool in Northumberland, the list's third hotspot, to be crowned the best.

Each nominated property was backed by a celebrity, and weather presenter Sian Lloyd championed Powis.

Alison Dyer, the castle's assistant visitor services manager, told the BBC: "We are delighted to win this vote.

"It is a real tribute to the beauty of Powis Castle and the joy that many people receive from exploring our grand Italianate terraces, dancing statues and lavish herbaceous borders, framed by a beautiful red Welsh castle."

According to the National Trust website, Powis Castle began life as a fortress in 1200, and its world-famous 26-acre garden is 'overhung with clipped yews, shelters rare and tender plants', and also retains original lead statues and an orangery on the terraces.

The well-known Clive Museum also holds a fabulous collection of treasures from India.

According to the BBC, more than 62,000 people took part in events at 376 National Trust properties across Britain in 2011.

Discover more wonderful gardens in Britain below:

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