A world-famous garden near Welshpool is allowing visitors to bring their pet dogs inside for the first time.

The National Trust is welcoming visitors' four-legged friends into Powis Castle's garden on a three-month trial which will last until March 31.

The 26-acre garden has been open to the public since the National Trust took it over in 1952.

Around 150,000 people visited Powis Castle and Garden last year and the trial hopes to attract more visitors to the property.

4th Earl of Powis with his dog Patches 

Lady Violet and the gamekeepers with her Borzoi dogs which are Russian hunting dogs (Powis Castle and Garden National Trust)

Alison Booth, Volunteer and Community Involvement Manager at Powis Castle and Garden, said so far they've had lots of dogs visiting since Boxing Day.

"The National Trust as a whole is trying to become more welcoming for dogs and this is a way of attracting more locals to visit the property with their friendly dogs.

"This has never been done before because the garden has always been formal, so this is a big thing to do."

Dogs wanting to enjoy the garden should keep to the path on a non-extendable short lead. Dog mess bins are waiting to be installed in the grounds.

Dogs are not allowed in the deer park which is privately owned by the Powis Estate. The National Trust already welcomes dogs in the car park, the Courtyard and on the East Terrace.

The conservation and garden teams would like to know your thoughts on the trial. To have your say, message the Powis Castle and Garden NT Facebook page, pick up a comment card from the National Trust property or leave a review on TripAdvisor.

Dog-friendly National Trust properties near you:

  • Attingham Park, Shropshire
  • Chirk Castle, Wrexham 
  • Erddig, Wrexham  
  • Bodnant Garden, Conwy