The National Trust has closed Powis Castle, cafe and shop to help fight the spread of coronavirus - but the garden will remain open free of charge.

The announcement was made on Tuesday in response to the government's advice on social distancing during the outbreak.

The buildings at the popular tourist spot near Welshpool will be closed off to visitors however the garden will stay open from 10am to 4pm.

Following Prime Minister Boris Johnson's advice on Monday, March 16, the National Trust’s Director-General Hilary McGrady said pay-for-entry sites including houses, cafés and shops, will close by Friday, March 20.

In a statement, the National Trust said: "We'll work, where possible, to keep as many of our gardens and parklands open, free of charge, alongside coast and countryside, to encourage the nation to enjoy open space, while observing social distancing measures."

Hilary McGrady added: “The National Trust was founded 125 years ago for the benefit of the entire nation. We want to honour our mission – to enable people and nature to thrive. Over the coming weeks we will do all that we can to keep on providing public benefit through caring for places and giving people access wherever possible.

“While we will close our indoor areas to help fight the spread of coronavirus, we recognise that people are likely to need access to open space.”