The tour covers the formal rooms of the house and family history. Visitors are also welcome to explore the formal west garden and ornamental woodland shrubbery.

Brynkinalt has been home to the Trevor Family since it was built in 1612 by Sir Edward Trevor and generations of Trevors. Their families have worked hard since to maintain the beautiful Grade II* house, located on the Wales/Shropshire border. The Trevors are direct descendants of a union which took place in 942 between Tudor Trevor, King of Gloucester, and Angharad, daughter of Howel Dda, King of Wales. The family are also descendants of Llewellyn the Great, Prince of Wales (1194-1240), and the Kings of Ireland, and the present Prince of Wales inherits his most recent Welsh and Irish blood through the Trevor Family. The family includes several renowned characters including Sir John Trevor who was one of the few Welsh Speakers in the history of the House of Commons to date. The Duke of Wellington’s mother was also a Trevor and the Duke used to visit his grandmother here and accompanied her to nearby Llangollen to see the now infamous Ladies of Llangollen.

The Great Hall

The impressive great hall, which was once an open courtyard, was enclosed and extensive wings and a conservatory added in the early 1800s by Charlotte, Viscountess Dungannon, who also added a range of gothic features and follies including various gate lodges and a double-walled kitchen garden (now sadly derelict but plans are underway to restore it) with an unusual tunnelled entrance. Some of the features of her design are recorded in a historic book of drawings, plans and sketches giving a fascinating glimpse of the thoughts and ideas that led to her final designs. The original Jacobean oak-panelled hall still remains, giving a glimpse of the original house. Recent projects include restoring the west garden with its formal beds and large herbaceous borders and the ornamental shrubbery with mature redwoods and a variety of new and old rhododendrons.

Christmas tour features family-style decorations and includes mince pies.

What our visitors say:

• This was the second time I have visited your home and it was a real pleasure. All our little group were very impressed with your knowledge and really enjoyed seeing so many of your treasures.
• We all so enjoyed our visit to your beautiful home, your warm welcome and fascinating tour made it very special. We did, indeed, feel very privileged.
• Thank you so much for a delightful afternoon. Your talk and tour was most interesting. I was particularly taken with Charlotte and her enormous contribution to the estate. What a remarkable lady!