At a glance
A National Trust neo-Gothic mansion above the Menai Strait — home to Rex Whistler's largest mural (1937, the finest trompe-l'oeil painting in Britain), the Marquess of Anglesey's military collection, and gardens with views to Snowdonia. Adult £15.50 (April 2026).
About Plas Newydd
Plas Newydd — "New Hall" in Welsh — is a neo-Gothic mansion set directly above the Anglesey shore of the Menai Strait, with panoramic views across the water to the mountains of Snowdonia. The house was substantially rebuilt in the late 18th century in the Gothic style by architects James Wyatt and Joseph Potter for the first Earl of Uxbridge, and has been associated with the Marquess of Anglesey family ever since.
The house is famous above all for the Rex Whistler Room — a dining room decorated with an extraordinary trompe-l'oeil mural painted by the artist Rex Whistler in 1936–1937. At 58 feet wide, it is the largest mural by Whistler, and one of the finest examples of trompe-l'oeil in Britain. The imaginary harbour scene incorporates a series of witty in-jokes, self-portraits and references to the house and its setting. Whistler was commissioned by the 6th Marquess and was clearly delighted by the commission, spending over a year on the work. He was killed in action in Normandy in July 1944, aged just 39.
The house also contains a significant collection of memorabilia relating to Henry Paget, the first Marquess of Anglesey, who commanded the cavalry at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815 and lost his leg in the final stages of the battle. His famous artificial leg is displayed alongside his dispatches, correspondence with Wellington and portraits. The National Trust has maintained the house's personal atmosphere rather than turning it into a generic historic property.
What to see at Plas Newydd
- The Rex Whistler mural — The 58-foot trompe-l'oeil dining room mural — give yourself time to find all the hidden self-portraits and architectural jokes.
- The Waterloo memorabilia — The first Marquess's artificial leg, dispatch cases, Wellington letters and Waterloo battle relics — an outstanding personal collection.
- The Menai Strait garden views — The formal lawn descends to the water's edge with views to Snowdonia — particularly fine in clear autumn light.
- The woodland garden — An informal woodland walk extends into the estate grounds — rhododendrons and specimen trees in a sheltered setting.
- The marine room — A collection of ship models and naval memorabilia supplementing the military collection upstairs.
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Frequently asked questions
Rex Whistler's mural — painted in 1936–1937 — is the largest work by this artist and one of the finest examples of trompe-l'oeil mural painting in Britain. It covers an entire wall of the dining room (58 feet wide) with an elaborate fantasy harbour scene incorporating witty self-portraits, architectural jokes and references to Plas Newydd and its setting. Whistler was killed in Normandy in 1944 aged 39.
National Trust admission at April 2026 rates: Adult £15.50, Child £7.75. National Trust members enter free. The admission covers both the house interior and the formal gardens. The mural alone justifies the admission price for those interested in art.
The house contains the personal collection of the Marquess of Anglesey, including a famous display of military memorabilia relating to Henry Paget, the first Marquess, who commanded the cavalry at Waterloo (1815) and lost his leg in the battle. His artificial leg is on display, as are his dispatches, portraits and other memorabilia. The family's portraits and personal possessions give the house an occupied, lived-in atmosphere.
Yes — the house and gardens sit directly above the Anglesey shore of the Menai Strait, with outstanding views across the water to the Snowdonia mountains beyond. The views are particularly dramatic in clear autumn light. The formal lawn runs down to the water's edge.
Yes. Dogs on leads are welcome in the formal gardens, the woodland garden and the lawn. Dogs are not permitted inside the house. The gardens provide a good 1-hour walk with excellent Menai Strait views throughout.
Beaumaris Castle (UNESCO Iron Ring, 5 miles east), Bryn Celli Ddu Neolithic passage tomb (3 miles west) and Newborough Beach (9 miles southwest) are all within easy driving distance. The combination of Plas Newydd, Beaumaris Castle and Bryn Celli Ddu makes a full day exploring the southeast of Anglesey.