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Parks

National Trust - Plas yn Rhiw

4.6 · 625 reviews
Quiet, secluded, and horticultural.
National Trust - Plas yn Rhiw, Rhiw, Pwllheli LL53 8AB, United Kingdom
Interesting facts
1

The Keating sisters purchased the estate in 1939 after discovering it in a state of advanced decay.

2

The property's terraced gardens were designed to survive the exposed, wind-swept conditions of the Llyn Peninsula.

3

The house features a collection of 17th-century furniture and personal belongings of the Keating family.

4

The estate grounds include a significant population of rare, non-native shrubs that thrive in the mild coastal climate.

5

The name 'Plas yn Rhiw' translates from Welsh to 'Mansion on the Slope'.

6

The manor incorporates elements of vernacular Welsh architecture typical of rural 16th-century farmhouses.

7

It is considered one of the most secluded National Trust properties in Wales.

8

The surrounding landscape is part of a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

Overview

Plas yn Rhiw is a 16th-century manor house located on the southern slopes of Mynydd Rhiw overlooking Porth Neigwl. The estate was rescued from dereliction in 1939 by the Keating sisters, who meticulously restored the house and established its tiered ornamental gardens. The site is owned and managed by the National Trust and is renowned for its diverse collection of shrubs, trees, and wildflowers. The property is characterized by its traditional white-washed exterior and proximity to the Llyn Peninsula coastline. Its elevated position offers panoramic views across the bay towards the mountains of Snowdonia. The gardens contain a mixture of formal planting and wilder woodland areas that provide habitats for local birdlife. Visitors can access both the manor's interior rooms, which reflect the mid-20th-century aesthetic of the Keating family, and the extensive terraced grounds. The site serves as a vital point for observing the unique microclimate and botanical variety found on the Llyn Peninsula.

Photo spot

The upper terrace of the garden, which provides the best vantage point for framing the house against the backdrop of Porth Neigwl.

Insider tips

Wear sturdy, comfortable footwear as the garden paths are steep and can be uneven.

Check weather forecasts, as the coastal exposure can cause rapid changes in temperature and wind speed.

Bring binoculars if you enjoy birdwatching, as the elevated location is excellent for spotting coastal raptors.

What to avoid

Attempting to drive large vehicles or campervans up the narrow, single-track access lanes leading to the estate.

Good to know

Closed during winter months; please check official listings for specific reopening dates in spring.

Etiquette

Maintain quiet in the manor house and do not remove any plants or natural materials from the gardens.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
1.5-2 hours
Best time to visit
Late spring or early summer to see the ornamental gardens in full bloom and enjoy clear visibility across the bay.
Address
National Trust - Plas yn Rhiw, Rhiw, Pwllheli LL53 8AB, United Kingdom
52.822, -4.619
Get directions
Details
Garden FeaturesTiered terraces and extensive woodland paths
House Highlights16th-century origins and mid-20th-century interiors

Frequently asked

Plan for about 1.5-2 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Late spring or early summer to see the ornamental gardens in full bloom and enjoy clear visibility across the bay..

The upper terrace of the garden, which provides the best vantage point for framing the house against the backdrop of Porth Neigwl.

Close by you'll find Porth Neigwl, Traeth Porthor, Plas Glyn y Weddw Gallery.