Powis Castle shortlisted for top spot honours

The Welshpool attraction is a front-runner in the National Trust Wales' Special Places campaign.

The conservation charity's campaign has sparked a national conversation that has seen people talking about, and voting for, their own special place in Wales – with the winning top spot set to be revealed at this year's National Eisteddfod in August.

Powis Castle is currently ranked third in the category.

Locations from all corners of Wales feature in the current top 20, incorporating much-loved architectural landmarks like Cardiff Castle, Penarth Pier Pavilion and Powis Castle, as well as areas of outstanding natural beauty including Three Cliffs Bay in Gower, and the tiny seaside parish of Mwnt in Ceredigion, which is best known for its popular 'secret' beach – both areas looked after by the National Trust.

Justin Albert, Special Places panel member and National Trust's Director for Wales, said: "As we reach the final run in for nominations, it's fascinating to see how the list is shaping up.

"All of the locations in the top 20 are undoubtedly special in their own right. Many may seem like obvious choices, but others are true hidden gems that many people in Wales, and particularly outside Wales, may never have even heard of.

"With just over a week until the open nomination phase closes I urge the Welsh public to get involved with the Special Places campaign and vote. We're lucky to have so many special and unique places here in Wales, and we should celebrate them."

As part of the Special Places campaign, the National Trust has enlisted a panel of official judges, a mixture of travel and heritage experts who are spearheading the campaign and calling on the public to join in and get their own top places in the shortlist.

Judges on board include TV wildlife presenter Iolo Williams, travel journalist, broadcaster and TV presenter Simon Calder and broadcaster Roy Noble.

The panel is urging the public to submit their votes via Twitter, online, or by filling in a voting slip at National Trust locations – ahead of the judges meeting to decide on a top 10 shortlist of places to put out to public voting for a final time.

The winning 'Special Place' will be given help and support to promote it in Wales and internationally by the National Trust and their campaign partners.