Top Things to do in Pembrokeshire
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Top 10 Castles in Pembrokeshire, Wales
The diminutive Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, a dramatic area of 225 square miles in southwest Wales, was set aside as a national park in 1952 and comprises a large portion of the Pembrokeshire coast and its islands and the moorland hills of Mynydd Preseli. Rugged cliffs and coastal rock formations are home to boisterous populations of seabirds, porpoises, whales, seals and dolphins. Cycle, hike or sea kayak around the spectacular coastline. Bird watching and rock climbing are also popular.
Restaurants in Pembrokeshire
1. Pembroke Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,943 reviews
One of the most magnificent of Britain's castles is the "birth place of the Tudor Dynasty." You can climb the 80ft Great Keep, descend into a pre-historic cave and look down into a prisoner in a medieval dungeon. There is also a cafe and gift shop. During school holidays there are falconry displays, historic re-enactments and family entertainment. The main exhibition rooms display models and weaponry as well as telling the story of the history of the castle. You can also visit the room that King Henry VII the founder of the Tudor Dynasty was born.
Reviewed By HelenS1993
We had a great time at Pembroke castle: the castle itself, and it’s history are wonderful and we took a free guided tour with Gareth (“the retired history teacher”) who was absolutely brilliant, full of passion, knowledge and humour. Would definitely recommend anyone who is interested in history visit this castle (and anyone who isn’t normally!) and take advantage of the brilliant tours!
2. Carew Castle & Tidal Mill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 942 reviews
Carew Castle and Tidal Mill’s rich history spans over 2,000 years and tells of knights of the realm, kingmakers, Elizabethan intrigue and Civil War devastation. Set in a stunning location overlooking a 23-acre Millpond, the Castle is one of the most architecturally diverse in Wales; from the west a Norman fortress, yet from the north a splendid Elizabethan mansion. The site also incorporates the only restored Tidal Mill in Wales, an 11th century Celtic cross, a Medieval bridge and picnic area all linked by a mile-long circular walk, suitable for buggies and wheelchairs, with magnificent views over the Millpond.
Reviewed By Romanlady7 - Leicester, United Kingdom
It might be in the middle of the countryside but it is as impressive as some of its more famous counterparts such as Harlech. There is a large free car park a short distance away and a path leads to the entrance with a cheerful cafe and well equipped shop. You can use the cafe without going into castle. The tea was very nice and the sandwiches looked good value for money but we didn't try them. We were there for a good 2 hours which would have been longer if it hadn't been raining. All this with a teenager too, who was able to explore and climb to her hearts content. An excellent day out. It is twinned with Castle Henllys (iron Age Village) and you get a discount if you go to both.
3. Picton Castle & Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 757 reviews
PICTON CASTLE AND GARDENS A Magical Day Out for all the FamilySituated close to the Cleddau Estuary Picton Castle and Gardenscomprise 40 acres of some of the most beautiful gardens and grounds surrounding the great 13th century castle. Much like the castle building itself, the gardens of Picton are a fusion over many centuries of different gardening styles and periods. The gardens are now acknowledged as one of the most beautiful and atmospheric in Wales and on the strength of the collections are a Royal Horticultural Society Partner Garden.
Reviewed By 786carolb - Birmingham, United Kingdom
Friday 23rd August 2019, My husband and I drove to Rhos to go to visit Picton Castle and gardens. The Castle was built by Sir John Wogan between 1295 and 1308. The plan is unusual as the castle has no internal courtyard, and originally the main block was protected by seven projecting circular towers: the two at the east end were linked to form a gatehouse, and the entrance led straight through a portcullis into the undercroft of the hall, a very unusual feature. There was a walled courtyard around the castle but with no moat. A 1740 print by Samuel and Nathaniel Buck showed slit windows with trefoil heads on the north-east tower which were characteristic of the period about 1300. In 1697 Sir John Philipps, 4th Bart., pulled down part of the curtain wall, built the terrace and created a main entrance at first-floor level. He also built an extra storey above the great hall, altered some windows and wainscoted some of the rooms. Sir John Philipps, 6th Bart., remodelled the interior of the castle in 1749-52. It was completely redecorated above basement level, and had new plasterwork, panelling and joinery floors, sash windows and four marbled fireplaces. Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries the Philippe’s of Picton Castle were the most powerful family in Pembrokeshire, exercising tremendous political, social and economic influence over all aspects of local life. They had vast estates, and were prominent philanthropists, lord’s lieutenants and members of Parliament. In later years the family due to financial constraints created the Picton Castle Trust, which runs and manages the castle. My husband and I mooched round this lovely castle with its grand drawing room and chapel and we took lots of very interesting photographs. Afterwards, my husband and I walked round the lovely walled gardens brimming with an eclectic and colorful collection of plants informally arranged in large beds. If you look beyond this and you will find the walls of the long vanished glasshouses that ran the length of the south facing wall. With the repeal of the glass tax in 1845 and the window tax in 1851, the range of glasshouses became the essential accessory for wealthy country society. These constructions were aided by technological advances brought about during the industrial revolution enabling more affordable glasshouses of cast iron and wood construction. At the time there was great interest in growing exotic plants that were flooding into Great Britain, particularly from collectors in Asia. There was a social status to be gained from their successful cultivation. Nearby are a series or partially derelict buildings that included the Head Gardeners office and a fruit storage room, above which is a rare surviving example of a grape store. Here bunches of grapes would be picked with a section of stem still attached which would be inserted into a sloping glass bottle containing water. The angled bottles would then be stored on purpose built racks. In the 1900’s the estate employed 23 gardeners – a great number of whom would have been employed in the intensive cultivation of plants within the glasshouses. The remaining outdoor areas of the walled garden were filled with a series of round beds containing formal bedding plants typical of the Victorian and Edwardian era. As it was such a lovely day, my husband and I spent some time sitting by the fountain in the garden soaking up the lovely sunshine. I found inspiration here, I wrote a poem called ‘What Gwyneth Found’ Afterwards, my husband and I strolled down The Peach Walk and then went for a walk in the Peach Wood with its lovely redwood trees growing very straight and very tall. At this point we were in need of refreshments so we slowly strolled in the lovely sunshine back to the tearoom. Maria’s tearoom had a Spanish theme to it. My husband had a nice pot of tea and a large slice of home-made frittata, which he said was very tasty. I had a nice hazelnut latte coffee and a large slice of lemon cream sponge, which was delicious. Afterwards, we looked round the local art exhibition, of paintings and ceramics done by local artists. We also looked round the gift shop and my husband purchased a book on Pembrokeshire legends and fairy tales for the book his is writing. We left here when the castle closed at 5.00pm. This castle is well worth visiting if you are in the area.
4. Llawhaden Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 52 reviews
Reviewed By julessmith2018 - Wales, United Kingdom
Free entry and no people around so great for exploring. The ruins are situated on a hill with great views from the top which has stairs and is easy to access. There is enough of the castle left to get a feel of what it was like in the past and there is a good circular walk around the surrounding area (although a bit steep in parts) that takes in the church as well. Highly recommended for castle enthusiasts!
5. Lamphey Bishop's Palace
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 171 reviews
Life couldn’t have been that hard for the medieval bishops of St Davids. These worldly, wealthy, influential men enjoyed their home comforts – as you’ll see when you wander around Lamphey’s palatial grounds, mainly the work of the dynamic Henry de Gower, bishop of St Davids from 1328 to 1347. The bishops used Lamphey as a country retreat, an escape from the burdens of Church and State. The displayed opening times are our general pattern. Please check the Cadw website for specific times and days, including closures.
Reviewed By 646devinar - Coventry, United Kingdom
Such a hidden gem and a must to visit. So much to be learnt & so interesting to read up on how the land was kept & worked many many years ago.
6. Tenby Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By OliSmithTravel - Newport, United Kingdom
Just a small castle tower on the top of a hill on the edge of Tenby. The place offers beautiful views of the fortress and the surrounding beaches. Worth a visit.
7. Manorbier Castle
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 651 reviews
The birthplace of the 12th-century scholar, Gerald of Wales.
Reviewed By pirategypsy - London, United Kingdom
We really enjoyed roaming around the grounds even though it was raining, there was a lovely tea room and the views from the turrets were beautiful.
8. Cilgerran Castle
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 246 reviews
Cilgerran is one of the most spectacularly sited castles in Wales. Its two great round towers loom high above the deep gorge of the River Teifi and the fast-flowing stream of the Plysog. The perfect spot, you might have thought, from which the invading Anglo-Normans could defend their newly conquered lands. Take the thrilling wall-walk from the east tower to understand just what a daunting obstacle it must have presented to the rulers of the ancient kingdom of Deheubarth. The displayed opening times are our general pattern. Please check the Cadw website for specific times and days, including closures.
Reviewed By K9095APsimonk - March, United Kingdom
Saw a couple of poor reviews so wasn't expecting much but was very impressed when we got to the castle. A lot to explore and see. Some great views from the top too. Spent a couple of hours looking round and was able to use NT card for free entry which was a bonus.
9. Narberth Castle
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By 786carolb - Birmingham, United Kingdom
Wednesday 21 August 19, my husband and I decided to go to the village of Narberth to visit the castle and we will also be having dinner there in the evening. Narberth (Castell Arberth) is a ruined Norman fortress. It forms part of the Landsker Line. An old chronicle in the Cotton Library mentions that, in 1116, Gruffydd ap Rhys attacked and destroyed the castle of arberth. However, it refers to the nearby Sentence Castle, as the stone castle at Narberth was not built until over 100 years later. The current ruins are Norman and date from the 13th century, having been built by Andrew Perrot. The castle is mentioned in the third branch of the Mabinogi (Welsh Legends) as the place where Rhiannon was imprisoned and forced to carry travelers through the gates as penance for killing her son. It must be noted in the case of Narberth Castle that the Normans often built castles on top of earlier defensive structures and it is feasible that the original castle was obliterated. The castle never changed hands throughout the Glyndwr Rising between 1400 and 1415 and was slighted after being taken by Oliver Cromwell in the English Civil War. Excavations over the years have found more than 20 graves on the north side of the castle dating from the 12th to the 13th century, showing that the area may have once been the site of a church. The castle has provided a good deal of building material for the surrounding houses over the centuries and the castle remains are mostly single and double storey walls, with the barrel-vaulted kitchen cellars intact. However, no upper storey rooms are intact. It must have been an impressive sight when complete and painted white. My husband and I wandered around this impressive castle for a couple of hours and we took lots of photographs. If you are a castles fan, although small, it is worth putting on your bucket list
