Top 5 Castles in Pembrokeshire
Have you visited these Welsh castles yet?
Wales is famous for having more castles per square mile than any other in the world, and all of them are well worth a visit. To help narrow down which ones you should visit first, here are our top 5 castles in Pembrokeshire to visit.
Whether you’re a passionate history buff, a brave ghost hunter or a young family looking for a day out, these Pembrokeshire castles are fantastic attractions for all to visit. Some of them are even dog friendly so you really can take the whole family.
Pembroke Castle
Starting off with arguably one of the most famous castles in Wales, Pembroke Castle is one not to be missed. And if you’ve ever travelled through or paid a visit to the town of Pembroke, you’ll notice it cannot be missed.
Set in the very heart of this historic town, this majestic fortress is best known for being the birthplace of King Henry VII (father of Henry VIII, renowned for his six wives). You’ll know where when you visit as the tower where he was born is now named after him.
Dating back to the 11th Century, Pembroke Castle stands proudly in the centre of this town overlooking a calm millpond. In the years since its last use as a form of defence, it has been extensively restored and is now home to some of Pembrokeshire’s most beloved events. Attend the Rock the Castle music festival in June, outdoor theatre or cinema shows in summer, the Christmas Market in late November or sign up for a ghost tour if you’re brave enough!
This dog friendly castle has exhibitions and displays up throughout the year giving visitors an insight into its fascinating history and even has a fantastic 1000 square metre map of Wales in the central courtyard for you to take a look at. Family fun days are often hosted here with battle re-enactments, costume dress-ups, interactive activities and guided tours too. Plus, you can call into the café (dogs not permitted) for a cuppa before you head home.
Carew Castle
Easily one of the most photographed castles in Pembrokeshire, Carew Castle is positioned in a stunning location alongside a serene 23-acre millpond. Its history dates back some 2,000 years and stands in an area that has since been designated a beautiful SSSI region due to its significant bat population and rare plant species.
The very first castle on this site was recorded in the early 1200s when it was an earth and timber castle. Stone structures were later added with an "Old Tower" erected in the early 13th century and a 14th-century gatehouse, though the nearby Celtic Cross dates back to the 11th century.
Take a leisurely stroll around the millpond and enjoy picnics with this impressive stronghold as a backdrop and take advantage of the many viewpoints for incredible photo opportunities. Along the walk, you’ll discover the restored tidal mill, one of a kind in Wales.
History suggests that this CADW heritage site in Carew is also the site of an Iron Age settlement, nowadays it is an excellent visitor attraction – ideal for days out with all the family, including the dog! Enjoy the exhibitions outlining the intriguing past of the Carew Castle or take part in the interactive displays, book a free guided tour or listen to the free audio commentary as you explore self-guided.
Carew Castle offers a similar events calendar to that of Pembroke Castle, with various special events throughout the year. Expect festive fairs, spooky ghost-hunting tours and holiday seasons filled with family-fun days and activities, and summer times filled with outdoor showings of Shakespeare performances and popular movies.
Picton Castle
Picton Castle near Haverfordwest offers visitors a completely different castle experience than others. With a design inspired by Irish castles, this magnificent Medieval castle dates back to as early as the 13th Century but was converted into a grand stately home in the 18th Century. Located within 40 acres of sensational grounds, you can still see the gatehouse entrance and half-round towers here.
The grounds are made up of woodlands, walled gardens, ponds, a jungle garden and more – it is even part of the RHS garden scheme. Nature lovers will adore walking the estate and making the most of the terrific green spaces here, you can even call into their nursery and pick up a plant to take home.
Head to the bluebell woods at Picton Castle where you will find over 25 species of owl at The Welsh Owl Garden, or call into Maria’s Courtyard Restaurant for tapas parties, picnic boxes, a shop and a deli. You can even pick up mementoes of your visit at the gift shop or take your friends to try out the Escape Rooms here.
Picton Castle is known to host various events throughout the year including exhibitions from visiting artists, festive fairs and so much more.
Credit: Picton Castle
Manorbier Castle
The remarkable stone structure at Manorbier Castle stands overlooking the soft sandy shore at Manorbier Beach; make sure to visit this dune-backed bay for a picture before leaving. This fortress dates back to around the 12th Century and has been impressively maintained since. Much of the gatehouse, round tower, north tower and castle walls remain.
The castle in Manorbier is a favourite for private functions such as weddings so always make sure to check opening times before you plan a visit, especially if you’re making a special trip here, as you may find it closed otherwise. You can also attend a Christmas market here.
Enjoy a light lunch or refreshing cup of tea at Café du Barri, sit on the terrace or inside in what was the old 13th-century guard's room.
Cilgerran Castle
Last but certainly not least, Cilgerran Castle can be found in the very northernmost district of Pembrokeshire near Cardigan and the border between Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion. This 13th-century castle boasts a fabulous location looking out over the Teifi Gorge and can be dated back to the 13th Century.
Studies suggest that Cilgerran Castle was likely first built in the early 12th Century as a ringwork castle before being upgraded to a stone structure in 1223. Take along the dog for a great day out and explore the two round towers and amble along the castle walls.
Pop by the gift shop for a souvenir or two and pick up some tasty refreshments during your visit.
