The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is a spectacular and distinctive coastal area. It’s Britain’s Only Coastal National Park, as it’s the only one of Britain’s 14 National Parks to be entirely coastal in nature...
186 miles of walkers paradise on both wild headlands and pristine beaches with picturesque towns and villages like Tenby, St Davids and Solva en route. Most people walk a little bit a time, coming back year after year to explore a bit more. If you want to do the whole lot, allow 15 days...
No other county in Britain has more Blue Flag Beaches or Seaside Award beaches than Pembrokeshire. With over 50 beaches to choose from, there’s going to one that’s perfect for you, whether you want surfing, kayaking or kite surfing, or just somewhere peaceful to relax, sunbathe and build sandcastles... 
There are 51 forts and castles in Pembrokeshire including enormous stone fortresses like Pembroke castle, Manorbier castle and Carew castle. There are medieval walled towns of Tenby and Pembroke and fortified Bishops Palaces at St Davids and Lamphey. 
A pristine environment, clean seas, very little population and lush vegetation makes for rich and varied habitats, most important of which are the Islands: Skomer, Skokholm, Ramsey, Grassholm and Caldey. Home to thousands of Puffins, Gannets and other sea birds. Dolphin, Porpoise and Whale watching boat trips are popular too...
Castles In Pembrokeshire -
Llawhaden Castle
Accreditations / Facilities
Open All Year
Free Admission
Parking
A fortified Bishops Palace rather than a castle, but impressively located on high ground overlooking The Vale of the Eastern Cleddau. This would have been a grand residence rather than a more functional fortification, but very castle like in appearance.
History
- Most likely, Llawhaden began as an earth and timber castle in the 12th century, the prize of the Norman Bishop Bernard.
- The defences were refortified with stone, in response to a siege led by the Welshman, the Lord Rhys, in the late 12th century.
- In the 13th century, Bishop Thomas Bek (1280-93) established and expanded the village, added the hall block, with its kitchen and stone-vaulted undercrofts, and the bishop's elaborately adorned chambers above.
- During the next century, the bishops added the twin-towered gatehouse, the most impressive structure at Llawhaden Castle.
- At the same time, a fine range of domestic buildings was added on the southern side of the castle including apartments and a chapel.
- After the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 16th century, Llawhaden was abandoned.
- It is now managed by CADW, the Welsh historic buildings agency.
Features
- The impressive shell of the gatehouse.
- The outer wall to the south side is fairly complete and includes a modern staircase to access the battlements for superb views.
- The inner keep is mostly grass.
- There are some rooms and partially vaulted undercrofts to explore.
- Nearby are the remains of the chapel of Llawhaden hospital, founded in 1287 by bishop Thomas Beck.
Facilities
Small free parking area near the castle.
Open: All Year. No Charge.
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Llawhaden Castle
Llawhaden
SA67 8HL
Tel: 01443 33 6000
Fax: 01443 33 6001
Web: www.castlewales.com/lahw
Email: cadw@wales.gsi.gov.uk
Map Location
ID: 1536 Revised: 16/7/2010
