Everything from motte & bailey to grand palaces
Top Pembrokeshire castles
Pembrokeshire has a long history of castle building, everything from early motte and bailey castles to grand bishop’s fortified palaces.
Castles are great places to explore and here are six of the best, each with its own varied past.
Sturdy Norman castle which evolved over the centuries into a stately Elizabethan country house – its stonework traces the changes, from rough-and-ready to refined. And there’s more. The castle, stunningly located on a tidal river, overlooks a 23-acre millpond and restored tidal mill open to visitors. This heritage-rich location also boasts an elaborately carved 11th-century Celtic cross and medieval bridge.
Romantic, picturesque 13th-century castle set high on a wooded crag overlooking the River Teifi. Its two massive round towers still stand tall despite a troubled past.
A captivating site, more a fortified Bishop’s Palace than an out-and-out castle. Located on the ghostly Landsker line between north and south Pembrokeshire with panoramic views from the battlements.
Huge fortress and birthplace of Henry VII. Explore the towers, battlements, turrets and underground cavern. Dramatic exhibitions recreate important scenes in the castle’s turbulent history. Programme of family-friendly events and activities.
Norman baronial residence overlooking a beautiful beach. Well-preserved walls enclose a grassy courtyard with extensive remains of a chapel and staterooms. Described by medieval writer/traveller Gerald of Wales as ‘the pleasantest spot in Wales’.
A cross between a medieval castle and fortified manor house, Picton was built in the 13th century by Sir John Wogan and is still inhabited by his descendants. Equally as impressive is its 40 acres of glorious woodland gardens.
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