The Cilwendeg Shell House Hermitage

About The Cilwendeg Shell House Hermitage

The Cilwendeg Shell House Hermitage is a most remarkable ornamental grotto, and a rare survival in West Wales.

It was built in the late 1820s by Morgan Jones the Younger, who inherited the Cilwendeg estate upon the death of his uncle and created the Shell House in his uncle’s honour.

This extraordinary woodland retreat was conceived in the picturesque taste of the era, and in addition to serving as a grateful tribute to the elder Jones, it was used by his family as a cool amusement in the summer months and a contemplative reading room in the depths of the winter.

Additional Information

Open from March to December.

Visitors to Cilwendeg Shell House must book in advance via our website.  Bookings are available for any day of the week from March 1st to December 31st.  The building is closed during January and February.

Price Info:

Adult:£5 / 60 and over: £4 / Under 18: £2

Facilities:

  • Groups welcome
  • Parking (free)

Directions

Cilwendeg Park is located to the east of the village of Boncath in Pembrokeshire off the B4332 (between Boncath and Newchapel).

Vehicular access to the Shell House car park is restricted to cars only (vans and buses may not enter at any time).

Visitors are requested to follow the signs from the car park to the Shell House.