Castles & heritage in Pembrokeshire
Pembrokeshire’s landscape is peppered with everything from mysterious prehistoric tombs to medieval castles and Celtic religious shrines.
Pembroke Castle and Carew Castle are probably the finest castles in Pembrokeshire whilst Cilgerran Castle probably commands the most dramatic location perched high above the Teifi Gorge.
Llawhaden Castle was a fortified Bishop’s palace rather than a true castle with panoramic views from its battlements. Picton Castle is a cross between a medieval castle and a fortified manor house. Built in the 13th century by Sir John Wogan, it’s still occupied today by his descendants.
Manorbier Castle is a Norman baronial residence overlooking the beach. It was described by Gerald of Wales as ‘the pleasantest place in Wales’.
St Davids Bishops Palace was home to the Bishops of St Davids and was built as a private residence but later in the 13th century became a much grander building for stylish entertaining. Lamphey Bishop’s Palace was built as a retreat for those medieval bishops seeking solace from the everyday stresses of Church and State.
The Tudor Merchants House in Tenby has been restored by the National Trust and recreates the home of wealthy merchants trading from Tenby during the 1500’s.
Other must-visits include St Govans Chapel near Bosherston. A small 13th-century chapel built into the sea-cliff and accessible only by steps from the towering cliff above. Pentre Ifan is Wales’ most iconic prehistoric site. The Neolithic burial chamber topped by a massive capstone is made from the same stones as the inner circle of Stonehenge.
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Tenby Museum & Art Gallery
The museum features the prehistory of the area, maritime and piracy, a local history gallery and the Story of Tenby Gallery as well as two art galleries featuring work by Gwen and Augustus John.
Pembroke Castle
An enormous oval castle, mostly surrounded by a serene mill pond. Extensively restored in Victorian times, it’s dominated by the complex gatehouse on the outside and the huge circular keep.
St Davids Cathedral
St Davids Cathedral is a remarkable place, built in 1181 on the site reputed to be that of St David’s 6th century monastic settlement.
Solva Woollen Mill
A hidden gem! The oldest working woollen mill in Pembrokeshire, a family run business, specialising in weaving flat woven floor rugs and runners. You can watch the weaving, visit the mill shop, take a look at the restored waterwheel, enjoy locally made cakes in the tearoom and there’s an outside seating area. Open all year.
Carew Castle & Tidal Mill
An enormous stone castle in a picturesque location next to the mill pond, which powers the tide mill. The castle is ruined now, but was once a powerful stronghold and a grand Elizabethan mansion.
The Cilwendeg Shell House Hermitage
The Cilwendeg Shell House Hermitage is a most remarkable ornamental shell grotto, and a rare survival in West Wales.
Castell Henllys Iron Age Fort
Situated in the rugged north Pembrokeshire landscape, Castell Henllys is a reconstructed Iron Age hill fort. Archaeological excavation of the site has enabled the National Park Authority to realistically reproduce life as it was over 2000 years ago.
Saundersfoot Harbour
Saundersfoot Harbour is a bustling fishing and leisure harbour idyllically perched between the Blue Flag beaches of Saundersfoot and Coppet Hall, and the dog-friendly Glen Beach and Swallow Tree Cove. Home to the Wales International Coastal Centre, there’s plenty to do from shopping and heritage to crabbing and water sports.
Great Facilities
Milford Haven Heritage & Maritime Museum
Housed in the Old Custom House in the dock area, one of the oldest buildings in the town. The museum illustrates the history of the major industries which the town has been home to.
Melin Tregwynt
Owned by the same family since 1912, over 30 local people work at the mill and their products can be found in design-led shops and smart hotels, on film and TV. You can watch the weaving Mon to Fri and there is a mill shop, cafe and picnic area open 7 days a week.
Tudor Merchant's House
Time travel to Tudor Tenby and discover what life was like at a 15th century merchant’s house.
Manorbier Castle
The castle’s basic plan is almost rectangular, and consists of a sturdy battlemented curtain wall with niches and powerful corner towers, impressive gatehouse, a complex hall-range, and a huge barn.