Pembrokeshire

There are many castles in this part of Wales and also many castle sites where little or nothing remains. Listed here are a few of the ones where there is something to see. Photos by Pembrokeshire CC unless otherwise stated.

CAREW CASTLE

Nearby is the restored tidal cornmill which is also well worth a visit.

Carew Cross is a highly decorated royal memorial from about the 11th century and is located near the castle entrance.

CILGERRAN

Standing high above the tidal limit of the River Teifi just a couple of miles upstream from Cardigan, this castle holds an almost impregnable position. Built some time in the mid 13th century, it is now a picturesque ruin, so picturesque that it was chosen as a subject by famous painters such as Turner and Wilson. Now a National Trust property.

HAVERFORDWEST

This 13th century castle was built at the lowest crossing point of the River Cleddau to guard the upper reaches of the haven. Can be viewed from outside.

LLAWHADEN

Just off the A40, 8 miles east of Haverfordwest are the impressive ruins of this castle which dates mainly from the 14th century. Two centuries earlier, a wooden castle was built on the site to protect the estates of the Norman bishops of St David's. It stands on the "Landsker" an imaginary line marking the boundary between the Welsh to the North East and the Normans to the South West. Even today, most of the people living in the west are not Welsh speakers and the area is known as "Little England beyond Wales". The wooden castle was eventually replaced by the stone castle, the remains of which you see today. Admission charge.

MANORBIER

The flowers in summer make this a very pleasant castle to visit. All that remains is the inner ward but that is quite impressive. The castle is privately owned but open to the public from April to September. Admission charge.

NARBERTH

There is little of the castle left and what remains is privately owned. However, it can be viewed from the road.

PICTON CASTLE

Built in the 13th Century by Sir John Wogan, his direct descendants still live in the Castle today, carrying the name of Philipps since the 15th Century. Awarded their Coat of Arms by Richard Coeur de Lion for their exploits during the Crusades, they were to oppose The King during the Civil War. In the 18th Century they figured prominently in the economic, educational and social life of the Principality. Today the Castle is still a home retaining its original medieval features in the undercroft. The principal rooms were remodelled during the 1750's by Sir John Phillipps the sixth Baronet, with fine plaster work and fireplaces by Sir Henry Cheere. During the 1790's the first Lord Milford added a wing which includes the splendid dining room and drawing room. Signposted three miles East of Haverfordwest and two miles South of A40.

ROCH

Roch Castle, 6 miles north-west of Haverfordwest has a single tower built in the 13th century, standing on a volcanic outcrop with commanding views over the surrounding countryside. No public admittance but easily viewed from the road.

ANCIENT MONUMENTS:

It is beyond the scope of this guide to give details of the area's rich archaeological heritage but no guide would be complete without some mention. The area has many stone-age burial chambers, some standing stones, and even stone circles (and remains of others). There are iron-age forts, many built on promontories around the coast and on the nearby islands. Ordnance Survey maps show details.

Castell Henllys

Off A478 Cardigan to Fishguard Road, near Newport, SA41 3PX
Tel: 01239 891584    Fax: 01239 891319
E-mail: pcnp@pembrokeshirecoast.org.uk

A reconstructed Iron Age hill fort. Findings from excavations carried out on the site have enabled the National Park Authority to realistically reproduce life as it was 2000 years ago. Traditional craft making and ancient breeds of animals can also be found on site. Open April to October.

Lamphey Bishops Palace

Lamphey, nr Pembroke, SA71 5PE
Tel: 02920 500200

Extensive remains of a grand medieval palace of the Bishop's of St Davids which has been sensitively renovated recently. A regular programme of events is held in the summer.

Pentre Ifan Burial Chamber

nr Newport, SA41 3TZ

Set in the heart of the Preseli Hills, where the 'Spotted Dolerite' came from which made the inner sanctum of Stonehenge. A fine example of a cromlech with a 15ton capstone intact. Dramatic against sunrise or sunset.

St. Dogmael's Abbey

St. Dogmaels, SA43 3EB

Remains of a 12th century abbey built by Benedictine monks on the site of an earlier Celtic monastery.

St. Govans Chapel

St. Govans Head, nr Bosherston, SA71 5DR

A tiny hermits cell built into the cliff at St Govan's near Bosherston. Count the steps down and up again - legend has it that the number is never the same!

St. Nons

St. Davids, SA62 6BN

A holy well, retreat and shrine dedicated to the mother of St. David, situated on the south coast near St. Davids.

Tenby Castle

Tenby, SA70 7BP

Overlooking the harbour. The now ruined castle and the well preserved town walls with their distinctive Five Arches formed William de Valences' defensive plan for Tenby. Now designated an ancient 'walled town'.

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The Norman influence on church architecture is to be found all over Pembrokeshire but particularly in the south with many churches having squat square towers. In the early 19th century, Methodism became increasingly popular in many parts of Britain and from that date onwards local communities built chapels, many still in use.

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COLBY WOODLANDS GARDENS

Amroth, Saundersfoot, Pembs, SA67 8PP
Tel: 01834 811885
Opening Times: 10.00am-5.00pm daily. From 15th March to 2nd November.

An 8 acre woodland garden set in a tranquil and secluded valley with one of the best collections of Rhododendrons and Azaleas in Wales.

TUDOR MERCHANTS HOUSE

Quay Hill, Tenby Pembs, SA70 7BX
Open: 17th March-2nd November. 11am - 5pm Sunday to Friday.
Open: Saturday on Bank Holiday weekends.

Late 15th Century Town House in which a successful Tudor Merchant would have lived. Furnishings re-create the atmosphere when a Tudor family would have been in residence.

The Bible Garden

Pengawsai Fach, Whitland, Pembrokeshire, SA34 0RB
Tel: 01994 240659

Twelve individual gardens covering one and a half acres set in the peaceful Pembrokeshire countryside, taking you through the Old and New Testaments as well as Christian festivals, the saints and a wedding in a church. One and a half hours of tranquillity, smiles and surprises.

Hilton Court Gardens

Roch, nr Haverfordwest, SA62 6AF
Tel: 01437 710262    Fax: 01437 711074
E-mail: enquiries@hiltongardensandcrafts.co.uk

9 Acres of woodland and lakes in a sheltered hollow above Nolton Haven overlooked by the Balcony tea room. Entrance to the garden is via a cobbled courtyard of converted stone buildings which accommodate craft workshops, a garden centre, restaurant and shop.

Penrhos Cottage

3 miles from Maenclochog, SA66 7XT
Tel: 01437 731457

A carefully preserved thatched cottage or 'Ty Unos', unique in Pembrokeshire, of a kind which could be built overnight on land claimed "as far as a stone could be thrown" The cottage can be viewed but by appointment only through Scolton Manor Museum.

Scolton Manor House and Country Park

nr Haverfordwest, SA62 5QN
Tel: 01437 731457

A Victorian manor with upstairs, downstairs exhibits and historical artefacts including a steam train, smithy and wheelwrights shop. The surrounding country park has an eco friendly theme and hosts numerous events in summer. Country park open all year.

Upton Castle Gardens

nr Cosheston, SA68 0TN
Tel: 01646 651782
E-mail: pcnp@pembrokeshirecoast.org.uk

The grounds and gardens occupy a secluded wooded valley which runs down to a tributary of the Carew River. The grounds contain over 250 different species of trees and shrubs and are managed by Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.