Wales is well known for being "the castle capital of the world" with over 400 castles. Pembrokeshire of course has its fair share and boasts some fine examples well worth exploring fully. So if you're staying at our Bed and Breakfast in Pembroke you won't have far to go!
Castle Gallery : Click an image for larger view
Our favorite castles:
Pembroke Castle: Established in 1093 it is today one of the finest examples of Norman castles, and was the birth place of King Henry VII of England. The majority of the damage to the castle occurred during the English Civil War, after the war Oliver Cromwell encouraged local townspeople to disassemble the structure, stone by stone, thankfully though they never quite finished.
Manorbier Castle: Manorbier Castle is an well preserved example of an 11th century Norman castle. Visitors can view a chapel, crypt, dungeon and well which has arumoured secret smugglers' passage. The castle is also known for its beautiful gardens. The castle served as the backdrop for Cair Paravel in the BBC version of The Chronicles of Narnia and The 2003 motion picture I Capture the Castle.
Carew Castle: The castle stands on a limestone bluff overlooking the Carew inlet — a part of the tidal estuary that makes up Milford Haven. The site must have been recognised as strategically useful from the earliest times, and recent excavations in the outer ward have discovered multiple defensive walls of an Iron Age fort.
Cilgerran Castle: The castle sits on a rocky promontory above the River Teifi. An earth and timber castle is believed to have been built around 1100, though the existing masonry dates from around 13th century. The castle is largely ruinous, though two substantial towers remain. From the castle there are pleasant walks down to the River Teifi.
Picton Castle: Was built at the end of the 13th century by Sir John Wogan and is still inhabited by his descendants, the Philipps family. The castle is now owned and operated by the Picton Castle Trust. It has been extensively remodelled, especially in 1697 and 1749-52, but preserving a generally medieval style, and many of the original outer walls, now with larger windows. A secret passage leading to the inside of the castle emerges on the bank of the Cleddau and is visible from the water at low tide. The entrance is currently blocked up but during WWII, when the castle was used as a command centre, it was considered a valuable escape route.
Useful resources for Castles
Pembroke Castles website.
Manobier Castles website.
Carew Castles website.
Picton Castles website.
Everything about Welsh castles.
Historic environment service of the Welsh Assembly.
Archaeology in Wales.
