Pembrokeshire Castles

Pembrokeshire has a dearth of significant medieval castles each with a colourful history. From our Norman castle in Newport to the grand Carew castle in the south, there are some amazing sites to visit.
Information is provided by Castles of Wales, Cadw

Newport Castle
At the foothills of Carn Ingli this Norman castle looms over the town of Newport. Founded by the first Lord Marcher of Kemes, Martin de Turribus in 1191. None of the original castle remains, however a three-storey private residence was built in 1859 on the site of the Castles gate-house. Since the castle is privately owned, viewing is from a distance only.

Cardigan Castle
"If these mighty walls could talk, they’d tell you some stories. About bloody battles. Colourful characters. And a cultural celebration that would go down in history. Discover the history of Cardigan Castle and the people who lived here".

Cardigan castle has a rich history and was also the site for the first Eisteddford back in 1176. It has recently undergone a 12 million pound renovation and is now open to the public.

Cilgerran Castle
Cilgerran Castle stands on a precipitous, craggy promontory overlooking the river Teifi where it merges with the Plysgog stream. The Teifi here is just at its tidal limit, so the castle was able to control both a natural crossing point and the passage of seagoing ships. 
Cilgerran Castle is in the guardianship of Cadw - Welsh Assembly Government’s historic environment service.

Laugharne Castle
The magnificent medieval castle turned Tudor mansion later became the perfect antidote to writer’s block. Both Dylan Thomas and author Richard Hughes put pen to paper in the castle’s garden summerhouse.

Looking out over the estuary, like an eagle nesting on its eyrie, this impressive relic of ancient times demands you stand and stare.
The castle is maintained by CADW and is open from April to end October 

Pembroke Castle
Pembroke Castle has a long and fascinating history, for it was around 1093 that Arnulf de Montgomery built the small inner bailey standing at the end of the promontory.

Only a few years later the castle withstood a long siege by the Welsh, although its defenders were near starvation. The late 12th century keep is both an outstanding feature and architectural novelty, for it has a massive cylindrical tower with an unusual stone dome.

Llawhaden Castle
A fortified palace of the bishops of St Davids, first created as a ringwork in the twelfth century and totally rebuilt mainly in the fourteenth century.
Maintained and run by CADW the castle is open daily from aprilon wards.

Picton Castle 
Picton Castle is a most unusual ancient building being in design half fortified manor house and half fully developed medieval castle.
From the outside with its four symmetrically spaced half round towers and gatehouse entrance flanked by two narrower towers it looks like a miniature version of a great Edwardian Castle such as Conwy in North Wales. However as soon as one enters inside it is revealed not to have an inner courtyard and keep but rather a series of finely planned rooms typical of the grand country house that it is. Picton Castle is open to the public throughout the year.

Carew Castle
The magnificent Carew Castle has a history spanning 2,000 years. Set in a stunning location, overlooking a 23-acre millpond, the castle displays the development from a Norman fortification to an Elizabethan country house. There's plenty to see and do with an exciting summer-long activity programme.

Manobier
The Norman knight Odo de Barri was granted the lands of Manorbier, Penally and Begelly in gratitude for his military help in conquering Pembrokeshire after 1003.

Two of his sons acquired larger estates in Ireland, which became the main power base of the de Barris, known as the Barris of Olethan. His fourth son was Gerald de Barri. Known commonly as Gerald of Wales (the great twelfth century scholar) who was born at the castle. Renowned today for his chronicles and descriptions of life in his time.

Haverfordwest Castle
The castle stands on a superb, naturally defensive position at the end of a strong, isolated ridge with a sheer cliff on the east. It was an English foundation, first established by Gilbert de Clare, earl of Pembroke in the mid-12th century, and remained an English stronghold throughout its history.