Castles and St Davids in Pembrokeshire

Cilgerran Castle
Three miles south of Cardigan this powerful stone castle dates from the early 13th century. It sits on a rock overlooking the gorge of the River Teifi. It is here apparently that Nest, the beautiful wife of Gerald of Windsor was kidnapped by Owain son of the Prince of Powys in 1109. 

Carew Castle and Mill
Five miles east of Pembroke this pretty castle stands beside the River Carew. Built on the site of a Norman motte and bailey between 1280 & 1310. Apparently the castle was extended by Sir John Perrot, reputedly a son of Henry VIII. A great day out with lots of activities organised over the Summer.

Kidwelly Castle
One of the most well preserved castles in Wales. It has an early 14th century chapel set high above the River Gwendraeth. The history of this castle stretches back to 1106.

LLawhaden Castle
Located about 8 miles east of Haverfordwest, just off the A40. The narrow approach road into Llawhaden gives no hint that the great bishops once took refuge here. Even the village itself, quiet and rather secluded, hides the splendor of its medieval past.

Manorbier Castle
Gerald of Wales was born here in 1146. It is a powerful reminder of Norman military architecture. The stone castle was built be the de Barri family and later fortified against Owain Glyndwr and saw action in the English Civil War.

Pembroke Castle
First built in 1093 by Arnulf Montgomery. It was an one of the most important Norman strongholds in Wales. It has a magnificent circular great tower with a spiral staircase, not good for those not keen on heights but fab views over Pembroke. Beneath the castle is a Stone Age Wogan Cavern.  Our boys love this castle for its little rooms and numerous staircases. They organise some interesting activities during the Summer.

Picton Castle
Was once the home to the Philipps family and a substantial number of friends and servants. Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries the Philippses of Picton Castle were the most powerful family in Pembrokeshire, exercising tremendous political, social and economic influence over all aspects of local life. A centre of squirearchal government, and a focus of local social and cultural life, functions which it has retained in some measure to the present day. Picton Castle is now owned by the Picton Castle Trust.

Great Britain's smallest city located in the far west of Wales. Steeped in history, the city is a vibrant centre of activity located in the heart of the beautiful Pembrokeshire Coastal National Park.

St Davids Cathedral
Situated below the tiny city of St Davids this cathedral is worth a visit to view both its beauty and historical past. Purported to be one of the most ancient cathedrals in the UK. www.stdavidscathedral.org.uk

If you are a history fan then the website www.castlewales.com is for you, it  gives fantastic information on churches, religion and premedieval sites in Wales.