Pembrokeshire's Most Beautiful Castles

The natural beauty of Pembrokeshire is matched only by its remarkable culture and heritage, and this is perhaps summed up best in it's castles.Punctuating the landscape, these incredible fortresses allow us to experience first-hand the sights and stories of Pembrokeshire's rich history.

Some have survived better than others, and we've picked the best ones for you to explore during your break.

Mighty Fortresses and Romantic Ruins

Pembroke Castle

The birth place of Henry VII, Pembroke Castle is the biggest castle in Pembrokeshire and was the seat of power in the county for hundreds of years.

Beautifully maintained, you can visit the room where Henry Tudor was born, climb the 60ft keep and visit the dungeons while discovering it's 1000 year history.

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Picton Castle

Close to Bluestone, and nestled on the banks of the Western Cleddau, Picton Castle is a unique mix of medieval and Georgian architecture.

Originally built in 1280, it was occupied by French troops supporting Welsh Prince Owain Glyndŵr in 1405 and attacked by Parliamentarians in 1645 during the Civil War, before being transformed into a stately home in the 18th century.

Its style follows that of Irish castles built in the same period, and is the only example of this type in the UK, making it well worth a visit. Outside, the castle boasts extensive gardens and grounds waiting to be explored.

Open daily, excluding certain dates at Christmas, it's well worth a visit.

Carew Castle

Sitting on the banks of an inlet of the Cleddau estuary, Carew is a magnificent Norman castle, with Elizabethan extension.

It's believed a fortress has been on the castle's site for over 2,000 years. In that time, it's been the location of battles, sieges and has even been caught up in one of Wales' most famous legends - the kidnapping of Princess Nest.

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Llawhaden Castle

Majestic Llawhaden Castle is perched on high ground overlooking the Eastern Cleddau, just a few miles from Bluestone.

Originally built in the 12th century as a timber castle, it was refortified later with stone by the Normans, with the ruins of this building surviving until today.

While the impressive fortification, with twin-towered gatehouse, gives the appearance of being a castle, it was actually built as a Bishop’s Palace - for those travelling between Carmarthen and St. Davids.

It was occupied until the 16th century, when it was abandoned after the dissolution of the Monasteries and fell into ruin.

Manorbier Castle

Looming over the beach of the same name for it's place on the cliffside, Manorbier is an enchanting Norman castle sitting on the south coast of Pembrokeshire.

Built in the 11th century as a defensive position against invasions from the sea, Manorbier's 900 year history has been filled with battles, power struggles and tales of smugglers.

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Cilgerran Castle

Picturesque on its perch above the Teifi Gorge, Cilgerran Castle is so dramatic that it was sought out by the celebrated artists Wilson and Turner to preserve its image for posterity.

Although its origins are somewhat obscure, it is believed to have been built by the Normans in the 12th century and has had a chequered history.