Welsh Heritage – 3 castles to visit within 10 miles of the Hildebrand, Tenby
- Pembroke Castle
Brief History – this is one of the finest castles in the UK. Work started on the building of Pembroke castle in 1093, by Roger de Montgomery, Earl of Shrewsbury. William Marshall, the famous knight became the 3rd Earl of Pembroke in 1198 and started fortifying the castle. The castle, and the Earldom of Pembrokeshire passed between various families and the crown over the years, and in 1457, King Henry V11 was born in the castle, nephew of Jasper Tudor who was the current Earl of Pembroke.
Opening Times: March 1st – 27th 10.00 – 17.00 April 1st – August 31st, 9.30 – 17.00
Admission prices – Adults £7.00 Children and Seniors (65+) £6.00
Café for light refreshments
Parking – no on-site parking, but plenty of public parking available within short walking distance
Varied package of events and activities all year
Free guided tours (times vary, and subject to availability)
For further information Contact: 01646 681510 www.pembrokecastle.co.uk
- Carew Castle
Brief History: originally built on the site of an Iron Age settlement by Gerald de Windsor, constable of Pembroke Castle under Henry 1, at the end of 11th century. Sir Nicholas de Carew replaced the original with a stone castle in 14th Century and the castle was then improved upon by Sir Rhys ap Thomas in the late 15th century. In the mid 16th century, Sir John Perrot developed the existing medieval fortress into an Elizabethan Manor.
Opening Times: Summer opening times 10.00 – 17.00
Admission prices – Adult £5, Seniors (65+) £4, Children £3
Café for light refreshments
Parking – free on site
Varied package of events and activities all year
Free guided tours, various times throughout day
For further information Contact:01646 651782 www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales
3.Manorbier Castle
Brief History: Built by a Norman knight, Odo de Barri in the early 11th century and gradually replaced with a stone structure. It was owned by the de Barris until 1359, and then changed owners several times and became property of the crown in the late 15th century. It was then sold by Elizabeth 1 in 1603 (described as “ruinous and decayed”) to the Bowen family, then sold to the Phillips family, of Picton castle. It was eventually leased to William Coldo in the late 19th century, and he undertook extensive restoration work.
Opening Times: March 31st – Sept 30th 10.00 – 17.00
Admission prices – Adult £5.50, Senior £4 Child £3
Café for light refreshments
Parking – Manorbier beach car park, a short walk up the hill to the castle
Varied package of events and activities all year
For further information, Contact:01834 870081 manorbiercastle.co.uk
