Carew Castle

Forts & Castles In Pembrokeshire

Postcode: SA70 8SL | WhatThreeWords: carpeted.fountain.beyond

Nestled in the heart of Pembrokeshire, Carew Castle and Tidal Mill offer a captivating blend of history and scenic beauty.

Carew Castle is more than just a ruin – it’s a living timeline of Welsh history, rising proudly above the peaceful waters of its millpond in South Pembrokeshire.

Few places in the county capture such a wide stretch of time in one spot. From Iron Age beginnings to Norman conquest, and from grand Tudor makeovers to Civil War decline, Carew’s story is one of power, politics and pride. The earliest signs of life here go back over two thousand years to an Iron Age settlement that once stood on the same ridge. But it was the arrival of the Normans that marked the beginning of the castle as we know it today.

Around the 1100s, Gerald de Windsor built the first stone fortifications on the site, laying the foundations for centuries of change and development. Through the Middle Ages, Carew became a seat of influence in West Wales. The powerful de Carew family took over, giving the castle its name. Over time, its defensive features were reinforced with towers, battlements, and a grand gatehouse. But it wasn’t all about war—by the 16th century, Carew had taken on a new life as a luxurious Tudor mansion under Sir Rhys ap Thomas, a key ally to Henry Tudor before he became Henry VII.

Rhys brought royal connections, wealth, and ambition to the castle, transforming it with large windows, decorative stonework, and stately rooms designed to impress. Despite its strength and beauty, Carew eventually fell into decline.

After the Civil War in the 1600s, it was abandoned and left to the elements. But even as a ruin, it remained striking—its walls still stand tall, shaped by centuries of builders, soldiers, and noble families.

One of the most unique features at Carew is the tidal mill, built in the early 19th century just across the causeway. It’s the only restored tidal mill of its kind in Wales, using the natural rise and fall of the tide to grind corn. It adds another layer of interest to the site, showing how innovation and daily life were closely tied to the land and sea.

Wandering through Carew Castle today, you can still feel the echoes of the past. The mix of medieval might and Tudor elegance makes it unlike any other castle in the county. And with views across the millpond, regular sightings of herons and swans, and even tales of ghostly goings-on, it’s a place that captures the imagination as much as the eye.

Carew isn’t just a building – it’s a journey through time, offering a glimpse into the lives, struggles, and stories of those who once called it home.

Fancy visiting here?
Find out more about opening times, what you can do there, activities and more on the Carew Castle & Tidal Mill page.

Carew Castle, Sponsored By…