Carew Castle and Tidal Mill
A Norman and Tudor fortress with a rich history, featuring Wales's only restored Tidal Mill and scenic grounds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy outdoor activities
Carew Castle and Tidal Mill
Best Time
Enjoy outdoor activities
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A Norman and Tudor fortress with a rich history, featuring Wales's only restored Tidal Mill and scenic grounds.
"How anything can be so ruinous yet so magnificent is beyond me but Carew Castle is just that."
🚶♀️ Walk the Millpond Circuit
The mile-long walk around the millpond is lovely and accessible, even for mobility scooters.
🎧 Use the Audio Guide
QR codes offer free audio descriptions to enhance your understanding of the castle's history.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Majestic Castle Ruins
Carew Castle
Explore the imposing Norman and Tudor fortress, with vast rooms and towers offering glimpses into centuries of history.
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The Restored Tidal Mill
Tidal Mill
Discover Wales's only restored Tidal Mill, a fascinating piece of industrial heritage with a unique connection to the river.
Family Fun & Activities
Various locations
Engage in treasure hunts, archery, and historical re-enactments that bring the castle's past to life for all ages.
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Scenic Millpond Walk
Millpond and Causeway
Enjoy a pleasant mile-long circular walk around the 23-acre millpond, offering beautiful views and a chance for crabbing.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Special Events
Dog-Friendly Exploration
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk the Millpond Circuit
The mile-long walk around the millpond is lovely and accessible, even for mobility scooters.
🎧 Use the Audio Guide
QR codes offer free audio descriptions to enhance your understanding of the castle's history.
🎯 Kids Love the Activities
Treasure hunts and archery are big hits with children, making it a fun family day out.
🐶 Dogs Welcome!
Bring your furry friends along; they're allowed on a leash throughout most of the site.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk the Millpond Circuit
The mile-long walk around the millpond is lovely and accessible, even for mobility scooters.
🎧 Use the Audio Guide
QR codes offer free audio descriptions to enhance your understanding of the castle's history.
🎯 Kids Love the Activities
Treasure hunts and archery are big hits with children, making it a fun family day out.
🐶 Dogs Welcome!
Bring your furry friends along; they're allowed on a leash throughout most of the site.
🧺 Picnic with a View
There's a lovely picnic area by the millpond, perfect for a relaxed lunch.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Carew Castle for its magnificent ruins, engaging history, and family-friendly atmosphere. The restored Tidal Mill and scenic millpond walk are also highlights, offering a well-rounded experience. While the castle is largely ruined, its grandeur and the available activities make for a very enjoyable and worthwhile visit.
"How anything can be so ruinous yet so magnificent is beyond me but Carew Castle is just that.
From the friendly greeting and advice at the modern reception and shop to exploring the castle and enjoying a picnic in the peaceful garden, we had a lovely day.
We used the QR codes around the castle to access the audio descriptions of the various areas which were interesting and enhanced the visit.
My wife uses a mobility scooter and could access a surprisingly good part of the ruins.
For the more agile the climbs up the slate spiral staircases up the towers is great fun.
The admission price also includes admission to the interesting Tidal Mill. The mile long circular walk to the Mill and over the causeway back to the ( free ) castle car park is pleasant and a decent surface for the disability scooter.
A very enjoyable visit indeed."
Anthony Hibbs
"It was a spontaneous trip to this beautiful castle in the heart of Pembrokeshire. They got plenty of free parking. We bought the tickets at the counter £17 for two adults. The castle is huge and has clear instructions along the way. If you’re planning a visit to wales then this has to be in your to do list."
U D
"Built in 1270, built & owned by the Carew family for over 900yrs.
Great few place to visit for 3-4hrs. Beautiful castle & grounds to wander round, our children (5&7) loved dressing up and having a go at archery 🏹
There always seems to be activities for young kids.
£26.50 for a family ticket which includes entry to the tidal mill & free car parking. We also went crabbing off the wall next to the mill.
The cafe is nice, standard prices for this kind of attraction."
Rick Rigby
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Carew Castle and Tidal Mill is located in South Pembrokeshire, about 10 miles from Pembroke Castle. It's accessible by car, with free parking available on-site. Public transport options might be limited, so checking local bus routes is advisable if not driving.
Yes, there is plenty of free parking available at Carew Castle, which is convenient for visitors arriving by car.
While possible, visiting without a car can be challenging due to limited public transport in the area. It's recommended to check local bus services or consider a taxi if you're relying on public transport.
Yes, Carew Castle is located near Tenby, approximately a short drive away, making it a popular addition to a day trip exploring the Pembrokeshire coast.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. The castle typically opens around 10:00 AM and closes around 4:30 PM, while the Tidal Mill often operates from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices typically include entry to both the castle and the tidal mill. For adults, it's around £8, children £6, with family tickets available for approximately £26.50. Prices can vary, so check their website for current rates.
Yes, you can usually purchase tickets at the counter upon arrival. However, booking online in advance might be recommended during peak times or for special events to avoid queues.
Family tickets are generally available and offer a cost-effective option for groups. Discounts for larger groups might also be offered; it's worth inquiring directly with the attraction.
Yes, the admission fee typically includes access to both Carew Castle and the restored Tidal Mill, offering a comprehensive historical experience.
For special events, especially those with limited capacity like the 'Creepy Mill' Halloween experience, booking tickets in advance is highly recommended to secure your spot.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the castle ruins, visit the restored Tidal Mill, enjoy a walk around the millpond, participate in activities like archery and treasure hunts, and learn about the history through audio guides. +1
Absolutely! Children often enjoy the treasure hunts, dressing up opportunities, archery, and the general exploration of the castle. There are also play areas.
Yes, Carew Castle is dog-friendly! Well-behaved dogs on a leash are welcome to explore the grounds and castle ruins with their owners.
The site offers a surprisingly good level of accessibility. The millpond walk and causeway are suitable for mobility scooters, and some parts of the ruins are accessible, though steep staircases are present in towers.
The castle's history spans over 2,000 years, encompassing Norman fortifications, Tudor modifications, and experiences during the Civil War.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe on-site that offers refreshments and snacks. It's described as nice with standard prices for this type of attraction.
Picnicking is encouraged! There's a lovely picnic area by the millpond, making it a great option for a budget-friendly meal with scenic views.
The surrounding Pembrokeshire area, including nearby towns like Tenby and Saundersfoot, offers a variety of pubs and restaurants to explore after your visit.
The cafe typically offers standard attraction fare, likely including light meals, snacks, and drinks. Specific menus can change seasonally.
The castle has hosted events like weddings and rehearsal dinners, suggesting it's a venue that can accommodate special occasions. Inquire directly for details. +1
📸 📸 Photography
The castle ruins themselves offer dramatic shots, especially with the millpond in the foreground. The causeway and the 11th-century Celtic cross also provide picturesque opportunities.
Regulations regarding drone usage can vary. It's advisable to check with the castle management directly before flying a drone on the premises to ensure compliance with any restrictions.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, can offer beautiful lighting for capturing the castle's atmosphere. Overcast days can also enhance the moody, imposing feel.
Capture the scale of the ruins against the sky, the reflections in the millpond, and details of the architecture. The Celtic cross is also a unique photographic subject.
Photography is generally permitted within the Tidal Mill, allowing you to document the restored machinery and its historical context.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during school holidays when special events are often scheduled. The free audio guide can also help keep older children engaged with the castle's stories. The mile-long walk around the millpond is manageable and offers beautiful scenery, making it a pleasant outing for the whole family.
🐶 Dog Owners
+1 This makes it an ideal spot for a walk and a dose of history without leaving your furry friend behind. Remember to bring waste bags and keep your dog under control.🚶♀️ Mobility Impaired Visitors
📸 Photographers
+1 Consider visiting during the golden hour for dramatic lighting, or embrace the moody atmosphere on an overcast day. The Tidal Mill itself provides a unique architectural and industrial photography subject. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through Time: The History of Carew Castle
+1The site also features an 11th-century Celtic cross, hinting at even earlier significance. The castle's strategic location on the Carew River played a crucial role in its development and defense. Exploring the various rooms, courtyards, and towers allows visitors to piece together the castle's complex narrative and imagine life within its walls through different eras.
For those interested in deeper historical context, the free audio guide accessible via QR codes is highly recommended. It brings the stones to life, detailing the lives of the people who lived, fought, and died here, making the visit far more immersive and educational.
The Ingenuity of the Tidal Mill
Visitors can explore the mill's interior and learn about the machinery and processes involved in milling. The mill's restoration ensures that this important piece of industrial heritage is preserved and understood. It offers a tangible connection to the agricultural and economic life of the region in past centuries.
During certain times of the year, like autumn, the site even hosts events like apple pressing, showcasing a continuation of traditional food production techniques that resonate with the mill's historical purpose.
Family Adventures and Activities
Activities like archery and historical re-enactments further immerse younger visitors in the castle's past, making history come alive in a fun and interactive way. The presence of a play area near the cafe also provides a space for children to burn off energy.
+1For those with younger children, the accessibility of the millpond walk and the availability of a cafe make it a manageable and enjoyable outing. The opportunity for crabbing off the wall next to the mill can also be a unique and memorable experience for kids.
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