Pembroke Castle Pembroke
A magnificent Norman castle, birthplace of King Henry VII, offering a journey through centuries of history with stunning architecture and unique caver...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light for photos
Pembroke Castle Pembroke
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A magnificent Norman castle, birthplace of King Henry VII, offering a journey through centuries of history with stunning architecture and unique caverns.
"Certainly worth the visit to this massive Castle. So full of history. Fantastic."
Wear Comfy Shoes
Lots of walking, spiral stairs, and battlements! :athletic_shoe: Essential for exploring every nook and cranny.
Join a Free Tour
Highly recommended! Guides share fascinating stories and insights into castle life. :microphone: Often free with admission.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Great Keep
Central Courtyard
Climb to the top of this imposing tower for panoramic views of the castle and surrounding landscape. A true symbol of Norman power.
Wogan Cavern
Beneath the Northern Part
Discover the 'Ice Age secret' of this vast natural cave, once used as a place of sanctuary and even a medieval banqueting hall.
Birthplace of Henry VII
Various Rooms
Explore the chambers where Margaret Beaufort gave birth to the first Tudor monarch, King Henry VII. Feel the weight of history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Peak Times
Embrace the History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Comfy Shoes
Lots of walking, spiral stairs, and battlements! :athletic_shoe: Essential for exploring every nook and cranny.
Join a Free Tour
Highly recommended! Guides share fascinating stories and insights into castle life. :microphone: Often free with admission.
Check for Events
From Christmas markets to historical reenactments, events add extra magic. :sparkles: See their website!
Dog-Friendly (Mostly!)
Well-behaved dogs are welcome in most areas, but not down the steep spiral staircases. :dog:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfy Shoes
Lots of walking, spiral stairs, and battlements! :athletic_shoe: Essential for exploring every nook and cranny.
Join a Free Tour
Highly recommended! Guides share fascinating stories and insights into castle life. :microphone: Often free with admission.
Check for Events
From Christmas markets to historical reenactments, events add extra magic. :sparkles: See their website!
Dog-Friendly (Mostly!)
Well-behaved dogs are welcome in most areas, but not down the steep spiral staircases. :dog:
Affordable Refreshments
Food and drink prices were surprisingly reasonable, and the coffee and walnut brownie is a must-try! :coffee:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Pembroke Castle for its immense historical significance, particularly as the birthplace of Henry VII, and its well-preserved Norman architecture. The engaging guided tours and informative exhibits are frequently highlighted as major draws, making it a thoroughly recommended experience for all ages. While generally positive, some visitors note the physical demands of exploring the castle's many stairs and battlements.
"Certainly worth the visit to this massive Castle. So full of history. Walking along the battlements and up narrow spiral tower stairs, you can almost feel what it must have been like living in, and defending the place. Fantastic."
Geoff Mattar
"This is one of the best castles to visit.
Great information and exhibits including audio visual projections into the ruins.
Thoroughly recommend for all ages."
Tina Harcourt
"Beautiful castle to visit on a sunny day. Very informative and interesting to walk around. There were tours and shows going on around the grounds. Food and drink was cheaper than we expected!
The gift shop is worth a visit too and you can find out the origins of your surname."
Sky Mackie
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Pembroke Castle is accessible by car, with paid parking available at nearby car parks like Commons Car Park. Public transport options include bus services that stop in Pembroke town, and the nearest train station is Pembroke Dock, a short taxi or bus ride away.
Yes, there are several car parks near Pembroke Castle. The Commons car park is a popular paid option. Street parking may also be available in the surrounding town.
You can reach Pembroke town by bus, and the castle is a short walk from the town center. 
Pembroke town itself is charming with Norman buildings. Exploring on foot is ideal after visiting the castle.
The Pembrokeshire coast offers stunning scenery. Consider incorporating a visit as part of a wider exploration of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary, but booking online in advance is recommended. Check the official Pembroke Castle website for the most up-to-date pricing and any potential discounts.
Yes, free guided tours are often available and highly recommended for a deeper understanding of the castle's history.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Pembroke Castle website for current opening times before your visit.
Tickets can usually be purchased on the day, but booking online is advised during peak seasons or for special events to avoid disappointment.
Yes, Pembroke Castle offers activities for children and is generally very engaging for younger visitors.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Explore the Great Keep, Wogan Cavern, battlements, and various exhibition rooms. Audio-visual projections and informative displays enhance the experience.
While much of the castle is accessible, some areas like the spiral staircases and battlements may be challenging. Check with the castle directly for specific accessibility information.
Photography is generally allowed for personal use. Drones are often used for aerial shots, showcasing the castle's scale. +1
Yes, facilities including toilets are available on-site.
It's the birthplace of King Henry VII, the first Tudor monarch, and a significant Norman fortress with a rich history spanning centuries.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe on-site offering food and drinks. Prices are considered reasonable. +1
The cafe offers refreshments, including coffee and baked goods like the highly recommended coffee and walnut brownie.
Pembroke town has various pubs and restaurants offering local cuisine.
Picnic areas might be available, but it's best to check the castle's policy on outside food.
Specific dietary options can vary. It's advisable to inquire at the cafe upon arrival or check their menu if available online.
📸 📸 Photography
The mill pond offers a classic view, while the battlements provide dramatic perspectives. Drone shots capture the castle's grandeur.
Drone usage is often captured in social media content, suggesting it's permitted or common, but always check official castle regulations regarding drone flights.
The castle's imposing structure looks dramatic in various conditions, from sunny days to moody skies. Rainy days can offer unique atmospheric shots.
Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the castle's details.
The view from across the mill pond is noted for its picturesque quality, especially for capturing the central keep.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider joining one of the free guided tours, as the guides often make the history come alive with stories that appeal to all ages.
🏰 History Buffs
+1 The free guided tours are invaluable, offering in-depth narratives about the castle's inhabitants and daily life throughout the centuries. Don't miss the Wogan Cavern, a unique natural feature that served various purposes historically, adding another layer to the castle's complex past.
Walking the battlements and ascending the Great Keep offers a tangible connection to the past, allowing you to visualize its defensive capabilities and the lives of those who lived and worked here. 📸 Photographers & Drone Enthusiasts
Exploring the battlements and towers offers dramatic angles and sweeping vistas of the Pembrokeshire landscape. +1Drone enthusiasts will find Pembroke Castle a spectacular subject, with many aerial shots showcasing its immense scale and oval layout.
+1 The castle's grandeur is evident in various lighting conditions, making it photogenic throughout the day. Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the best light for capturing its details and atmosphere. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Tudor Connection
+1Exploring the areas where Henry VII spent his early life offers a tangible connection to one of England's most famous royal families. The castle's narrative skillfully weaves together its Norman past with its pivotal role in the rise of the Tudors, making it a compelling destination for history enthusiasts.
Many visitors are drawn to Pembroke Castle specifically because of its Tudor heritage. The stories of Margaret Beaufort and the subsequent reign of Henry VII are central to the visitor experience, providing a rich historical context that goes beyond mere stone and mortar.
Exploring the Wogan Cavern
+1During medieval times, the Wogan Cavern was utilized in various ways, serving as a place of sanctuary and even as a grand banqueting hall. Imagine the echoes of feasts and gatherings within this natural chamber!
The cave's existence beneath the castle is a testament to the strategic and natural advantages of the site. Discovering the Ice Age secrets within the Wogan Cavern offers a different perspective on Pembroke Castle's long and varied history. It's a reminder that the castle's story is not just about battles and royalty, but also about the land itself and the natural formations that have been incorporated into its narrative.
Architectural Grandeur and Views
+1 The castle has undergone significant restoration, particularly in Victorian times, ensuring its preservation for future generations. Visitors can explore the battlements, offering a sense of what it was like to defend this formidable fortress. Climbing the spiral staircases within the towers, such as the Great Keep, leads to breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Pembrokeshire landscape, including the serene mill pond that encircles much of the castle.
+1 These vantage points provide excellent opportunities for photography and offer a grand perspective on the castle's scale and strategic location. +1The castle's design, with its robust walls and commanding keep, speaks volumes about its historical importance as a defensive stronghold. The integration of natural features, like the Wogan Cavern, further enhances its unique architectural narrative.
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