The Castle RollsA survey of every visitable castle in the United Kingdom
4.7 / 5 · 8,098 reviews TICKETED

Pembroke Castle

Pembrokeshire, Wales


Pembroke Castle
Pembroke Castle, further view Pembroke Castle, further view

Key facts

Operator
Pembroke Castle Trust (private charitable trust)
Condition
Partial ruin
Access
Staffed, ticketed

Pinpoint

Castle Terrace, Pembroke SA71 4LA

Telephone 01646 681510

Possible Opening hours

Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.

Monday9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Tuesday9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Wednesday9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Thursday9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Friday9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Sunday9:30 AM – 5:30 PM

The birthplace of Henry VII, and one of the largest castles in Wales — the round keep, ramparts and a natural cave beneath the castle, said by visitors to show signs of use since the Palaeolithic, are all open to explore rather than viewed from behind a rope. Reviewers regularly spend four hours here and say that's not enough.

Worth the trip

The natural cave beneath the castle, included in the ticket — visitors describe it as older than the fortress above it by a very long way.

Before you go

Pay-and-display parking is a five-minute walk from the entrance, and QR codes around the site carry extra history as you go; budget a half-day rather than a quick stop.

WHAT VISITORS SAY · 4.7 / 5 across 8,098 Google reviews

Visitors consistently describe Pembroke Castle as a huge site with plenty to explore — towers, ramparts, a cave, and dungeons — often taking several hours to see properly. The free guided tours and interactive QR information points are praised by multiple reviewers for bringing the history to life, and strong legs and good footwear are recommended given the steep, narrow stairs throughout. One visitor noted parts of the castle are in a less polished state, but found the ongoing archaeological dig underneath a real highlight that made up for it.

Birthplace of Henry VII; open year-round, ticketed

“A really amazing castle to visit. More than just an average ruin with walls, you get to climb inside the towers, and walk along the ramparts, and explore a paleolithic cave, dungeons, and climb the keep. Also not too…”— Danie W, visitor review

Further reading

Castles: Their History and Evolution in Medieval Britain cover book
Castles: Their History and Evolution in Medieval Britain

Marc Morris

Find it on Amazon
Castles of Britain and Ireland cover book
Castles of Britain and Ireland

Plantagenet Somerset Fry

Find it on Amazon
The English Castle: 1066-1650 cover book
The English Castle: 1066-1650

John Goodall

Find it on Amazon