Pembroke Castle
Pembrokeshire, Wales
Photo: JKMMX, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gallery: Reading Tom, CC BY 2.0 · Mario Sánchez Prada from Staines, United Kingdom, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Key facts
- Operator
- Pembroke Castle Trust (private charitable trust)
- Condition
- Partial ruin
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Nearest station
- Pembroke, 0.7 miles (straight-line)
- Note
- Birthplace of Henry VII; open year-round, ticketed
Pinpoint
Castle Terrace, Pembroke SA71 4LA
Telephone 01646 681510
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Thursday | 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Friday | 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Saturday | 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Sunday | 9:30 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.
At a glance
Who to know
Henry VII · born at this castle, one of the largest in Wales
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
Pembroke Castle reviews · 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.
“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
Getting in - what Pembroke Castle Trust (private charitable trust) says
Ground level mostly accessible to wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Dedicated drop-off area outside castle entrance. Long Entry Car Park has nearest disabled parking. Outer ward is large open area mostly accessible. Accessible toilets at ground level via café with easy wheelchair access. Portable ramp available for gift shop entry. Significant restrictions for upper levels due to narrow winding s
Taken from Pembroke Castle Trust (private charitable trust)’s own website and read 28 July 2026 - check the current version. Access can change with building work, weather and staffing - if the visit depends on it, ring ahead.
Weddings at Pembroke Castle
Pembroke Castle is on our wedding roll because Pembroke Castle Trust (private charitable trust) mentions weddings on their own site. Visit their site.
Comparing options? See every castle wedding venue in Wales, or the full UK wedding roll.
Dates, capacity, licensing and exclusivity change constantly and we hold none of it - treat this as a starting point and speak to the venue before you plan anything around it.
History
Normans · 1093
Founded by the Normans in 1093 as a fortress controlling Milford Haven, Pembroke was rebuilt in stone by William Marshal, Europe's greatest knight, who constructed the great keep. The castle gained fame as the birthplace of King Henry VII in 1457 and played a pivotal role in the English Civil War when besieged by Oliver Cromwell in 1648.
Drawn from Pembroke Castle Trust (private charitable trust)'s own page.
Plan your visit
- Combine this with
- Upton Castle is only 3.1 miles away - worth pairing into the same day. See Upton Castle →
- Tickets & opening times
- Check current prices and hours with the operator before travelling - details change more often than any directory can track.
- Data checked
- Ratings, review counts and the visitor-note quotes above were drawn from publicly available Google reviews. Castles change hands and adjust hours faster than any directory can track in real time.
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Parking
- “You have to pay for parking and the walk to the castle 🏰 which took us abouts 5 minutes.” - Jonathan Collins
- Guided tours
- “Overall, it’s a great experience that comfortably fills 60–90 minutes (longer if you join a guided tour) perfect for anyone who enjoys history, views, and a bit of exploring.” - Marie Catherall
- How long to allow
- “There is so much to do and see, we spent 4 hours here but I think you spend more time here.” - Jonathan Collins
- Terrain & accessibility
- “Definitely need strong legs for all the steps, good shoes, and a head for heights, the steps are very steep and narrow in places.” - Danie W
- Facilities
- “We had food in the cafe before exploring- the staff were very friendly and the food was so delicious and great to taste local ingredients.” - Victoria W
Common questions about Pembroke Castle
Where is Pembroke Castle?
Pembroke Castle is in Pembrokeshire, Wales, at Castle Terrace, Pembroke SA71 4LA.
Do you need a ticket to visit Pembroke Castle?
Yes - Pembroke Castle is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by Pembroke Castle Trust (private charitable trust). Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
What is the highlight of visiting Pembroke Castle?
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.
Is Pembroke Castle a ruin or still intact?
Pembroke Castle is a partial ruin - Birthplace of Henry VII; open year-round, ticketed.
