Historic Interest
Things to do and see in the Saundersfoot and Tenby area of historical interest.
Off Tenby Harbour, Tenby, Pembrokeshire, Wales, SA70 7UJ
A fleet of boats run from Tenby Harbour, every day except Sunday, throughout the summer months, weather permitting landing on Caldey Island. Tickets can be bought from the relevant booth on the harbour. For many centuries, Caldey Island has been inhabited by various orders of monks and is currently owned by the Cistercian Order, living in the beautiful Abbey, found just a few minutes walk from the landing stage. There are a variety of churches on the island ranging from the Abbey Church where the monks conduct their seven daily services, but explore a little further and you will discover the Old Priory with its old limestone church and also the little Norman church of St David's. On the cliff overlooking Priory Beach you will also find Caldey Calvary and the Watchtower Chapel. On the far side of the island you can walk to the lighthouse and enjoy the spectacular views. If you wish there is also a marked cliff path allowing you to explore the island and perhaps see the Atlantic G ...
Carew, Tenby, Pembrokeshire, Wales, SA70 8SL
www.pembrokeshirecoast.org.uk/default.asp?PID=262
The magnificent Carew Castle has a history spanning 2,000 years. Set in a stunning location, overlooking a 23-acre millpond, the castle displays the development from a Norman fortification to an Elizabethan country house. It also incorporates an impressive 11th century Celtic cross, the only restored tidal mill in Wales, a medieval bridge and a picnic area, all linked by a delightful one-mile circular walk which enjoys uninterrupted views of the castle
Martletwy, Narberth, Pembrokeshire, Wales, SA67 8AP
www.cwm-deri.co.uk/default.asp
Just 9 miles from Saundersfoot(25 mins) you can stroll through the beautiful grounds, with the vineyard and modern winery building right in the heart of this Estate. Learn about the wine -making process as well as taking a walk to see the grapes growing and being harvested. There is a shop, restaurant as well as wine tastings.
Manorbier, Pembrokeshire, Wales, SA70 7SY
www.manorbiercastle.co.uk/welcome.html
Just 8 miles from Saundersfoot, Manorbier Castle offers a Norman castle overlooking the beautiful beach bringing history to life. Explore the gardens and enjoy the shop and tea room. Venue available for weddings. Check the website for details or call Nicola on 07967 291348. Admission - £4.00 adults, children £1.50. Open April - September 10am - 6pm.
Pembroke, Pembrokeshire, Wales, SA71 4LA
Birthplace of Henry VII in 1457(with the original castle dating back to 1093) , this mighty castle is largely intact and is a great place to explore for the whole family. Exhibitions and activities (such as brass rubbing) make this an enjoyable yet educational day out. Open all year round and situated only 12 miles from Saundersfoot (20 mins) adults £4.75, senior/child £3.75. Dogs on a lead welcomed.
Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, Wales, SA62 4AS
Set in 40 acres of wodland, Picton Castle is a lovely day out for the family. Half fortified manor house and half medieval castle this is a very unusual building, steeped in history back to the 13th century. There are regular events as well as a shop, restaurant and guided tours. This is also a perfect venue for a wedding. Situated 15 miles from Saundersfoot (30 min drive) the castle is generally open 10.30am - 5pm with admission charges approx £9 for adults and £4.30 for children (a family ticket at £22 seems good value).
Spittle, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, Wales, SA62 5QL
Around 20 miles from Saundersfoot Scolton Manor is the home of Pembrokeshire's County Museum displaying the history of the county. You can explore the Victorian Manor House as well as explore the surrounding woodland and nature trails.
Stackpole Estate Office, Old Home Farm Yard, Stackpole, Pembroke, Pembrokeshire, Wales, SA71 5DQ
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-s
This National Trust owned estate is well worth a visit. Visit the beautiful beaches of Broadhaven South or Barafundle, take a spectacular cliff top walk, explore the heart of the estate where Stackpole Court once stood or visit Bosherston Lakes, home to otters, wildfowl and dragonflies. National Trust menbers are free and dods under control are allowed. Car park charges are cars £4, trailers £4, minibuses £6, coaches £20 and motorbikes £1. There is also the Boathouse tea room at Stackpole Quay.
Castle Hill, Tenby, Pembrokeshire, Wales
Tenby Lifeboat Station was the first station in the world to recieve the most advanced lifeboat - the Tamar. Entry is free where you can learn all about the history of the RNLI as well as examine the "Haydn Miller" up close!
Castle Hill, Tenby, Pembrokeshire, Wales, SA70 7BP
Housed in part of the remains of Tenby Castle, the Museum looks deceptively small but has six spacious galleries as well as a cafe, gift shop and toilet. There are permanent exhibitions as well as guest exhibitions. This is a great way to learn about Tenby's history.
The magnificent sculptured 14ft Carew cross is a royal memorial to Maredudd, who, in 1033, with his brother Hywel, became joint ruler of the early medieval kingdom of Deheubarth, now south-west Wales. Two years later Maredudd was killed and so they are able to date this stone with unusual precision. The stone's original position is uncertain. It was moved to its present setting last century, slightly back from its 19th century position on an outcrop which projected into the road. The cross is formed of two sections with a wheel-head and a separate shaft. The shaft is decorated with intricate plaitwork patterns and remains one of the most elaborate early Christian monuments in Wales. Well worth a visit being 1000 years old! It is roadside in the village of Carew, 7 miles from Saundersfoot.
Inwood, Cold Inn, Pembrokeshire, Wales, SA68 0RP
Situated only 3 miles from Saundersfoot, The Lovespoon Workshop continues the ancient Welsh tradition of carving lovespoons. They provide customers with an extensive range of hand made lovespoons carved exclusively at their workshop. They also provide demonstrations and explanations of their own lovespoons which they have built up over the years. Free admission.
Quay Hill, Tenby, Pembrokeshire, Wales, SA70 7BX
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-tudormerchantshouse
Step back 500 years and discover how the Tudor merchant and his family would have lived in this fascinating three-storey house, situated close to the harbour within the historic walled town of Tenby. This is a National Trust House.
Cosheston, Cosheston, Pembrokeshire, Wales, SA72 4SE
www.uptoncastle.co.uk/index.html
Based in Cosheston just 10 miles from Saundersfoot this tranquil and little known corner of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park extends to 35 acres of delightful grounds and include a mature Arboretum, formal rose garden, herbaceous borders, Victorian walled garden and Medieval Chapel. A woodland and bluebell walk leads down the thickly wooded slopes to the tidal shore of the Carew River. Open 10am -4.30pm April - October admission is £3 adults, £1.50 children or £7 family ticket.