Looming romantically over the River Carew with its gaping windows reflected in the glassy water, craggy Carew Castle is an impressive sight. These rambling limestone ruins range from functional 12th-century fortification (built by Gerald de Windsor, Henry I's constable of Pembroke) to Elizabethan country house.
Abandoned in 1690, the castle is now inhabited by a large number of bats, including the protected greater horseshoe bat. A summer program of events includes battle re-enactments and open-air theatre. The castle ticket also gives you admission to Carew Tidal Mill , the only intact tidal mill in Wales. The Elizabethan mill has a causeway that once trapped the incoming tide in a pond, then released water through sluice gates to turn the millwheels. For 400 years until 1937, the mill ground corn for the castle community.
Near the castle entrance is the 11th-century Carew Cross , one of the grandest of its kind – around 4m tall and covered in intricate Celtic carvings.
Visitors arriving by public transport or bicycle can get free admission.
