For the utmost magical break, step back in time into the enchanting surroundings of your very own twelfth century Norman castle nestled in the picturesque village of Manorbier, Pembrokeshire.
Manorbier Castle enjoys a rich historical tapestry, and a stay in the cottage residence within the castle walls promises to be an unforgettable experience. Immerse yourself in the romance and mystery of ancient Welsh folklore and crusading knights, perched on the cliffs at the head of the valley looking out across the glistening waters of the beautiful Manorbier bay.
Even your approach to the property is special. You journey down a long driveway as you approach the Castle walls, which leads to your private parking; yours for the duration of your stay. Entering through the spectacular gatehouse, your accommodation is Castle house; a Victorian addition incorporated seamlessly into the fabric of the castle. Accessed via stone steps you enter the large and airy living area with high ceilings and exposed beams. The Picton Room boasts a wonderful log burner set within an ancient fireplace. This room is tastefully adorned with comfortable furniture complimented by plush handwoven throws from the Tregwynt woollen mill.
Sleeping up to twelve people between the main house and garden terrace lodge, this property provides the perfect communal space for large family gatherings and special occasions. The rooms all boast magnificent views of the Castle gardens – giving you the romantic, magical experience of holidaying in an ancient castle.
Off to the left of the Picton lounge you ascend several natural wooden steps to enter the Bridal suite, the oldest part of the castle, dating back to the early Twelfth century. Fully equipped with an en-suite, King sized bed and Dolce Gusto coffee machine this room has a perfect vantage over the garden in the inner ward and provides a stunning escape from the outside world mixing period features and a modern design.
Exiting the left of the lounge you have a large family bathroom with bath and over bath shower. Next you have the Dashwood Room; a beautifully appointed double bedroom with en-suite, complimented with Victorian furniture and looks out over the private courtyard which is available for your exclusive use and gives glimpses of the Chapel and Great Hall.
Further down this corridor you will find the Slebech room; a cosy twin bedroom that enjoys views of the gardens and castle turrets. As you ascend the upper level you will find the Princess Nest room at the top of the stairs which has fine views of the castle and Manorbier bay at the bottom of the valley.
Retreating back towards the family bathroom, you take the stairs down to the lowest level, where you will find the Giraldus dining room with long table set for twelve which leads into a spacious kitchen with French doors that lead straight out into your private garden, a serene courtyard where you can listen to the waves crashing in the distance.
To the left of the dining room is the spacious kitchen, where you will find all you will need for your stay including a dishwasher, fridge/freezer, large oven and a hob and a breakfast table. Further through the kitchen you will find a utility space with an extra fridge freezer, washing machine and sink. There are several highchairs also stored here available for your use.
If you exit from the utility or dining room you will find your private walled garden with patio area with table and chairs. This garden also has a large gate for you to enter into the Castle Gardens. Further down the garden you will find a cute wooden cabin which sleeps four in a bunk bed and two single beds alongside a bathroom with shower. This space within the property is perfect for children or teenagers sharing – independence within the safety of your holiday home.
Going back to the main cottage, if you take the door to the right-hand side, you will find a set of stairs which will take you to another beautiful twin bedroom.
This property has been tastefully and thoughtfully decorated throughout and promises to be the perfect base from which to explore and discover the wonders of Pembrokeshire: A warm and cosy space with a true sense of castle living with all the modern conveniences you need for the duration of your stay. The castle is open to the public where visitors are free to explore this historic space. However, once the castle gates are closed at 4pm each day, you have free reign of the castle, thereby enhancing the magical and memorable experience. This large and spacious property will allow you and your party to have the freedom to relax in comfort and luxury while providing a memorable haven for children who will love exploring the many nooks and crannies of this historic and unique property set over several different levels and storeys.
The beautiful gardens were designed by Daphne Shackleton, one of Ireland’s most respected and celebrated landscape architects. Relax with a drink on the outside terrace while you take in the view of the fairy tale turrets, towers and the most stunning medieval architecture.
Pembrokeshire is dotted with beautiful golden beaches and steeped in the rich history of Celtic myths and legends, with historic towns and castles, quaint harbours and hidden gems waiting to be discovered right on your doorstep.
More on the History and characteristics of Manorbier Castle:
Giraldus Cambriensis, better known as Gerald of Wales, was born, here in the north tower of the castle in 1146 during a complicated period of social change and conflict between the native Welsh Princes and Norman Marcher Lords.
A great chronicler and historian of the middle ages, he penned several significant literary works and historical records that are still in print today such as the iconic Journeys Through Wales, which was a vivid account of Twelfth century life, places of historical importance and the lives of the Saints. He was to become Archbishop of Brecknockshire (1175-1204) and on entering the service of King Henry II, Gerald joined Henry along with his son, the future King John on a military expedition to Ireland with the purpose of recruitment of troops to travel to the holy lands as part of the Third Crusade. This mission led to the compilation of two further works, Topographia Hibernia (Topography of Ireland) and Expugnatio Hibernia (Conquest of Ireland)
A descendant of Rhys Ap Tewdwr, King of Deheubarth and member of the Dinefwr dynasty, Gerald was also the grandson of Princess Nest, known throughout the land for her incredible beauty and was most famously a prized hostage, kidnapped and brought to the court of William Rufus, coming to the attention of the future king Henry the 1st.
Visit the exhibitions in the North tower where Gerald of Wales was born and explore the atmospheric tunnels and fairy tale towers or take a walk along the parapets looking over the valley that once contained a medieval deer park and beautiful fishponds and orchards on the North and South aspects.
At the base of the valley on the North side where the fishponds were formally situated you will find a beautifully restored Dovecote which was used to provide meat and eggs for the residents of the castle above.
The dovecote is a beautiful, cylindrical limestone building from the Thirteenth century which was used by the Lords of Manor to raise their birds until they were plump enough to appear in the chef’s kitchen. Anyone caught stealing from the dovecote was dealt with severely since raising the birds was a privilege of rank reserved only for noblemen.
Back inside the castle, one of the most impressive parts of the inner ward is the great hall, next to the beautiful, vaulted chapel which sits over the crypt. The chapel, added in the Thirteenth century features a beautiful piscina and sedilia (seat for the priest) fine plasterwork and traces of original medieval wall paintings. Below the chapel lies the crypt, another fine vaulted chamber with the later addition of an Elizabethan fireplace. This atmospheric chamber was a place in which to lay out the bodies of the family the night before their burial. This is an esoteric and mysterious place where the deep past sends echoes into the Twenty-first century.
Additional noted characteristics include a deep well which contains a later smugglers tunnel, connecting the medieval narrative of the castle with the later centuries and the areas’ rich seafaring history. However, no castle could be complete without the addition of a dungeon and here at Manorbier, a small exhibit has been set up inside to capture the imagination of our younger guests and is nestled away in the walls just waiting to be discovered.
A short walk down to the beach and up along the costal path will lead you to a Neolithic chambered tomb (or Cromlech) which has stood proudly for millennia overlooking the bay and is in a truly picturesque location to stop for a breather or to view the castle itself from a reasonable distance. Comprised of a capstone raised at an angle over two supporting upright stones, due to the spectacular location and immense care taken to construct this cromlech, one can only assume that this was the final resting place of a much revered and important individual.
If Neolithic burial chambers are your thing, there are several more just waiting to be discovered in Pembrokeshire during your stay such as the remarkable Pentre Ifan in the north of the County in the tiny village of Brynberian.
A final, yet most notable mention of Manorbier castle should include its appearance in the BBC adaptation of C. S Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’ which only adds to the rich tapestry of Manorbier Castle’s incredible history.
*On occasion Weddings could be taking place in the Castle during your stay. These are only for the morning or afternoon.
Pets - allowed
Smoking - not allowed
Manorbier Castle, Manorbier, Tenby, Pembrokeshire, SA70 7SY.
When leaving the A48 in Carmarthen take
