21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Western Telegraph
Family friendly events at Carew Castle and Castell Henllys
The events will give families the chance to experience history in action across two of Pembrokeshire's most iconic heritage sites.
From the clash of Roman soldiers to the launch of a giant medieval trebuchet, the week's activities span centuries and include everything from storytelling and swordplay to treasure hunts and herb-based crafts.
Hooray for Herbs!
Hooray for Herbs! offers a fragrant hour in the castle gardens on Wednesday, May 28, and Sunday, June 1.
Visitors can explore the herb beds before gathering ingredients to make toothpaste, lemon balm tea, and a traditional nosegay.
Sessions begin at 2.30pm and are free with admission.
Family fun day
A full programme of family fun is planned for Thursday, May 29, with activities running throughout the day.
The morning begins with Horrid Histories at 11am – an interactive talk packed with gory details and terrible tales about castle life.
At 1.30pm, the Family Castle Tour offers a light-hearted look at how people really lived in castles.
At 2.30pm, the Giant Trebuchet will be launched, demonstrating the raw power of medieval siege warfare.
As night falls, the day concludes with an atmospheric bat walk, offering a rare chance to explore the castle after dark and learn more about the protected species that shelter within its walls.
Adventures in the castle
The week ends on a magical note with The Storymaster's Quests: Castle of Adventure, taking place on Friday, May 30, and Saturday, May 31, at 1pm.
Created and performed by best-selling immersive author Oliver McNeil, and featuring the voice of Tom Baker, this interactive fantasy experience invites the audience to shape the story's outcome.
Tickets cost £6 per person.
Normal admission fees also apply.
On Wednesday, May 28, and Thursday, May 29, Castell Henllys will offer a range of children's activities, including traditional crafts, Iron Age games, and, on selected days, Druid Magic – a hands-on experience inspired by ancient druid traditions.
For an additional fee, children can light fires, bake bread over embers, and adorn themselves with natural face paints.
Advance booking online is recommended.
With activities running across both sites throughout the week, some events must be booked in advance, including the bat walk, Druid Magic, and The Storymaster's Quests.
All other activities are included with admission or available to join on the day, subject to capacity.
