The Pembrokeshire landscape is peppered with castles. The county's skyline is alive with turrets and towers, ramparts and fortifications. There are, apparently, 51 sites that have, at one time or another, been the location of castles of some kind, a lasting testimony to the county's strategic importance during more turbulent times. Everyone has their favourite. Here's our list of our top 10:
1. Cilgerran Castle
Perched overlooking a gorge on the Teifi river, Cilgerran castle is Pembrokeshire's hidden gem. The view is quite spectacular, northwards towards Cardigan. Even JMW Turner was beguiled by the place, immortalising it in this famous and evocative landscape.
2. Manorbier Castle
Location, location, location. This magnificent looking castle is, without doubt, the best located fortification in the county, on the edge of the small village south of Pembroke and overlooking a lovely sandy beach.
3. Pembroke Castle
The grandest of the county's castles, this mighty monument dates back to 1093 and was the birthplace of Henry VII. Dominating the town in which it stands, the imposing castle is largely intact and it is all too easy to imagine yourself as a Norman sentry staring into the woods across the river watching for invading Frenchmen. In keeping with its status as the most Royal of Pembrokeshire's castles, Pembroke has the most extensive programme of events of al, with everything from expert guided tours to jousting tournaments.
4. Carew Castle
5. Llawhaden Castle
6. Roch Castle
7. Picton Castle
8. Narberth Castle
9. Tenby Castle
10. Haverfordwest Castle