If you are interested in history, you are surrounded every step of your holiday by fascinating windows into the history of Pembrokeshire, from prehistoric history up to modern day. A keen lover of history will be like a child in a sweet shop in this area.
On the 'Links' menu under 'Local History' there are hyper links to several Web sites dealing with specific local historic attractions. The 'More History Links' section contains a few more general history web sites which do have information about these local history attractions and also other places of interest in the area.

Prehistoric History

Kings Quoit is a small, chambered tomb with 2 low side stones and a capstone. It has the enviable position of overlooking Manorbier Bay.
Manorbier, Tenby.


Historic Towns and Castles

Pembroke is a small historic town dating back to 1093 and the arrival of the Normans. It is described as a walled town with its well preserved medieval walls.
The Town is dominated by one of the largest, most impressive and best maintained Norman Castles in Britain which is set on the banks of the river estuary.
A walk around the medieval town walls and the millpond is well worth doing to absorb the tremendous atmosphere of the place.
The Millpond walk often has sightings of lesser yellow legs and golden eye birds, as well as kingfishers, otters, swans and ducks.

Tenby is a town steeped in history from the arrival of the Normans in the 11th century to the Civil War and the Siege of Pembroke and Tenby, to the tourist attraction it became in Victorian Britain.
Tenby is a fine example of a medieval walled town, flanked by 2 beautiful beaches.
The town itself is a bustling seaside town that is attractive and quaint, but manages to retain its integrity and hasn't sold out to the tourist industry.
It is well worth a visit.

Tenby Castle overlooks the harbour. The 13th century castle walls remain along with a ruined gate and tower. The Town defensive walls with their distinctive Five arches formed William de Valences defensive plan for Tenby, and are well preserved.

Carew Castle and Tidal Mill. Carew Castle has a history spanning some 2000 years. It is described as more of a fortified manor rather than a fortress. Parts of it date back to 1300.
The adjoining Tidal Mill is the only one to have been restored in Wales.

Manorbier Castle is a medieval castle overlooking a beautiful unspoilt beach.
The Great hall, Chapel and Turrets contain life size wax figures, all contributing to the incredible atmosphere of the place. There are also beautiful walled gardens.
In this century, the castle has been used as a film location for the 'Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe' 1989 and 'I Capture the Castle' in 2001.
For more information visit their web site.

St Govans Chapel. This is a tiny hermits cell built into the cliff at St Govans near Bosherton.
Legend has it that if you count the steps up and down, you will never get the same number.

Lamphey Bishop's Palace. This is a ruined medieval retreat for the Bishop of St Davids. It contains extensive remains of a grand medieval palace which has been recently renovated.

Tudor Merchants House in Tenby. This is a late 15th century middle class town house in which a successful Tudor merchant would have lived. It is furnished as it would have been at that time and works well to recreate the atmosphere of that era.

For Churches and Religious Sites in Pembrokeshire use the Britain Express link

The History of Pembroke Dock. Pembroke Dock is one of Pembrokeshire's newer tourist attractions with its restored buildings and its museum.