Experience & Explore Picton Castle
Picton Castle is one of the most unusual castles in the UK, offering something truly special and standing apart from Pembrokeshire’s other historic landmarks. With over 700 years of history, Picton is a medieval fortress with graceful Georgian interiors.
Step inside and explore beautifully furnished rooms, discover original art and antiques, and enjoy the charm of one of the earliest circular libraries in the country.
Guided Tours
The castle opens from 1.30pm daily, with guided tours at 2pm. This is a fantastic way to experience the castle, and your chance to learn all about its rich history.
Tours subject to availability.
A BRIEF SUMMARY
Our History
14th and 15th century
Picton Castle was constructed around 1315 by Sir John Wogan. A member of the Welsh gentry he was Steward of Pembroke Castle in the 1270s, and was Chief Justiciar of Ireland circa 1295 – 1313. Picton was the centre of his estates in Wales.
Although a relatively small castle, Picton was built to be a magnificent medieval home with significant military defences: when Owain Glyndwr attacked in 1405 he failed to take the castle.
By the 15th century the castle and lands had passed by marriage to the Dwnn family. The last Dwnn, Joan ‘The Golden Heiress’ married Sir Thomas Philipps of Cilsant, Carmarthenshire, in 1491. The castle remained in the Philipps family for nearly 500 years.
16th and 17th century
Picton flourished under the custodianship of the Philipps family. In 1518, the famous Welsh bard, Lewis Glyn Cothi, wrote of the castle’s beauty and the wonders of its wine cellars!
In the 17th century, Picton did not escape the turbulence of the civil wars, that caused so much destruction elsewhere in Pembrokeshire. The Philipps were committed Parliamentarians’ and lost control of Picton for a short period of time when it was seized and occupied by Royalist forces. Luckily, the castle survived largely unscathed.
18th and 19th century
Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries the Philipps’s of Picton Castle were one of the most powerful families in Pembrokeshire. With their extensive ownership of landed property they exercised tremendous political, social and economic influence over all aspects of local life.
Some of this wealth was lavished on the castle. The remarkable Georgian interiors were created by leading architects and artists, and the magnificent library was established.
The Philipp’s were also prominent philanthropists, being particularly supportive of the charity school movement, and patrons of the arts. For generations, the family supplied Pembrokeshire with Sheriffs, Justices of the Peace, Lord Lieutenants and MP’s.
20th century
The castle remained a family home until the end of the 20th century. In 1987 the Philipps’s family gifted the castle and gardens to the Picton Castle Trust (Registered Charity No. 519693).
In the last 40 years this charitable Trust has been charged with preserving and restoring this important part of Welsh heritage and ensuring it remains open and accessible to the public all year round.
Step Back In Time
During a visit you can explore the principle state rooms, the kitchens and medieval undercroft complete with its impressive rib-vaulted ceiling. From the outside, with its imposing towers and arrow slits, the castle presents a formidable presence – but inside it reveals a refined and welcoming interior.
The original collection of art and antiques, gathered by the family over centuries, remains on display for all to enjoy. There's simply no other house quite like it in Britain.
