Step back in time for a summer of fun and learning at Carew Castle and Castell Henllys

The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority’s two historical visitor attractions will be hosting a packed programme of activities and events this summer, offering a unique blend of education and entertainment for all the family.

At Carew Castle and Tidal Mill, voted Visitor Attraction of the Year in the 2023 Croeso Awards, the summer season will begin with a chill in the air as the popular Ghost Walk returns to haunt this iconic setting. This guided tour, focusing on the darker side of Castle life, will run on various Thursday evenings throughout the school holidays, beginning on 18 July. Booking is essential.

The School of Wizards and Witches Magic Academy will also be opening its doors on multiple dates throughout the summer. This interactive 45-minute journey into the extraordinary is presented by a distinguished Member of the Magic Circle, who will reveal some of the secrets of magic and teach audiences some mind-blowing tricks to try at home. Suitable for ages 6 to adult, booking is highly recommended.

Days of Medieval Merriment! will take place at the Castle every Sunday to Thursday from 21 July to 29 August (with the exception of 25 July and 25-26 August), offering a day packed full of medieval fun for all ages. Included free with normal entry are the popular Horrid Histories sessions, enrolment at Knight School and a new Find the Key treasure hunt through the Castle grounds. For an extra fee, visitors will be able to hone their bow skills with Have-a-go Archery.

In addition to these exciting events, Carew Castle’s acclaimed programme of Open Air Theatre productions will return this summer, featuring Little Women on Tuesday 16 July, Peter Pan on Tuesday 6 August and Beauty and the Beast on Wednesday 21 August.

Other dates for the diary include the annual Kids Rule the Castle! takeover event on Thursday 25 July, and the Weekend of Weaponry and Warfare, which will see Historia Normannis transport Carew Castle back to the 12^th century for a bank holiday weekend of astounding combat and weaponry displays.

Further information about all events, including prices, daily schedules and essential booking information, can be found at www.carewcastle.com.

Visitors to Castell Henllys Iron Age Village can look forward to another packed programme of holiday activities and events, including Fun in the Fort every Tuesday and Thursday (excluding Thursday 1 August), offering a variety of hands-on prehistoric activities for an extra fee. Those attending the attraction on Wednesdays will be able to learn the secrets of the Iron Age druids in special hands-on Druid Magic sessions, focusing on the arts of fire lighting, bread making and face painting. Places for the Druid Magic sessions are limited and advance booking is essential at a cost £7 per child, in addition to the normal admission fee.

As part of the Festival of British Archaeology, Castell Henllys will be hosting a Discover Archaeology Day on Friday 26 July, giving visitors the opportunity to discover what it takes to be an archaeologist and how sites are found, excavated, and protected. Replica items and archaeological material will be available for inspection, and a practical excavation experience will be on hand for younger visitors. Normal admission applies, with an additional charge for some activities.

The beginning of the harvest season will be celebrated on Thursday 1 August with special Lughnasadh activities during the day. In the evening, visitors can look forward to an electrifying Calan Awst celebration, with live music from Mari Mathias, before a spectacular fire performance and the ignition of the wicker man. Tickets for this popular event should be booked well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Another highlight of the summer holidays is the Syrcas and Stories event on the evening of Wednesday 7 August, featuring Collective Flight Syrcas performing ‘Swyn’ and award-winning Storyteller Tamar Eluned Williams. Daytime visitors can look forward to a unique chance to try out some aerial circus skills against the backdrop of the Iron Age Village, with an introductory Aerial Circus Skills workshop suitable for ages 8+. Places for the workshop and the evening event must be booked beforehand.

A Family Foraging session with professional forager Jade Mellor will be held at the Village on Saturday 10 August, while on Thursday 15 August, West Wales Rivers Trust will be hosting a Rivers Explorer day at the attraction, included free with normal admission.

Further details on the full summer schedule of events at Castell Henllys, including booking information, can be found at www.castellhenllys.com.

For more information on events taking place throughout Pembrokeshire Coast National Park this summer, visit www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/events.