Park Authority attractions offer free parking, entry and activities to promote a Winter of Well-being

Three popular attractions will offer free events and experiences this winter, as part of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority’s efforts to highlight activities that won’t cost the earth during the cost-of-living crisis.

Carew Castle, Castell Henllys Iron Age Village and Oriel y Parc Gallery and Visitor Centre will provide a combination of free events, free parking, free entry and warm spaces for people to enjoy as the days grow shorter and bills become longer.

National Park Authority Chair, Cllr Di Clements said: “This series of free activities and events is just one of a list of actions the Authority is taking as part of its aim to promote good health and well-being in local communities, this winter and beyond.

“We are highlighting these opportunities so that anyone that’s looking for some social interaction or a reason to get out of the house that doesn’t involve having to splash out, can find an escape near them.

“In addition to the activities on offer at these attractions, the National Park offers a range of coastal and in-land walking opportunities that can help improve physical and mental health and the charging period has come to an end at Park Authority’s 14 car parks.”

At Oriel y Parc in St Davids there will be free craft sessions for kids from 10am-4pm every Saturday and Sunday from 12 November onwards, with the exception of 3 December.

On Saturday 3 December, the annual Christmas Market, which is free to enter, will take place from 10am-3pm.

The on-going On Your Doorstep exhibition, which is open daily 10am-4pm, aims to inspire everyone to explore the nature, geology and archaeology that exists all around us, and enjoy the health and well-being benefits this can bring.

For full details and opening times visit www.orielyparc.com.

At Carew Castle, there will be free entry to its new Glow Christmas illuminations, which will include enchanting and colourful light displays, and a beautiful Christmas tree creating a magical garden for all the family. The East face of the Castle will also be subtly illuminated to spectacular effect.

Families can also take part in a free Elf Trail around the Castle Garden. The Castle Shop will be open for late night Christmas shopping and Nest Tearoom will be serving all your festive favourites.

Glow will be on display Thursday to Sunday from 17 November-22 December. Opening times will be 4.30pm-8pm on Thursdays and Fridays and 3pm-8pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

As always, both of Carew Castle’s car parks will be free to access and the mile-long circular walk around the Millpond is free to use. As it’s accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs, it’s a great place for people of all abilities to get active. 

For full details and opening times visit www.carewcastle.com.

At Castell Henllys Iron Age Village will be running free Festive Naturally Crafty Sessions in collaboration with the cosy warm on-site café – Caffi’r Caban.

These weekly drop-in sessions will include the chance to make beeswax candles, mini willow wreaths and felt decorations, as well as festive cards and gift tags. The drop-in sessions will run from 10am-3.30pm on the 19 and 26 of November, as well as the 3, 10 and 17 of December.

Hot drinks, food and cake will also be available to buy from Caffi’r Caban during these times.

To find out more about this and other events visit www.castellhenllys.com.

To find more than 200 walking routes in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park with downloadable maps, visit www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/web-walks.