Picton Castle
Haverfordwest,
Pembrokeshire,
SA62 4AS
Tel:
01437 751326
Fax:
01437 751326
Website:
http://www.pictoncastle.co.uk
Contact email address:
pct@pictoncastle.co.uk
Directions:
Signposted 3 miles east of Haverfordwest and 2 miles south of the A40.
Coach drop off and parking:
Yes - free of charge
Disabled facilities:
Yes
Opening times:
Castle and Gardens April - September, Tues to Sun (and Bank Holiday Monday) 10.30am - 5.00pm. Entrance to castle by guided tour only 11.30am - 3.30pm. Garden only March - October 10.30am to dusk.
Admission info:
Prices vary for castle, gardens and gallery or gardens and gallery only. Please enquire.
Facilities:
Shop, plant sales, Maria's Mediterranean Restaurant, art galleries, children's play area, picnic area and woodland walk.
Full Details:
The story of Picton Castle takes the visitor through 700 years of history, from the time when the original castle was built as a heavily fortified residence in 1280 by the wealthy Sir John Wogan. Over the centuries, successive generations of the influential Philipps family invested enormous sums to create a unique property that includes a stunning garden with massive 300 year-old trees and a grand Georgian 1790 extension. The 40 acres of walled and woodland gardens around the Castle are part of the RHS access scheme for beautiful gardens. Carefully planned to provide colour and interest all year round, there’s every reason to get a season ticket so you can come again and again to admire the changing seasons. Scent and colour rule the Walled Garden, where a vast collection of border plants create riotous summer colour. Unique to Picton are Rhododendrons bred here, plus rare species like Embothrium, Eucryphia and an avenue of myrtles. Massive Redwoods and oaks dominate the Avenues. Around them, rare trees and flowering shrubs include the largest Rhododenron 'Old Port' in existence, and a particularly fine Dawn Redwood (a conifer presumed extinct until rediscovered in a remote Chinese valley in 1941). Picton participates in the Conifer Conservation Programme coordinated through The Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh. More than 100 conifers, many highly threatened in their native environments, have been planted to provide a gene bank and prevent extinction. Other things to look forward to at Picton include an enchanting tree fern glade, a restored dew pond and the new jungle garden planted with gingers, banana trees and other vibrant exotics. With benches placed strategically along the walks and woodland paths, exploration can be as leisurely as you want it to be. Familes can enjoy a wonderful wooden castle fortress and adventure playground, a special children’s art room, a magical castle maze and a woodland nature trail with acres and acres of space to play in and explore! The Old Courtyard remains the hub of activity at Picton Castle. Maria’s Mediterranean Restaurant is a favourite lunchtime spot for Pembrokeshire residents and tourists alike Maria’s serves flavoursome meals and mouth watering homemade cakes. Picton Castle runs events throughout the season, from garden lectures to open air theatre. Please see our website for details – www.pictoncastle.co.uk