![]() ![]() The most successful pirate of all time hailed from Pembrokeshire too – Little Newcastle, near Fishguard, to be precise. If swashbuckling adventure tales are your thing, you’ll be delighted to find out that many of the most notorious pirates in history are of Welsh origin. Legend has it that if you count the number of steps going down, it will never be the same as the number going up again! St Govan’s Chapel is one such example the splendidly-sited hermit’s cell, built into a cliff near Bosherston in Pembrokeshire, is reached by a set of very steep steps. The walled gardens are a dreamy place for a wander.Īll historical landmarks have a story behind them, but some have entered into the realm of ‘legend’. Designed in the 18th century, the villa was unaltered for 200 years and has its own service courtyard with dairy, laundry, brewery and salting house, giving a fascinating 'upstairs, downstairs' experience. Llanerchaeron is a fantastic example of the early work of architect John Nash, who went on to design parts of Buckingham Palace. Heading further south still, don’t miss Llanerchaeron, yet another National Trust gem close to the coast. The gardens give way to jaw-dropping views over Llŷn, with many romantic nooks and crannies to enjoy a picnic or quiet moment. The house has a charming history rescued from neglect by the three Keating sisters in 1938, it was lovingly restored and is peppered with artworks by its former residents and their guests, with architectural features inspired by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis (of Portmeirion fame). Heading southwards, on the Llŷn Peninsula is enchanting Plas yn Rhiw, also looked after by the National Trust. All four are open to visitors and regular are events held at each. All four are imposing, mighty, ‘proper’ castles – the kinds replicated in Lego when you were a kid, with concentric towers and ‘walls within walls’ structures indeed, Beaumaris is often referred to as the ‘most technically perfect’ castle in Britain. Not as impeccably preserved as his other creations, Flint nevertheless boasts oodles of atmosphere and a rich history – it famously features in Shakespeare’s Richard II, as the setting of Richard II’s capture.Ĭontinuing around the coast of North Wales takes in a quartet of Edward I-built castles: Conwy, Beaumaris, Caernarfon and Harlech which, together with Conwy Town Walls, form a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated in North East Wales, Flint Castle was the first of English king Edward I’s ‘Iron Ring’ of fortresses, designed to subdue the Welsh. Anyone that built a fortress in the 13th century knew that a clear vista of the sea was an essential factor in castle location, since all manner of attacks might come your way from the coast. ![]()
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