Historic towns and villages in Dyfed

Amroth is a pretty seaside village east of Saundersfoot, with panoramic views over Carmarthen Bay. When the tide is low you can see traces of a petrified forest just offshore. One highlight is Amroth Castle, begun as a Celtic hillfort but later transformed into a Norman castle, a medieval manor, and eventually, into a Georgian mansion.
Amroth, Dyfed, Wales

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Heritage Highlight: Amroth Castle

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The Pembrokeshire village of Bosherston is famous for the Bosherston Lakes, home to a stunning display of water lilies in early summer. The Lakes were part of an 18th-century picturesque landscape laid out by the Campbell family of Stackpole Court. Just outside Bosherston is St Govan's Chapel, a medieval church tucked into the cliffs.
Bosherston, Dyfed, Wales

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Heritage Highlight: The 18th-century designed landscape of Bosherston Lakes

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Caldey Island has a history going back to the 6th century when St Pyro established a monastery here. The monastery was reestablished in the 12th century, and again in the early 20th century. See two medieval churches, the medieval priory ruins, the present Caldey Abbey and church, and enjoy wonderful clifftop walks.
Caldey Island, Dyfed, Wales

Attraction Type: Village - Island
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Heritage Highlight: St Illtud's Church and Caldey Priory ruins

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This historic town on the River Teifi was the capital of the Welsh kingdom of Deheubarth. The Normans built a sturdy stone castle when they (temporarily) conquered Cardigan in the 11th century. The very first Welsh eisteddfod was held in Cardigan in 1176, and just across the river stand the ruins of St Dogmael's Abbey.
Cardigan, Ceredigion, Dyfed, Wales, SA43 1LD

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Heritage Highlight: 11th century Cardigan Castle - now restored

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This pretty village on the River Teifi straddles the border of Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. Cenarth Falls is a famous salmon leap, and beside the Falls is an ancient mill that once belonged to Edward I. Beside the river is a holy well said to have been established by St Llawddog, a 6th-century hermit.
A484, Cenarth, Dyfed, Wales

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Heritage Highlight: 6th-century holy well and Ogham stone

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Laugharne is a picturesque town on the River Taf, the home of 13th-century Laugharne Castle. Though the castle dominates the townscape, most people come to Laugharne for its links to poet Dylan Thomas. The Boathouse where Thomas lived is now a popular museum of his life and career, and the poet is buried beneath a simple wooden cross in St Martin's churchyard.
A4066, Laugharne, Dyfed, Wales

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Heritage Highlight: 13th-century Laugharne Castle

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Newcastle Emlyn is a historic Carmarthenshire town on the River Teifi, known for its 13th-century ruined castle, set on high ground in a loop of the river. According to legend, the castle was the home of the last dragon in Wales. The historic town centre is a conservation area, with a wealth of interesting old buildings.
A484, Newcastle Emlyn, Dyfed, Wales

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Heritage Highlight: The 13th-century ruins of Newcastle Emlyn Castle

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Pembroke is a delightful historic town, a royal borough founded by Henry II and the home of Pembroke Castle, a superb medieval fortress and the birthplace of Henry Tudor, later to become Henry VII. In addition to the castle, Pembroke features three medieval churches and the remains of the medieval town walls.
A4139, Pembroke, Dyfed, Wales

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Heritage Highlight: Pembroke Castle, birthplace of Henry VII

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Penally is a peaceful village just west of Tenby. The village once stood on a pilgrim's route to St David's and was the birthplace of St Teilo. Inside the church are a pair of 10th-century Celtic crosses, and a short walk away is a holy well and the remains of a medieval monastery linked to St Deniol.
A4139, Penally, Dyfed, Wales

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Heritage Highlight: 10th-century Penally Cross in the church

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St Davids is the smallest city in Britain. The city grew up around the 6th-century monastery founded by St David, who was born here. That early monastery was replaced by a fabulous Norman cathedral where you can still see St David's shrine. Beside the cathedral are the magnificent ruins of a medieval bishop's palace.
St Davids, Dyfed, Wales

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Heritage Highlight: The glorious medieval cathedral

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