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Castell Henllys Iron Age Village

Step back 2,000 years into a living Iron Age village nestled in Pembrokeshire’s stunning natural landscape.

4.6

Castell Henllys is a unique archaeological and heritage site in Pembrokeshire, Wales, featuring meticulously reconstructed Iron Age roundhouses on their original hillfort location. Visitors can explore authentic dwellings, engage with costumed interpreters, and experience a sensory barefoot trail, all set within 30 acres of scenic woodland and national parkland. The site offers a fascinating glimpse into prehistoric life over 2,000 years ago, blending education with immersive living history.

A brief summary to Castell Henllys Iron Age Village

  • Meline, Crymych, SA41 3UR, GB
  • +441239891319
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1 to 3 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Monday 10 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Plan to spend at least 2 to 3 hours to fully explore the roundhouses, trails, and engage with living history guides.
  • Wear comfortable shoes and consider using the Barefoot Trail to connect with the natural environment as ancient inhabitants did.
  • Book mobility scooters in advance if you require assistance navigating the hillfort’s slopes.
  • Dogs on leads are welcome throughout the site except inside the café, so bring your pet along for the visit.
  • Check the official website for seasonal opening hours and special events to enhance your visit.
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Getting There

  • Car

    Driving from nearby towns such as Cardigan or Newport typically takes 30 to 45 minutes. Free parking is available onsite, but the access road includes some steep sections, so cautious driving is advised.

  • Bus

    Local bus services connect Crymych with nearby towns; from Crymych, a taxi or a 30-minute walk on rural paths leads to Castell Henllys. Bus frequency is limited, so check schedules in advance.

  • Walking

    For active visitors, walking from Crymych involves a moderately steep 5 km hike through scenic countryside, taking about 1.5 hours. Terrain includes some uneven and grassy paths, suitable for those with good mobility.

Castell Henllys Iron Age Village location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about Castell Henllys Iron Age Village

Authentic Iron Age Reconstruction on Historic Ground

Castell Henllys stands on the original site of an Iron Age hillfort, where extensive archaeological excavations have revealed the foundations of roundhouses and community structures dating back over 2,000 years. The site is one of the most intensively studied Iron Age locations in Britain, with reconstructions built precisely on the original post holes and footprints uncovered by archaeologists. These roundhouses, including a granary and several dwellings, are recreated using traditional materials and techniques to provide an immersive experience of prehistoric domestic life.

Living History and Interactive Experiences

Visitors to Castell Henllys can meet knowledgeable guides dressed in authentic Celtic costume who portray members of the Demetae tribe, the Iron Age inhabitants of this region. These interpreters share stories, demonstrate ancient crafts, and offer insights into daily life, social customs, and survival strategies of the period. Hands-on activities such as grinding grain, baking bread over open fires, and spear throwing bring the past vividly to life for all ages.

Natural Setting and Sensory Engagement

The village is nestled within 30 acres of protected woodland and national parkland, overlooking a river valley. The surrounding landscape is rich in wildlife and natural beauty, enhancing the sense of stepping back into a time when humans lived in close harmony with nature. A distinctive feature is the Barefoot Trail, a sensory path that invites visitors to feel the textures of the earth beneath their feet, mimicking the tactile experience of Iron Age inhabitants.

Facilities and Accessibility

Castell Henllys offers a visitor centre with a café serving local food, a gift shop featuring regional crafts, and picnic areas for relaxation. The site provides two all-terrain mobility scooters to assist visitors with limited mobility, ensuring broader access despite the hillfort’s elevated and sometimes steep terrain. Dogs on leads are welcome throughout the site except inside the café, making it a pet-friendly destination.

Educational and Community Engagement

For over 25 years, Castell Henllys has been a focal point for educational visits, welcoming thousands of schoolchildren annually to experience Iron Age life firsthand. The site also hosts seasonal events, workshops, and craft demonstrations that celebrate ancient traditions and inspire sustainable living practices. Managed by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, the village emphasizes environmental stewardship alongside cultural heritage.

Visitor Experience and Practical Information

Open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm during peak season, the site encourages visitors to allocate 2 to 3 hours to fully explore the village and its surroundings. Entry fees are modest, supporting the site's conservation and educational mission. Castell Henllys offers a rare opportunity to walk in the footsteps of ancient Britons, combining archaeological authenticity with engaging storytelling and natural tranquility.

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