A National Trust property located between Haverfordwest and Narbeth, this former home has magnificent grounds and an interesting house. There was a large, free car park and we found the staff friendly, helpful and welcoming.

Picton Castle is not a castle at all, just a house built to look like a castle. The ground floor and cellars are open to the public, but only guided tours are available - these are cheap, however. The interior is still laid out and furnished as when it was last occupied less than a decade ago. And you are actually encouraged to sit on the comfortable chairs in various rooms. The small library is circular which produces an interesting echo when you stand in its centre. The cellars contain a large number of litchen and domestic appliances from the last hundred years - these were originally in Pembroke's Museum of the Home (now, sadly, closed). Visitors who cannot manage stairs will be pleased that the house is on one level, and the cellars can be accessed via a gentle slope. Toilets near the site entrance are suitable for disabled people.

The grounds are extensive and beautiful. The woodland gardens are arranged in several formal areas, including a walled garden, bluebell walk, maze and play area.

In the restaurant the range of home-cooked food was impressive. There were plenty of healthy hot or cold meals and sandwiches available at reasonable prices. Souvenirs are on sale in the shop opposite. Plants grown in Picton's gardens are also available to buy.

Although the daily entrance charge will not break the bank, it is possible to buy a season ticket which makes multiple visits very good value.

Towns to visit

Eating out

Picton Castle

Other places of interest