Entertainment

New medieval and Tudor costumes bring Carew Castle’s history to life

Published

2 minutes ago

July 27, 2026

A £500 donation has funded a new collection of historical clothing for visitors of all ages to try on at the popular Pembrokeshire attraction

VISITORS to Carew Castle can now step into the shoes of its former residents thanks to a new collection of medieval and Tudor costumes.

The clothing was purchased following a £500 donation from the Friends of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park to the Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust.

The collection includes cloaks, tunics, dresses, hats and headwear based on styles worn between the 12th and 16th centuries. The costumes are now available for children, families and other visitors to try on and use for photographs during their visit.

They were supplied by specialist historical clothing companies Celtic Web Merchant and Get Dressed For Battle, which provide costumes and equipment to museums, theatres, heritage attractions, television productions and historical re-enactment groups.

Although based on authentic designs, the garments have been made to be practical and durable so they can be enjoyed by visitors for years to come.

Daisy Hughes, Visitor Services Manager at Carew Castle, said: “We’re delighted to have added these costumes to our collection.

“They are there for visitors of all ages to try on, take photos and really immerse themselves in the history of Carew Castle.

“We hope they’ll add an extra element of fun to every visit, giving families and friends the chance to step into the shoes of people from the medieval and Tudor periods and create some fantastic memories together.”

Katie Macro, Charity Director of the Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust, thanked the Friends for supporting the project.

She said: “Partnerships like this demonstrate the value of organisations working together to enhance visitor experiences and connect more people with the incredible heritage of the National Park.

“The Friends have a long history of supporting projects that inspire people of all ages to discover and appreciate Pembrokeshire’s unique landscapes and history.”

Clare Dow, Chair of the Friends of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, said the costumes would provide young visitors with a hands-on way of learning about the area’s heritage.

She added: “Carew Castle is an important historical site. Understanding those who lived there, the clothes they wore and the fashions of the day all adds to an educational and enjoyable experience of Pembrokeshire’s heritage.”

The costumes are available to use during normal visits to Carew Castle.

Picture caption: Celebrating the £500 donation towards new historical costumes at Carew Castle are, from left, Elin Jenkins; Katie Macro, Director of the Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust; Clare Dow, Chair of the Friends of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park; and John Dow.

Entertainment

Haverfordwest Fire Station to welcome families at free open day

Published

48 minutes ago

July 27, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Visitors can meet local firefighters, watch live demonstrations and learn more about fire safety

HAVERFORDWEST FIRE STATION will throw open its doors to the community for a free family open day next month.

The annual event will take place at the station on Merlin’s Hill on Saturday, August 29, from 10am until 3pm.

Visitors will have the opportunity to meet local firefighters, explore the station and learn more about the work carried out by Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

A range of attractions and activities is planned throughout the day, including live demonstrations, refreshments and family entertainment.

Firefighters will also be on hand to offer advice about fire safety and explain the service’s prevention work within communities across Pembrokeshire.

The event aims to give residents a closer look at the important role fire crews play in responding to emergencies and helping to keep people safe.

Families and friends are invited to attend, with admission free throughout the day.

Event details

Date: Saturday, August 29
Time: 10am to 3pm
Location: Haverfordwest Fire Station, Merlin’s Hill, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, SA61 1PE
Admission: Free

Entertainment

Unearthing History: Pembrokeshire’s past to come alive at Carew Castle

Published

4 hours ago

July 27, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Archaeologists, historians and heritage groups will gather for a day of discoveries, demonstrations and hands-on activities

CENTURIES of Pembrokeshire history will be brought to life at Carew Castle next month as the popular Unearthing History event returns.

Unearthing History: Pembrokeshire’s Past will take place on Monday, August 3, bringing together archaeologists, historians and heritage organisations from across the region.

Visitors will be able to examine archaeological finds and historic collections, meet experts and discover more about the work being carried out to research and preserve the county’s past.

Organisations taking part will include Heneb, the Trust for Welsh Archaeology, Pembrokeshire Prospectors, Tenby Museum and Castell Henllys Iron Age Village.

The event will explore the people, places and objects that have helped shape Pembrokeshire through a programme of demonstrations, displays and interactive activities.

Younger visitors will also be able to take part in archaeology-themed games, try traditional skills and experience a taste of medieval life through Knight School and have-a-go archery sessions.

Daisy Hughes, Manager of Carew Castle, said: “Unearthing History gives people a fantastic opportunity to explore local heritage alongside those who study, preserve and bring it to life.

“It is wonderful to bring so many regional experts and organisations together in one place, and we are delighted to be hosting a day that celebrates the depth and variety of our local history.”

Unearthing History: Pembrokeshire’s Past will run from 10:00am until 4:00pm on Monday, August 3.

Normal castle admission charges will apply. Visitors are advised that some parts of the event can only be reached by steps.

Further details about the event and Carew Castle’s summer programme are available from the Carew Castle website.

Picture caption:

Carew Castle will welcome archaeologists, historians and heritage organisations for a day celebrating Pembrokeshire’s past on Monday, August 3.

Entertainment

National Wool Museum marks 50th birthday with summer of family fun

Published

2 days ago

July 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Trails, traditional crafts, creative workshops and special events are planned at the Dre-fach Felindre attraction throughout the school holidays

THE NATIONAL WOOL MUSEUM is celebrating its 50th birthday with a packed programme of family activities, creative workshops and special events this summer.

Located in the heart of the Teifi Valley at Dre-fach Felindre, near Newcastle Emlyn, the museum tells the story of Wales’ internationally renowned woollen industry through working machinery, traditional crafts and interactive displays.

Visitors will be able to take part in a range of free drop-in activities, including the new interactive Woolly Tale Family Trail, a Meadow Trail and seasonal crafts in the museum’s new Make and Create Space.

Craft activities will change throughout the summer and may include making lavender bags, summer flowers and colourful pom-poms.

Children can also enjoy hands-on activities from the museum’s Art Cart, while demonstrations of traditional crafts and historic textile machinery will take place during the week.

As demonstration times and activities may vary each day, families planning a visit for a particular attraction are advised to contact the museum in advance on 02920 573070.

A series of bookable workshops and events will also be held during the summer.

The CREU Young Makers Family Wet Felting workshops will take place on July 29 and August 11, 13 and 18, from 2pm to 4pm. Tickets cost £9 per child.

Using colourful wool and warm, soapy water, children will learn the traditional craft of wet felting and create their own keepsake to take home.

On July 30, visitors can join CREU Conversations: Meet the Gardener from 10.30am to 11.30am.

Susan Martin, gardener of the museum’s Natural Dye Garden, will explain how plants have been used for centuries to produce natural colours for dyeing yarn.

The session will explore the connections between plants, textiles and traditional skills, including the use of teasels in textile production and the growing of flax for spinning linen yarn.

Visitors will also be able to watch last year’s flax crop being processed to release its fibres and try using a traditional flax brake.

The event costs £10 per person and is open to those aged 18 and over.

A free day of storytelling and history, Johnny Lewis and Friends: Stories from Cambrian Mills, will be held on August 15 from 10.30am to 3pm.

Inspired by Johnny Lewis, the former owner of Cambrian Mills, the event will feature character-led tours in Welsh and English exploring life at the mill and the history of the local woollen industry.

Visitors will also be able to see a Triumph Mayflower, the type of car Johnny drove, and discover more about the people, places and traditions connected to the museum.

Another character appearing during the event will be Nansi, inspired by the families who lived and worked within the area’s woollen communities.

Places for the bookable activities can be reserved through the National Wool Museum’s website.

The museum’s summer programme forms part of its year-long 50th anniversary celebrations, marking five decades of preserving and sharing the story of Wales’ woollen heritage.