Entertainment
Unlock the secrets of Carew Castle this summer with a specialist tour
A SERIES of specialist tours scheduled for the coming months will offer visitors a tantalising glimpse of life at the Medieval stronghold of Carew Castle.
Set against a backdrop of rich history and centuries-old architecture, the five guided tours will form part of an exciting programme of events and activities at the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority-run attraction, which is open every day throughout the summer.
Tours taking place during opening hours will be included free with the normal admission charge, while evening tours will be subject to an extra charge.
On Thursday 13 July at 2.30pm, Castle visitors can look forward to a free Garden Tour. Led by a knowledgeable guide, the tour will provide an introduction to the beds of culinary, dye, medicinal and fragrant herbs at Carew’s Walled Garden and give fascinating insights into their uses throughout history.
Those with an interest in the practicalities of building a castle are advised to come along to one of the free Secrets of Castle Construction tours. Taking place at 2.30pm on Thursdays 6 July, 7 September and 5 October, these tours will focus on long-forgotten building techniques and the hidden architectural features of these ancient fortifications.
The ever-popular Ghost Walks also return to Carew this summer, offering the chance to learn about the darker side of Castle life. Filled with tales of ghosts, hauntings and other hair-raising happenings, the first of these events will take place on Thursday 20 July at 8pm, with further dates arranged for 10 August at 7.30pm and 24 August at 7pm.
Evening Castle Tours will take place on Thursday 27 July at 8pm, Thursday 17 August at 7.15pm and Thursday 31 August at 6.45pm. Making the most of the peace and quiet once the Castle has closed for the day, these tours focus on its evolution from Celtic fort to Medieval fortress, Tudor stronghold and Elizabethan mansion – as well as looking at how its history was shaped by some if its infamous and colourful residents.
New to Carew this year is the High Tea and Castle Tour. Although the June event has sold out, tickets are still available for the tour on Saturday 16 September at a cost of £20 per adult and £14 per child (4-16). Featuring freshly prepared sandwiches and delectable homemade cakes served with tea or coffee in the Walled Garden, the Tour also includes an exclusive tour of the Castle and a chance to learn about its colourful history.
Please note that an extra cost applies for the Ghost Walks, Evening Castle Tours and High Tea and Castle Tour and booking is essential. Tickets can be reserved online at www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/events.
For further information and a full programme of events for the summer and beyond pick up a copy of Coast to Coast or go to www.carewcastle.com.
Entertainment
Llys-y-frân Lake to launch Wales’s largest inflatable aqua park
NEW ATTRACTION WILL OPEN AT WEEKENDS BEFORE THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS
LLYS-Y-FRÂN Lake is set to make a splash this summer with the launch of what is being billed as Wales’s largest inflatable aqua park.
The new attraction, at the popular reservoir and visitor destination near Clarbeston Road, will feature a floating obstacle course with slides, launch towers, blast bags and other inflatable challenges.
Visitors will be able to enjoy one-hour sessions on the water, with safety equipment included in the £25 ticket price.
Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, which runs Llys-y-frân Lake, completed the acquisition of the aqua park from Aqua Parks Group in March. Work is now under way to inflate and anchor the multi-component course in the lake ahead of its opening.
The aqua park will open at weekends before the start of the six-week school holiday period. It will then operate daily during the school holidays, with the season expected to finish in early September.
James Thompson, Head of Visitor Attractions at Dŵr Cymru, said: “We are thrilled to announce the launch of an Aqua Park at Llys-y-frân Lake.
“We look forward to welcoming both holidaymakers and local residents from across West Wales and beyond to experience the Aqua Park.
“This new addition enables visitors to enjoy the water in a safe, fully lifeguarded environment.”
Llys-y-frân Lake, situated north of Haverfordwest in the foothills of the Preseli Mountains, has become one of West Wales’s best-known outdoor attractions.
The site, which includes 350 acres of woodland, grassland and open water, benefited from major investment in 2021 with the opening of a new visitor centre and activity centre. A four-star campsite was added in 2023.
Dŵr Cymru said environmental surveys had been carried out and indicated that the aqua park was unlikely to have a negative impact on local wildlife. The company said measures were being put in place to protect the lake’s habitats and species.
Recent inland bathing water assessments have also confirmed that Llys-y-frân Lake has excellent water quality. Welsh Water said monitoring would continue throughout the summer bathing season.
A community open day will be held at Llys-y-frân Visitor Centre on Sunday, May 17, from 11:00am to 3:00pm, where plans for the aqua park will be on display and staff will be available to answer questions.
The new attraction will add to the existing activities at Llys-y-frân, which include bike hire, walking and cycling trails, mountain bike routes, a pump track, lakeside café and gift shop.
Further updates on opening dates and the full summer timetable will be published on the Llys-y-frân Lake Facebook and Instagram pages.
Charity
Milford Haven Beer Fest set for Bank Holiday return
Festival promises live music, Welsh ales and community spirit at the waterfront
MILFORD HAVEN Beer Fest is set to return later this month, with organisers promising another packed day of live music, craft drinks and festival atmosphere.
The popular annual event will take place at Milford Waterfront on Saturday, May 23, inside the Ascona Group Marquee, with doors opening at 12:00pm.
Organisers say no advance tickets will be available, with entry operating on a first come, first served basis. Another sell-out is expected and early arrival is strongly advised.

A wide range of Welsh breweries and drinks producers will be represented, including Tenby Harbwr Brewery, Bluestone Brewing Company, Gethin’s Cider, Mantle Brewery, Gower Brewery and Core of the Poodle.
Tiny Rebel Brewery will also be serving lagers, IPAs and its new stout, Coal Drop, while Barti Rum will showcase its latest canned drinks. Prosecco and Pimm’s will also be available.
Entertainment throughout the day will be hosted by Pure West Radio, with headliners 4th Street returning to the waterfront.
The line-up also includes a DJ set from former Welsh rugby international and British and Irish Lion Josh Navidi, alongside performances from Steve Bartram, Big Chicken, Jake Taylor, Function 22 and Natalie O’Brien.
Festivalgoers will also be able to enjoy a street food zone featuring Grub Tacos, Junkyard Dogs and Reeves BBQ.
Community support
Nathan Rees, chairman of Milford Haven Round Table said: “The Beer Festival is a huge highlight for us – not just for the atmosphere, but for the impact it has.
“Every penny raised goes back into the community, funding events like our Carnival and Fireworks and supporting local causes.
“We’re also incredibly grateful to The Ascona Group for their continued sponsorship and to the Port of Milford Haven for their ongoing support as our Major Events Partner, as well as all the Beer Festival sponsors for 2026.”
Ticket information
Entry costs £25 and includes four drink tokens, a festival cup and live entertainment throughout the day.
Additional drink tokens will cost £2.50 each, with cash and card accepted.
The event is strictly over-18s only.
Organisers say there will be a 100 per cent bag search policy, with visitors strongly advised not to bring bags. Free water will be available, and dogs will not be allowed.
Entertainment
Dinosaurs set to take over Milford Waterfront
PREHISTORIC FUN COMES TO MILFORD HAVEN
DINOSAURS will be roaming Milford Waterfront later this month as Dinomania brings a day of prehistoric entertainment to the town.
The popular dinosaur attraction will take over the waterfront on Wednesday, May 27, with three interactive shows taking place throughout the afternoon.
Each show will last around 50 minutes and promises plenty of audience participation, prehistoric facts, and family-friendly fun.
Before the ticketed shows begin, visitors are being encouraged to keep an eye out around Milford Waterfront, where Dinomania’s dinosaurs will be out and about during a free walkabout performance between 10:30am and 11:30am.
The walkabout will give families the chance to see the dinosaurs up close and enjoy some entertainment around the waterfront before the main shows get underway.
Milford Waterfront said: “Dinomania will be taking over Milford Waterfront on Wednesday, May 27, with three exciting shows taking place throughout the afternoon.
“Each show lasts approximately 50 minutes and is packed with interactive moments and prehistoric fun.”
Tickets can be booked through the Milford Waterfront website.
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