Picton Castle comprises 40 acres of some of the most beautiful woodland gardens and grounds in West Wales. The estate is situated close to the Cleddau Estuary, known locally as the ‘hidden waterway’.
Picton Castle is a most unusual ancient building being in design half fortified manor house and half fully developed medieval castle. From the outside with its four symmetrically spaced half round towers and gatehouse entrance flanked by two narrower towers it looks like a miniature version of a great Edwardian Castle such as Conwy in North Wales. However as soon as one enters inside it is revealed not to have an inner courtyard and keep but rather a series of finely planned rooms typical of the grand country house that it is. There is no other building quite like it in Britain.
The woodland walks hold some of the largest and oldest trees in West Wales along with magnificent Rhododendrons, Camellias and Magnolias. Unique to Picton are the Rhododendrons, raised over the years by our own head gardeners and include rare species including Myrtles, Embrothium and Eucryphia. You will discover abundant feasts of wild flowers that blend with unusual woodland shrubs from all corners of the world. The Walled Garden is an enchanting riot of colour in the summer months with its elegant fountain, rose strewn arches and medicinal herbs all labelled with their remedies. Seek out the door that leads to the fernery, a tranquil and fascinating habitat for less hardy fern species.
It’s worth a visit to Picton just to have lunch in Maria’s! Mediterranean salads, Spanish style meals with a glass or two of wine or beer, followed by a selection of indulgent home made cakes and delicious coffee are a great reward after a brisk woodland walk.
Picton is a very special place at any time of year.
Please check website to confirm opening hours.
Dogs admitted only on leads.
