19th June 2026

Thirteen members of PNTA met in the well-appointed cafe and reception building to be greeted by members of the site staff.  Once we were all gathered together (and some had downed a quick coffee in the interim), we were directed to walk up the track to the reconstructed Iron Age Village, where we were met by the site guides in authentic period costumes.  The two enthusiastic young people turned out to be university students, working there in their vacation.  We were ushered into a large roundhouse with a roaring fire, a fitting context to hear detailed descriptions of life in the Iron Age.  

Photograph by Jane Mason

The Castell Henllys site was reconstructed in the 1980’s by the Late Hugh Foster – a remarkable man who had previously set up the London Dungeon.  His early ideas had included a desire to construct a Theme Park on the site, but this had not gone down well with the planning authority.  However, he did obtain permission from CADW to reconstruct Iron Age roundhouses on their original sites – probably a unique feature of this site.  He built the roundhouses and opened the site to visitors.  After his death, the site was put on the market and acquired by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority in 1991, in order to help support sustainable tourism in North Pembrokeshire.  

Over the intervening years, the NPA has made numerous improvements, including a rebuild of the farmhouse and the construction of the modern building which now houses the reception, cafe, shop and visitor centre.  The round houses have also had to be rebuilt, as must have been the case in the Iron Age. 

As well as the general visitors, Castell Henllys welcomes large numbers of school groups every year. The site has been extensively dug over by archaeologists from York University, over more than twenty summer vacations.  Thus a huge amount is known about the site as it developed.  Very few artefacts were found, however, owing to the very acidic soil conditions. After a delightful lunch in the cafe, we had a very interesting talk by Owen Edwards, the Site Manager, who has worked there in various roles over more than twelve years.  He explained in some detail as to how the operation of the site fits in with NPA objectives, alongside Carew Castle & Tidal Mill and Oriel y Parc – the NPA Discovery Centre in St Davids.  A lively discussion ensued.  Some members went back up to the Village for a closer look and more interaction with the guides.  It was a fascinating visit, with much to see and good weather.  More details about the site can be found by following this link:   Castell Henllys Iron Age Village – Pembrokeshire Coast National Park   

Report by Steve Drinkwater