Castell Henllys

Top choice


If you've ever wondered what a Celtic village looked, felt and smelt like, take a trip back in time to this Iron Age settlement, 4 miles east of Newport. From about 600 BC and right through the Roman occupation there was a thriving Celtic settlement here, and it's been reconstructed on its original foundations. Costumed staff bring the site to life, stoking the fires and performing traditional crafts, and wildlife such as bats and otters may appear to add verisimilitude.

The name Castell Henllys means Castle of the Prince's Court. For 27 years students from around the world, supervised by the University of York archaeology department, spent their summers digging and sifting at the site and in the process learned enough to build this remarkable recreation of the settlement, complete with educated guesses about the clothing, tools, ceremonies and agricultural life of that time.

The buildings include three thatched roundhouses, animal pens, a smithy and a grain store – all of which you can enter and touch. There are even Iron Age breeds of pigs and sheep and reconstructions of Celtic gardens. The idea is that you linger, experience and interact, not cruise through passively as in a traditional museum. Naturally, there's a cafe and a gift shop.

Buses between Newport and Cardigan stop nearby on request.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Pentre Ifan

1.67 MILES

The largest neolithic dolmen in Wales, Pentre Ifan is a 5500-year-old neolithic burial chamber set on a remote hillside with superb views across the…

2. St Brynach's Church

2.18 MILES

With its overgrown castle and atmospheric church, the little village of Nevern, 2 miles east of Newport, makes a good objective for an easy walk or ride…

3. Carreg Coetan Arthur

3.53 MILES

Now surrounded by fields and houses, this little dolmen has been here for 5000 years. At first glance it looks like the capstone is securely supported by…

4. Preseli Hills

4.15 MILES

The only upland area in Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, these hills rise to a height of 536m at Foel Cwmcerwyn. They encompass a fascinating…

5. St Dogmaels Abbey

5.16 MILES

Built by a reforming Benedictine community from France in 1120 on the site of an already-ancient Celtic monastery, St Dogmaels' active life lasted until…

6. Cardigan Castle

5.72 MILES

Cardigan Castle holds an important place in Welsh culture, having been the venue for the first competitive National Eisteddfod, held in 1176 under the…

7. Welsh Wildlife Centre

5.79 MILES

Bordering the River Teifi just south of Cardigan, the Teifi Marshes Nature Reserve is a haven for kingfishers, owls, otters, badgers and butterflies. You…

8. Guildhall

5.81 MILES

Completed in 1860, Cardigan's 'modern Gothic' Guildhall is home to community meeting spaces, the Corn Exchange gallery and an eclectic indoor market,…