Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo is a multi-award-winning attraction that promises a full day of family fun, regardless of the weather. What began as a humble dairy farm has transformed into a sprawling 120-acre site encompassing four main areas. The extensive zoo is home to over 750 animals from more than 100 species, including critically endangered Eastern Black Rhinos, African lions, giraffes, and a popular Penguin Coast enclosure. Visitors can also get up close with friendly farmyard animals in the Jolly Barn, which houses a variety of rare breeds. Beyond the animal encounters, Folly Farm boasts a fantastic indoor vintage funfair with 18 lovingly restored rides, such as the Golden Gallopers and Dodgems, creating a nostalgic atmosphere. Numerous indoor and outdoor adventure play areas, like "Pirate Play" and "Tractor Country," provide ample opportunities for children to burn off energy. With excellent accessibility facilities and diverse food outlets, Folly Farm offers a comprehensive and enjoyable experience for all ages.
Picton Castle & Gardens offers a captivating blend of history, architecture, and horticultural beauty. This unique 13th-century castle, originally a medieval fortress, underwent extensive Georgian renovations, resulting in a fascinating architectural fusion. Visitors can explore the elegant Georgian interiors, showcasing exquisite art and antique collections, while the exterior retains its imposing medieval charm with four round towers. Beyond the castle itself, the 40 acres of Royal Horticultural Society Partner Gardens are a true highlight. They feature a diverse array of styles, including a meticulously restored 19th-century walled garden, an exotic jungle garden with a boardwalk, and a vibrant collection of rhododendrons. Families will enjoy the children's adventure playground, the maze, and the popular Fairy Door Trail. With plant sales, refreshments, and a commitment to preserving Welsh heritage, Picton Castle & Gardens provides a serene and enriching experience for garden enthusiasts, history buffs, and families alike.
Narberth Castle, though now a ruined Norman fortress, holds significant historical and mythological importance within the town of Narberth. Perched on a steep-sided ridge overlooking a stream, the current stone ruins date back to the 13th century, forming part of the historical Landsker Line. While much of the castle has been lost to time and used as building material for surrounding houses, remnants of two round towers, a vaulted cellar, and parts of the great hall remain. The castle is deeply intertwined with Welsh mythology, notably mentioned in the Mabinogion as the palace of Pwyll, Prince of Dyfed, and a site of Rhiannon's imprisonment. Excavations have even revealed evidence of a 12th to 13th-century church on the site. After being slighted by Oliver Cromwell during the English Civil War, the castle was eventually made safe and re-opened to the public in 2005. Today, the castle grounds are laid to grass, offering a pleasant spot for a picnic and a tangible link to Narberth's ancient past, providing a fascinating glimpse into centuries of Welsh history and legend.
