Manorbier Castle, Medieval castle in Manorbier, Wales
Manorbier Castle is a Norman fortress on a coastal headland in Wales, featuring stone walls, round towers, and a gated entrance with a portcullis mechanism. The site includes gardens, a dovecote, and a mill building, with some sections converted into residential accommodation for holiday rentals.
The castle began around 1200 as a wooden structure before being reinforced with limestone walls in later centuries. The Norman de Barry family oversaw its growth from a simple keep into a more formidable stronghold.
The name reflects the blending of Norman and Welsh influences that shaped this corner of Wales. Walking through the grounds, you sense how the place bridges two different worlds and traditions.
The site welcomes visitors year-round, though conditions vary with the seasons and weather. The grounds are accessible on foot, though some areas involve steeper or uneven terrain to navigate.
The fortress was featured in a BBC television adaptation of The Chronicles of Narnia, where it portrayed the mythical city of Cair Paravel. This film connection brought unexpected attention to the site in modern popular culture.
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