Cresswell Castle is located on an inlet from the middle reaches of the Eastern Cleddau not far from Carew Castle. The ruins are a mock-fortified residence of the late 16th century.

Few people are aware of the existence of a castle at Cresswell, which is now a beautiful tranquil backwater leading off the Cleddau Estuary, but where Cresswell Quay was once the centre of the Pembrokeshire coal trade.

The castle ruin lies buried in the woods a quarter of a mile north of the bend in the River Cresswell

The estate was once held by the Augustinian priory at Haverfordwest in the medieval period.

Much of the present landscape and quary at Cresswell is post-medieval in date and probably owes its origins to settlement associated with the coal industry with pits opening in the mid 18th century.

Coal was loaded onto barges at Cresswell and shipped down-river to Lawrenny where it was loaded onto larger ships.

Access to the castle with permission is across stepping stones, where there is plenty of space to park your car with consideration along with dog walkers and visitors to the local inn. Once across the stepping stones you can follow the edge of the river all the way to the castle, which is a magnificent place to explore.

~ History ~

1553 ~ The Barlows of Slebch purchase the land to commence the building of a mock-fortified mansion.

1612 ~ William Barlow is created High Sheriff. His family having strong association with Lord Nelson. He inherits the castle upon his father's death twelve years earlier.

1636 ~ William moves his family into Creswell to be closer to his coal trade.

1700 ~ The castle mansion is abandoned.