History comes alive this half-term at Carew Castle and Castell Henllys

From the clash of Roman soldiers to the launch of a giant medieval trebuchet, the week’s activities span centuries and include everything from storytelling and swordplay to treasure hunts and herb-based crafts.

Over the bank holiday weekend, from Sunday 25 to Tuesday 27 May, Bowlore: Legends of Bow and Blade returns with its trademark blend of swordplay, archery displays and hands-on history. Visitors can take part in Have-a-Go Archery, join Sword School, and handle real medieval weaponry. Normal admission fees apply, with a small cash charge for some activities.

For something a little more peaceful, Hooray for Herbs! offers a fragrant hour in the Castle gardens on Saturday 24, Wednesday 28 May and Sunday 1 June. Visitors can explore the herb beds before gathering ingredients to make toothpaste, lemon balm tea and a traditional nosegay. Sessions begin at 2.30pm and are free with admission.

A full programme of family fun is planned for Thursday 29 May, with activities running throughout the day. The morning begins with Horrid Histories at 11am – an interactive talk packed with gory details and terrible tales about castle life. At 1.30pm, the Family Castle Tour offers a light-hearted look at how people really lived in castles. At 2.30pm, the Giant Trebuchet will be launched, demonstrating the raw power of medieval siege warfare. As night falls, the day concludes with an atmospheric Bat Walk, offering a rare chance to explore the Castle after dark and learn more about the protected species that shelter within its walls.

The week ends on a magical note with The Storymaster’s Quests: Castle of Adventure, taking place on Friday 30 and Saturday 31 May at 1pm. Created and performed by best-selling immersive author Oliver McNeil, and featuring the voice of Tom Baker, this interactive fantasy experience invites the audience to shape the story’s outcome. Tickets cost £6 per person and can be booked via www.storymasterstales.com/live. Normal admission fees also apply.

To complete the visit, Nest Tearoom at Carew Castle will be open daily, serving light lunches, homemade cakes and organic coffee.

Meanwhile, at Castell Henllys Iron Age Village, the spotlight falls on a different kind of invasion. On Sunday 25 and Monday 26 May, Roman soldiers from the Legio VIII Augusta MGV will march into the village fresh from their conquest of Anglesey, ready to complete their occupation of Wales. The event runs from 10am to 5pm and no booking is required. Entry costs are £12 per adult, £10 per child and £39 for a family ticket (2+2 or 1+3). All activities are included in the entry price.

From Tuesday to Thursday, Castell Henllys will offer a range of children’s activities, including traditional crafts, Iron Age games, and, on selected days, Druid Magic – a hands-on experience inspired by ancient druid traditions, where, for an extra fee on top of normal admission, children can light fires, bake bread over embers, and adorn themselves with natural face paints. Advance booking online is recommended.

With activities running across both sites throughout the week, some events must be booked in advance. These include the Bat Walk, Druid Magic, and The Storymaster’s Quests. All other activities are included with admission or available to join on the day, subject to capacity.

Further information about all events can be found at www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/events.