Carew Castle & Tidal Mill Reviews Summary

Accessibility

Pros:

• "Suitable for disabled and you are able to hire disabled scooter to help make it easier to get around."
• "Good wheelchair access around the castle ... naturally access to upper floor and walls not accessible."
• "Great castle with plenty of information and very accessible for a wheelchair on the ground floor with facilities at the castle."
• "Disabled access to most of castle (upstairs ok if ambulant). Disabled toilets and parking."
• "Good for young kids, parking and disabled access good."

Cons:

• "Mum is using a wheelchair last bit of the walk is a steep incline for a short length need strong arms to push up it."
• "As you go into the ruins there are several sets of stairs up, and some would prove difficult for anyone with mobility issues."
• "There are some narrow steep staircases which won't be accessible to everyone."
• "Careful on some of the spiral stairs as they are narrow."
• "Take your time on the spiral stoned staircases: I found I was holding on the rope with two hands as narrow and uneven and dark."

Value for Money

Pros:

• "Excellent for families, take a picnic and you have a cheap day out as family ticket is just under 20.00 for castle and mill."
• "Great price at only £6.50 for an adult ticket, booking online was easy to do."
• "Tickets were between 5 and 6 pounds per adult, and can be bought from the shop near the castle."
• "Adult £6.50. Admission That also gets you admission to the Tidal Mill."
• "£6 for both attractions."
• "Good value (especially as the price included the entry to Tidal Mill)."
• "Car park is free and entry fee reasonable."

Cons:

• "This is a nice place to visit, compared to some of the castles in Wales it's more expensive."
• "Quite expensive for what it is, but worth a visit."
• "A little bit pricey but considering you get the castle and mill its ok."
• "The cost to get in is pricy but if you like history and castles then it's for you."
• "OK for a walk, didn't pay to look around the castle as was close to closing time, paying full price for such a short time seemed very expensive."
• "Bring your own picnic as the prices at the cafe are outrageous."

Facilities

Pros:

• "The castle is very well kept and lots to explore, extremely friendly towards dogs, refreshments and gift shop also in the mill and castle."
• "Good toilet facilities and good car parking next to the castle."
• "Lovely little castle with a tea room, toilets and small gift shop."
• "The Nest Café is all outside seating, with a few pods, but enjoyed a coffee and roasted tea cake."
• "Cafe serves good tea and cakes."
• "The cafe facilities at the castle are very good and the prices are reasonable."
• "Dog friendly. Clean toilets, good value."

Cons:

• "The cafe was busy and could have done with some more staff. The ones that served us were lovely but v busy and it took a while for the sandwiches and soup to arrive."
• "The only thing I didn’t like was the information leaflet/guide that I didn’t find very informative or easy to navigate."
• "The cafe didn't have much selection of food which was a shame."
• "There are NO toilets at the mill so make sure you go at the castle."
• "The only down side is the bins near the cafe and seating area which are attracting wasps."
• "Nice food but slow service."

Staff and Service

Pros:

• "The ones that served us were lovely but v busy and it took a while for the sandwiches and soup to arrive."
• "Very friendly gentleman that told us some great background stories."
• "Staff are very helpful."
• "Was gorgeous on the lovely Summer day that we went and staff are so friendly and helpful."
• "Very helpful and pleasant staff. Exceeded our expectations."
• "The staff were friendly and helpful."
• "Staff were excellent - friendly and engaging about the restrictions."

Cons:

• "I don’t think this woman had ever heard of tongs, which are such a basic of food hygiene."
• "Extremely rude woman serving at the tea rooms at the mill."
• "Perhaps some knowledgeable staff walking around to answer questions about the castle would have improved the visit."

Activities and Entertainment

Pros:

• "They had an archery display and battle of Hastings reenactment which were fun."
• "Lots of stuff going on there today. Training for kids on how to be a knight and archery for kids and adults."
• "On the day we went, there were additional free activities for the kids, such as 'archaeological digs', games and archery."
• "A beautiful setting for the outdoor performance of Pride and Prejudice."
• "Great place to.bring children. Activities for children, dressing up being a knight, archery and you could end up in the stocks."
• "Horrible History talk is fun for the kids and is informative."

Cons:

• "I took the kids over the Easter weekend as they wanted to try Archery, however I had to pay for entry to the site then pay for the archery once on site, this lasted about 20mins after this they then wanted to leave."
• "There was archery when I went but they won't let you share the arrows if you have 2 children you have to pay for 3/5/10 arrows each."
• "We missed the trebuchet though which was a shame."
• "Reasonably priced however as we visited during Easter, we expected a bit more entertainment or activities for the kids."

General Experience

Pros:

• "Stunning historic place to visit and enjoy a great walk!"
• "Fab, interesting castle ruin, ancient celtic cross, tidal mill & millpond."
• "When in Wales visiting a castle is a must and this one is a beauty."
• "A superb castle in a beautiful setting. The grounds are immaculate."
• "Lovely walks around the castle and tide mill too."
• "Beautiful castle and mill with stunning surroundings and great opportunities for photography."
• "A wonderful experience visiting this castle."

Cons:

• "The Castle is interesting. The mill is not refurbished in side."
• "The remains of the mill wheel are fascinating, but the speakers inside are rather loud, and jumble between the floors."
• "I was a bit disappointed that the connection with John Carew the Norwegian footballer wasn't explained."
• "More signage explaining the workings of the mill would have been useful."
• "It now has a recently built 'Nest' Tea room, which is a bonus, although there's some confusion as to whether they take cash or not."
• "However, information was sparse, and you have to leave the castle grounds in the opposite direction, to get to the mill."
• "The tidal mill is not up to much, it's not working, the old waterwheels are completed disintegrated."