Historic 12th-Century Roch Castle

Spectacular and dramatic, 12th-century Roch Castle rests high above the landscape on its volcanic rocky outcrop at the edge of Roch village in St Davids Peninsula, West Wales, providing panoramic views over Pembrokeshire and St Brides Bay.

Meticulously restored in 2009 to reflect its history and former use, Roch Castle features six double ensuite bedrooms across four floors, plus a dining room, lounge, sun room, chapel, and fully equipped domestic kitchen. It can be booked for exclusive gatherings and private celebrations for up to 12 family or friends on a self-catering basis.

The castle’s historic footprint remains intact, from the circular entrance hall with exposed rock to the strangely shaped room at the top, where the legend of the castle’s founder, knight Adam de Rupe, lives on. The five-foot-thick walls enclose an aristocratic dining room and intimate chapel as reminders of its past, while contemporary interiors, enormous bath tubs, high-end luxury beds, and a bright sun room with floor-to-ceiling glass walls have preserved the castle for another century of life.

Breathtaking 360-Degree Views

Step out onto the fourth-floor viewing platform and look south past the turrets to see Skomer Island emerging from St Brides Bay; west to St Davids Peninsula jutting into the Celtic Sea; and north to the rolling Preseli Hills heading into the heart of Wales. It is a brilliant place to watch sunsets and enjoy a sundowner. Back at ground level, take a stroll to find the grave of Gelert, the favourite dog of Colwyn Philipps—one of two sons of the 1st Viscount of St Davids.

Artistic Touches

Roch Castle provides a contemporary, natural backdrop for a carefully selected collection of works by just five artists, amongst them Daniel Wright and Amanda Wright of Goat Street Gallery, St Davids. Daniel’s commissioned range of ceramics is based on the architecture and landscape of St Davids Peninsula, with detailed drawn images of Roch Castle and sister venues Twr y Felin and Penrhiw Priory.

Booking and Practical Details

For more details, visit here or call 01437 725 566. Exclusive self-catering stays are priced from £1,440 per night (£120pppn) with a two-night minimum booking. As a 12th-century castle, Roch Castle is not suitable for guests with mobility difficulties. The onsite parking facility includes electric car charging points with two Tesla destination chargers and one universal charging unit for guests’ use.

W: Roch Castle
A: Roch Castle, St Davids, Pembrokeshire, Wales, SA62 6AQ