The roundhouses were reconstructed using experimental archaeology methods, utilizing local materials like hazel, mud, and thatch.
Excavations revealed that the site was once surrounded by a defensive ditch and bank system, remnants of which are still visible.
The village is positioned on a landscape that has been continuously shaped by local river erosion and geological activity.
The name 'Castell Henllys' translates from Welsh as 'Old Court Castle'.
The reconstruction process aimed to replicate exact archaeological footprints found beneath the site.
Castell Henllys is an Iron Age hill fort located within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park in Wales. The site features four reconstructed roundhouses built directly atop the archaeological remains of the original settlement. Excavations at the site have provided significant insights into the life of the Demetae tribe who occupied the area over 2,000 years ago. The village is set in 30 acres of woodland and meadow, maintained to reflect Iron Age environmental conditions. Staff in period-appropriate attire frequently demonstrate ancient skills such as fire-lighting, flour milling, and craft-making. The hill fort is strategically situated on a natural promontory, offering defensive advantages that dictated its ancient layout. Archaeological evidence suggests the site was inhabited from roughly 400 BC until the Roman period. It serves as both an open-air museum and an active site of ongoing historical research.
The elevated vantage point looking back toward the cluster of roundhouses from the surrounding woodland trail.
Wear sturdy, waterproof footwear as the terrain consists of grass, mud, and uneven paths.
Check the schedule for live demonstrations, as they provide the best context for the historical reconstructions.
Bring a light waterproof jacket, as Pembrokeshire weather is notoriously changeable even in summer.
Attempting to visit during heavy rainfall, as the pathways become slippery and outdoor demonstrations are often suspended.
Open seasonally; typically closes during the winter months and may have reduced operations on weekdays during shoulder seasons.
Respect the archaeological reconstruction areas; do not climb on the thatched roofs or touch fragile internal structural components.
