Archive for 2019
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Mon, December 16th, 2019
Crafting at Picton
This week at Picton have become all crafty with Christmas wreath making sessions. One of our dedicated members of staff, Elsa, is a trained florist and she leads on the creation of the fabulous Christmas decorations in the Castle. This week she has also been running classes on making wreaths in our Studio Gallery. People […]
Fri, December 6th, 2019
Walled Garden December Update
The restoration of the Walled Garden at Picton Castle is moving forward apace. If you have visited us at any time recently you will have seen quite a lot of change already. The main work that has been undertaken so far is near the entrance to the garden. The walls at this end of the […]
Sun, December 1st, 2019
Father Christmas
With frost on the ground this morning, at last Winter is Coming…What does winter bring, apart from shorter days and heart warming stodgy pies and puddings? Father Christmas.. and he is coming to Picton soon! He has invited all the little people of Pembrokeshire and their families to come and visit him here in the […]
Fri, November 22nd, 2019
Christmas at Picton Castle
Life at Picton has been very festive and so exciting this week. Christmas is coming and we have been decorating all week – who doesn’t love a few twinkly lights or a few thousand? The halls are bedecked with holly and ivy, green and crimson garlands, lots of candles and the most enormous Christmas trees […]
Fri, November 15th, 2019
International Garden Photographer of the Year
We are hosting an exciting new exhibition of photographs from International Garden Photographer of the Year. This is a highly prestigious global competition, and this year’s overall winners have been covered by BBC News. The exhibition at Picton is devoted to photographs of oak trees, organised in conjunction with Action Oak. This initiative seeks to […]
Fri, November 8th, 2019
New Entry, New Temptations
There is quite a lot of news this week. We have decided to try a new, simplified system for our admissions. The cost of entry to the Welsh Owl Garden is now included as part of your admission. So you can visit all of the owls, woodlands, gardens, playgrounds, courtyard exhibitions, art gallery, gift shop […]
Sun, October 27th, 2019
The Autumn Garden
The change of the seasons is here and Picton’s grounds are a feast to the senses. The last of summer’s bloom has faded away and the misty golden hues of Autumn are in evidence through every part of the garden. The trees are in their full glory of reds and golds, the sedums are coming […]
Tue, October 22nd, 2019
Behind the Scene Tours
Calling all those who are curious to see more … have you ever fancied seeing what Picton Castle is like behind the gilt and chandeliers? We have recently been running ‘Behind the Scene’ tours, which is an opportunity for visitors to see the parts of the castle that are not normally open to the public. […]
Sat, October 12th, 2019
The Walled Garden Project
If you have visited Picton Castle recently or were to do so in the next few months, you would notice some unusual activity going on in and around the Walled Garden. This is all part of a huge renovation project to restore the Walled Garden and allow visitors to see and experience how, historically, the […]
Fri, October 4th, 2019
Halloween Frolics and Ghoulishness
We are spookily excited about our new Halloween and Day of the Dead celebrations for 2019. This year we are planning a range of ghastly adventures designed for different age groups and different levels of courage! We will have the Ghostly Tour of the Castle, taking you to the dark and undisturbed parts of […]
Tue, October 1st, 2019
Welcome to the Welsh Owl Garden
We have great news to share with you that in the last couple of weeks we have welcomed our new owl family to Picton Castle! Hidden in the woods along a secluded winding path, you will find the Welsh Owl Garden. The garden has 25 owls in residence of many different breeds, including Barn, Snowy, […]
Wed, September 4th, 2019
Dog Show Success!
We were absolutely gutted when we had to cancel our dog show earlier in August, so when our judges said they could make it on 24th we jumped at the chance to reschedule! The weather was finally on our side, and it turned out to be a beautiful day enjoyed by all. Thank you so […]
Mon, July 29th, 2019
Welsh Owls, Good Food and Garden visits
Welsh Owl Garden Wednesday …This Wednesday (31st July) is “Meet the Babies” week , where you can meet and get close to the cutest baby owls 💖 …. Open from 10am. Special Wednesday Gardens and Owls Family ticket (2 adult, 2 child): £36 Welsh Owl Garden is open at Picton every Wednesday (only) during July […]
Mon, July 29th, 2019
Amazing Toy Models
West Wales Modellers Model Exhibition. Today and tomorrow (29th and 30th July). For this 2 day event we have a special price Family Gardens ticket (2 adults, 2 children), only £19 🙂 Under 5s are free. The modellers are here to chat with and to answer any questions. There are lots of different themed set-ups […]
Fri, July 26th, 2019
Artist in Residence- this Saturday
….with Ray Burnell. This Saturday (27th) from 10am-5pm We are offering our lucky visitors the chance to try your hand at creating your own masterpiece! Artist Ray Burnell, who is currently exhibiting in our courtyard gallery, will be on site all day to provide advice and encouragement, and all the materials you need to produce […]
Fri, July 26th, 2019
Dewpond, Dragonflies and Damsels…
On Tuesday, I had a lovely walk through the woodland paths, up to the beautiful Dew Pond with Sam, from the Darwin Centre. Dragonflies and Damsel flies were zig zagging about over the glittering water. I even saw a newly emerged nymph, with sparkling wings and awkward flight. It was just so peaceful 😊 We also […]
Fri, July 26th, 2019
Welsh Owl Garden Wednesday ….
There are lots of extremely cute new arrivals here at Picton waiting to meet you! The Welsh Owl Garden (FB page) is open EVERY WEDNESDAY throughout the summer holidays (July and August). 10am-5pm Usual admission for the Welsh Owl Garden is £4 pp, in addition to Garden admission prices. Under 5s Free. Fully wheelchair accessible.
Tue, July 23rd, 2019
Toy treasures …
… and fascinating finds. What a joy to go through the boxes so kindly donated by Mr & Mrs Stimson. Our task is punctuated by a chorus of “wow”, “look at this”, “awwww, that brings back memories” and sometimes even “what on earth is this?” 😊 We will be rotating the exhibits as there are […]
Tue, July 23rd, 2019
Summer holidays are finally here …
…. and this weather is so refreshing….😊 So do come along and enjoy our magnificent 40+ acres of gardens. Plenty of shady places to picnic and, of course, your dog is very welcome too (on a lead). “This was frankly the best garden that I have ever visited as a gardener and lover of plants […]
Tue, July 23rd, 2019
Artist in August…
We are delighted to welcome artist Gill Farrington to our Studio Gallery this August. She will be setting up this Saturday (27th).. “Gill is a local artist based at Mynachlog-ddu, Pembrokeshire in the midst of the beautiful and inspiring Preseli Hills. She has been painting since childhood inspired by watching her father, an accomplished amateur […]
Wed, July 10th, 2019
Exciting NEWS… :-)
Thank you to all our wonderful visitors and supporters for being so patient during this period of renovation, but we can now announce that West Wales Falconry will be joining us this summer! They will be open EVERY WEDNESDAY during July and August. Tickets: £4 per person. Great value Family Ticket:£12 (2 adults, 2 children). […]
Wed, July 10th, 2019
Private Lives on the lawn….
This Saturday 13th July & Sunday 14th July, performance starts at 2.30 pm The weather still looks set fair for the first act to be set on our North Lawn (no seating). There will be a short intermission, after the first act, before the play continues in the Great Hall of the castle. Do join […]
Thu, July 4th, 2019
It’s July and Summer is here at Picton!
There is lots happening…. 🙂 For information Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th July- NO Castle tours, due to Private Lives performance Saturday 10th August- Gardens open at 10am (not 9am) ________________________________ “Private Lives” Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th July. Performance 2.30pm, please arrive 30 minutes early. The first act will take place on the North lawn […]
Fri, January 25th, 2019
It’s Nearly Time…..
Wales’ first castle based Escape Room is currently under construction here at Picton Castle! Travel back to the past, and escape the future! Mansion of Mystery presents ‘The Time Machine’ escape room, a thrilling adventure for those who love the immersive puzzle experience! Keep an eye out on our website and Facebook page for more […]
Wed, January 16th, 2019
Promoting Picton as a dog friendly attraction
Tania and I attended a workshop for local businesses run by Pembrokeshire tourism to help promote us as a dog friendly site. Picton is a wonderful place to bring your pooch for a walk, as many of our visitors already do. We hope to see more of you making the most of our gardens, and […]