Lamphey
The village of Lamphey is a few miles east of Pembroke on the road towards Manorbier.
On the northern edge of the village are the remains of Lamphey Bishops Palace, one of three grand fortified palaces in Pembrokeshire belonging to the Bishop of St Davids. Set in a peaceful pastoral location a few miles east of Pembroke, it’s still a substantial structure today.
Lamphey was a seat of the last of the Welsh, pre-Norman, Bishops, according to Giraldus Cambrensis (See Manorbier Castle). Subsequent Norman Bishops embellished & extended the site considerably. They added The Old Hall, The West Hall and The Great Hall. After the reformation, Lamphey passed into secular hands and was acquired by the Earl of Essex and his descendants but quickly fell into ruin. The palace was more recently acquired by CADW, the Welsh historic buildings agency, who have restored it.
Lamphey Bishops Palace features a partially complete outer wall, a central grassy area with a bell tower and numerous halls, chapel and other buildings. The palace is one of the most haunted places in Pembrokeshire with numerous spectres including singing nuns and a headless Earl of Essex. There is parking, a visitor centre, toilets and regular guided talks.
The most striking accommodation available in Lamphey is The Lamphey Court Hotel, a fine Georgian colonnaded country house hotel. It’s located next to Lamphey Bishops Palace. B&B’s and guesthouses can be found in neighbouring villages such as Hodgeston or Pembroke. The nearest camping sites and touring caravan sites can be found in Manorbier and Freshwater East. There are also several holiday parks at Manorbier and Freswater East where you can rent a self catering caravan or chalet. There are numerous self catering cottages in Lamphey and surrounding villages.
There are a number of places to eat including The Dial Inn and Lamphey Hall. There's an excellent bakery in Lamphey and a garage with a well stocked shop.