Roch Castle was built by Norman knight Adam de Rupe in the second half of the 12th century, probably on the site of an earlier wooden structure. After the deRupe family died out in the 15th century, the Castle was taken over eventually in the 17th century by the Walter family. Their daughter Lucy was born in the castle, and later became a courtesan of Charles II, and bore him an acknowledged son James, 1st Duke of Monmouth.

During the English Civil War, the Walter family declared for King Charles I. Although Pembrokeshire was initially Royalist, the Puritans gained the upper hand. The castle changed hands twice, before the Walter family fled when it was captured for a second time by the Parliamentary forces and subsequently burned in 1644. It lay dormant and unclaimed until the return of Duke of Monmouth, who led a rebellion and was captured at the Battle of Sedgemoor, and then beheaded on 15 July 1685.

The castle remained decaying until 1900, when purchased by John Philipps, 1st Viscount St Davids, who restored it with a steel frame and new concrete floors to the designs of D. E. Thomas of Haverfordwest. Further works were carried out in 1910 and circa 1918–20, the latter by D. F. Ingleton.

The Castle was purchased in 2008 by Keith Griffiths for the Griffiths-Roch Foundation and was restored for operation by the Retreats Group as a six-bedroom luxury hotel Roch Castle Hotel.

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Founded: 12th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in United Kingdom

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4.8/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Elen Griffiths (3 years ago)
Fantastic views, location, service, Newgale beach and access to Pembrokeshire, incredible building ... always love staying at Roch!
Mick (3 years ago)
The castle is grafted onto a rocky outcrop above grounds of sloping lawns. It is in a very peaceful spot on the outskirts of the modern village of Roch, roughly halfway between St Davids and Haverfordwest. The coast is five minutes' drive away at Newgale, a vast strand popular with surfers. A key part of the appeal of staying here is the panoramic views from most of the rooms: far out to sea across St Brides Bay, and inland across the rolling Pembrokeshire countryside to the gaunt Preseli Hills. Sunsets can be magical.
Richard Weynberg (4 years ago)
Amazing place! Fantastic location and scenery. The service was exceptional, couldn't fault a thing.
Vic Horsburgh (4 years ago)
I aas working close to the castle my observation of the castle looked like it was still roch castle
Sarah (4 years ago)
Amazing views, cosy interior. Love the bathroom and bath- so relaxing. Beautiful breakfast with fantastic service.
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