Nevern is a small village located between Fishguard and Cardigan in South-West Wales, Nestled on the banks of the Afon Nyfer in the Pembrokeshire countryside Nevern offers plenty of interest to the visiting tourists. With a church dating back to the late 11th century, a famous stone cross and the remains of a motte and bailey castle, Nevern is a must for those who like a bit of history with their holidays, and being close to the small seaside resort of Newport with its glorious sandy beaches and wide estuary its the perfect destination for a Welsh seaside break.

Attractions

The village dates back to Celtic times and offers a wealth of historical monuments.

St Brynach's Church

The original church was built by St Brynach in 540 AD and the present building is believed to have been built during the 12th Century. An Irish saint, Brynach traveled far and wide before settling in Pembrokeshire, and befriending St David the patron saint of Wales. He was granted the land for the church by Clether, the local chieftain, who occupied the hill fort amongst the peaks of Carn Ingli, where St Brynach is believed to have conversed with angels.
     Two interesting stones can be found surrounding the church, Maglocunus’ stone set into the window sill in the nave of the church, and the latter Vitialanus’ stone found near the church porch. Both of these stones are interestingly carved with bilingual inscriptions of the 5th century Irish Ogham script and Latin which was used in churches throughout Britain for centuries afterwards.

Nevern Cross

However it is the stone carved Nevern Cross that is Nevern's most famous monument. Sitting in the grounds of the church it stands some 13 foot high and although estimated to have been carved in the 10th Century it's intricately carved knotwork design is still impressive to this day. As with many historical monuments, the cross carries an old tale which has been passed down from generation to generation. As the tale goes, it is believed that the inhabitants of Nevern would, on the 7th April of every year, (St Brynach's feast day) gather together at the cross, awaiting the first cuckoo returning to Nevern which would land on the cross and begin singing to announce the arrival of spring.

Bleeding Yew Tree

Also to be found in the church grounds is the famous Bleeding Yew tree, which drips red sap from its branches. As part of an avenue of 700 year old yew trees which shadow part of the churchyard, several legends, myths and stories surround the Bleeding Yew. Some believe that the tree will bleed until Nevern Castle is restored into the hands of the Welsh once again; others believe it will bleed until the world is at peace, and another myth is that it bleeds for an innocent man who was wrongfully hanged many years ago in Nevern. Whichever of these myths may be true, the tree attracts many visitors to visit Nevern each year.

Nevern (Nanthyfer) Castle

Close by are the remains of a motte and bailey castle. In the early 12th Century the Norman invaders under the leadership of Robert FitzMartin captured Nevern (Nanhyfer), a Welsh motte and bailey castle. Nevern castle was strengthened by FitzMartin as the Marcher Lord established his hold on south west Wales. By the late 12th Century the Welsh under the Lord Rhys had recaptured the castle from the FitzMartins and banished the Normans from Nevern. The Anglo-Normans however, by now under the leadership of William FitzMartin, did not move far, and in 1197 they established a new castle, a town and a church some few miles south west at Trefdraeth (town of the beach) ... the present town of Newport.    

Today, although any timber or stone structures have long since disappeared, a visit to the site of Nevern Castle will reward the curious with a glimpse into the lifestyle of a medieval Norman / Welsh settlement. Although the site is overgrown it is still possible to envisage the layout of what was once a massive 12th Century stronghold. The two mounds are evidence of the original double mottes defensive structure, while a large flat area represents the bailey which would have housed the garrison, livestock and the timber structures.

Castell Henllys

Another attraction a little further out of Nevern is Castell Henllys, a re-constructed Iron Age hill fort, built exactly as how the original fort would have looked as archaeological excavations in the area have shown, and it is complete with roundhouses and various timber buildings. Children will enjoy the re-enactments of life in the hill fort which run throughout the summer.

Pentre Ifan Neolithic Burial Chamber

Pentre Ifan located close to Nevern. An interesting Neolithic dolmen chamber which is popular with visitors to Pembrokeshire each year, and also offers spectacular views towards Newport Bay.

Accommodation and Services

If you are visiting Nevern and fancy something to eat, the Trewen Arms is a public house inn, and a popular little hostelry which serving lunchtime and evening meals.

As it is a small hamlet, Nevern does not offer many hotels or bed and breakfasts, but there a number of self catering cottages within the surrounding area. While hotel accommodation can be found close by in Pontfaen and Felindre Farchog a mere 1.8 miles from Nevern.

If you prefer the outdoor life, there is a camping site at Llwyngwair Manor off the A487 road towards Newport, which also provides self catering caravans to rent.