The Welsh have a word for a place where one feels a sense of belonging, a sort of home away from home, its draw nearly impossible to describe: cynefin. A cynefin is an ancient notion that survives today, each of us having that place in our minds that brings us an utter sense of peace. Rare to find, once found, no other place will compare. One cynefin that promises tranquility to all who visit is the medieval Roch Castle Hotel. The castle-turned-hotel lies near the Irish sea on the coast of Wales overlooking acres of green fields and rolling hills.

Roch castle is a 5-star hotel in Pembrokeshire, Wales that has stood for over 800 years. The six-bedroom venue sits on a rocky outcrop with 360 degree views of the surrounding lands. While recently updated to include all of the modern and luxury features one could ever desire, elements of the medieval castle have been kept intact, from the arched doorways to the spiral staircases to the aristocratic dining hall. The hotel has an array of amenities from a top-notch bar with a view to a selection of spa treatments. In 2016, Roch Castle received a 5-Star Gold Award from AA, and in 2021, The Telegraph named Roch Castle as one of the most romantic hotels in Wales. The perfect place for a stay in one room or for a group stay with the entire castle to oneself, Roch Castle has marked itself as one of the most unique and beloved historic hotels in the world.

Built in the late 12th century, Roch Castle has a lengthy history that has led to the establishment standing today. Originally built with its own chapel and dining hall, the mighty structure was constructed with five-foot thick walls to defend the land and serve as a cozy home for families. The first known inhabitant of the castle was a Norman aristocrat named Adam de Rupe, his name most likely stemming from the rock on which the castle was constructed. Generations of the de Rupe family lived inside the towering structure until the 15th century. For centuries after, the castle saw many aristocratic families come in and out amidst political upheavals and wars. In 2008, the Griffiths Roch Foundation purchased the ruined property and had the castle completely restored between 2009 and 2013 with architects Keith Griffiths and Acanthus Holden leading the restoration project. Since opening in 2012, the hotel has won many awards for its service, historic features, and luxury amenities in a unique setting.

While the rooms are the epitome of modern luxury, guests will be fully immersed in the rich history of the castle during their stays. Each room is named after nobles who once inhabited the castle as well as iconic locations found along the coast near the castle like St. David’s Peninsula which is located just a few miles north of the hotel. Another unique room is The Nest, a suit found in one of the round towers with circular walls and stunning views of the surrounding land and sea.  With en-suites in each room,  large modern tubs, and luxury beds, guests will feel every inch of comfort. Aside from the medieval elements present, each room includes textile and ceramic art pieces by Amanda and Daniel Wright. These featured artists were commissioned by Roch Castle to incorporate their pieces into the hotel. Daniel’s ceramics are inspired by St. David’s Peninsula and the architecture of Roch Castle while Amanda’s hand-stitched tapestries feature important moments in Norman history.

The historic venue is also the site of memorable experiences found outside of the elegant rooms. Located on the fourth floor is the Sun Room, a stunning spot with floor to ceiling glass walls, making it the perfect setting for drinks with a view. Stepping outside the room and onto the outdoor part of the original stonework offers rare views of Skomer Island, St. Brides Bay, and the Preseli Hills. Peering through the turrets and original stone walls will make it hard to believe that this medieval castle is now a fully renovated luxury hotel and guests will feel like the lords and ladies of the castle overseeing their lands. 

Roch Castle also boasts of calming treatment rooms where guests can enjoy an array of massages and therapy treatments. Some of their most popular treatments include the Reiki Holistic Treatment and the Qi Gong Experience. Each treatment is unique and focuses on different parts of the body and mind. Another fun find within the halls of the castle is a secret study where guests can sit and read from the books shelved there while enjoying another breathtaking view of the ocean from the cozy comfort of a reading chair.

No guest of a grand castle can fully feel like a noble without having a fine-dining experience, and Roch Castle offers several. The medieval fortress is home to the Honesty Bar, an intimate spot to sit and enjoy cocktails and wine with light snacks. The wine selection of Honesty Bar consists of old world wines chosen from Britain’s oldest continuous fine wine and spirits seller Justerini & Brooks, a London-based merchant that has been selling fine wines since 1749.

For the ultimate fine-dining experience of haute cuisine, Blas Restaurant is the place to be. An award-winning eatery, Blas Restaurant is part of Roch Castle’s partner hotel, Twr y Felin Hotel. Found just a short drive away on St. David’s Peninsula, this fine-dining institution uses only locally sourced ingredients such as fish from the surrounding seas and beef, lamb and pork from local farms. Bras Restaurant also has some of the finest cheddar and Caerphilly cheese guests will ever taste, the ingredients coming straight from the dairy farms in the surrounding area. For those wanting to remain in Roch Castle, the hotel offers private dining for larger groups in the intimate dining room.

Such a place of character and history is a perfect venue for events. Roch Castle holds special events several times a year to showcase the many features of the castle. In January 2022, Roch Castle is hosting a Historical Tasting Experience where acclaimed chefs Sammy Owen and Gareth Evans will team up and give guests a gastronomic tour of medieval Roch Castle.  Beginning at the conception of Roch Castle and all through the late Middle Ages, this event will guide guests through the history of Welsh food. 

The historic hotel is not only a great place to enjoy the flawless services and hospitality offered within the castle but is also in an ideal location to explore the surrounding area and independently discover the Welsh coast. Being just meters from the sea means walking the scenic coastal path or taking your shoes off to walk on the beach. A short drive north is St. David’s City Golf Club, a renowned nine-hole golf course that overlooks Whitesands Beach. The club is a popular spot for golf players wanting to enjoy a round while taking in the Welsh scenery. Such activities circle around the natural beauty of the Pembrokeshire coast and are once-in-a-lifetime experiences that will leave guests feeling more connected to the Welsh land.

In essence, Roch Castle awaits those longing to find their cynefin. Such a place will serve as that peaceful memory that will remain with you for years after and will always be that special location that you will remember fondly. No other spot will connect you to the Welsh landscape and the medieval history of Pembrokeshire quite like Roch Castle. To stay in a castle with centuries of history and the modern luxuries that are found within, you will most assuredly name Roch Castle as your cynefin, your home away from home.