It has been a record visitor year at Carew Castle and Tidal Mill. The twin sites, which are run by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, attracted nearly 33,000 visitors between Easter and the end of October.
This is around 2,000 more (6.7 per cent) than in 2001 and continues the upward trend over the years. Sales figures have also shown significant growth.
Among the visitors was Welsh Assembly First Minister, Rhodri Morgan, who called in during a county visit in May.
The success story of Carew includes a record number of school parties. This year around 3,500 pupils from 42 individual schools have enjoyed Carew's programme on Tudor times. They learn about the age of the Tudors and of the last great medieval tournament held in Wales in 1507.
The schools team at Carew was strengthened this year by the appointment of Helen Davies as education assistant and site guide. Helen, who has been a site guide at Carew for five years, will be responsible for developing the education services at the castle and mill which have considerable potential.
The appointment of an education officer at Carew was a key action noted in the recent Audit Commission's review of the 'understanding' function of the National Park Authority which includes the Carew sites.
Mike Candler, manager at Carew, said: "We are delighted with the continued success and the response and feedback from visitors has been most encouraging. The special events during the season - including the Holiday Activities, the Herb Festival and the 'Living History' re-enactments - have again been very popular.
"The free open day on the last Saturday in October brought in 350 people despite the uncertain weather. Many of them were local people, some of whom had not visited the site before. We are also making plans for various special events for next year."
Carew Castle and Mill are closed for the winter period and will re-open on April 1, 2003. However, school parties are welcome to visit in the off season. For further information, telephone the Castle and Mill office on 01646 651782 or check out the website http://www.carewcastle.com">www.carewcastle.com.