Pennies and pounds were swapped for groats last week as schoolchildren visiting Carew Castle found themselves transported back in time to a Pembrokeshire of 500 years ago.

Children from Milford Haven Junior School took part in Carew Castle's Junior School Programme and attended a steward's court, where tenants pay rent to the landowner. The tradition survives in the twice yearly payment of rent by tenants of the Carew Estate in the Carew Inn, though it has to be said "two fat chickens and a barrel of good ale" are unlikely to feature today!

During their visit, the children also took part in a range of activities offered through the programme, including costumed re-enactments, worksheets on the castle and a visit to Carew Mill.

Schools are encouraged to study the history of the castle before the visit, which concentrates on the ever popular Tudor period.

The programme, which runs this year between Monday, June 4, and Tuesday, July 17, welcomes schools from Pembrokeshire and further afield. Schools attending in previous years have travelled from as far as Bristol and London to attend the sessions, which provide the children with an educational insight into castle life in a fun and enjoyable way.

As well as providing the on-site activities for the schools, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, who lease the castle, also produce a bilingual resource pack for junior and secondary schools, covering the history of Carew Castle from the Iron Age to modern times.

As well as the schools programme, the castle also provides a series of activities and events held during the summer. From an English Civil War Battle Re-enactment and a Medieval and Tudor weekend, to a Herb Festival and an evening of Shakespeare's Macbeth, there is something for everyone to enjoy. A particular highlight is the two-week Holiday Activities for Young People.

Visitors can also spend time at Carew Mill, which houses a permanent exhibition on 'The Story of Milling', which traces milling through the ages, including the development of cereal crops, sources of power and the mill in the farming community.

The castle and mill are open between the hours of 10 am and 5 pm. While the schools programme is not a performance event, many visitors enjoy watching the children at work in the castle. Places are still available for this summer's schools programme, and full details of the programme and the castle's activities and events can be obtained by contacting Carew Castle on (01646) 651782.