Forget the usual hotel function rooms — Pembrokeshire Chess is bringing serious competition to one of Wales's most spectacular medieval fortresses. The "Castle in a Castle" series runs four events at Pembroke Castle across the 2026–2027 season, and it promises something genuinely different for players across the region.

Things kick off with the 1st Pembrokeshire Junior Rapidplay Championships on Saturday 15th August 2026 (from 10am), with sections for Under 16, Under 12 and Under 10.

Then comes Knight Moves on Tuesday 15th September (TBC), a nocturnal blitz tournament played under the stars — a proper one-off for anyone who fancies castling beneath the battlements after dark.

The 1st Haverfordwest Rapidplay Tournament follows on Saturday 17th October 2026 (from 10am) with great prizes on offer, before the season builds to its centrepiece: the 1st Pembrokeshire 5 Round Swiss Tournament over 12th–14th February 2027, FIDE-rated with Open, Major and Minor sections.

There's a real treat built in, too: entry entitles one player and up to three family members to free entrance to the castle for the duration of each event. Where else can you play a rated game where a thousand years of history looms over the board?

Venue: Pembroke Castle, Castle Terrace, Pembroke, SA71 4LA. Four epic events, one incredible location — come and be part of history.