48 hours in Narberth

Not only is Narberth’s buzzing high street renowned in Pembrokeshire and wider Wales as a perfect year-round destination, it’s also been voted best place to live in Wales by the Sunday Times. And it’s easy to see why – the town is a thriving mix of eclectic and unique traders with high-quality offerings in its many lovely shops, eateries and galleries. One of the driving forces behind its success is a bursting arts scene which brings all sorts of live music and performances to this small Welsh town. Did you know the Queens Hall was the first place in Wales where Elton John performed?
It’s a place where the locals live and work, surrounded by quiet lanes and lush woodland walks to escape into and beaches a mere 15 minutes away for morning dog walks and evening swims.
You might find yourself staying for longer than 48 hours.

Notable events throughout the year draw in many visitors and might influence when you come… Don’t miss Narberth Food Festival held annually on the last weekend of September, the summer carnival that brings colour and costume to the July streets, or the Big Plant Sale in the springtime which raises money for local charity Span Arts.
This year’s Narberth Food Festival will be held on September 27-28 and celebrates its 25th event. Set on the Town Moor, the festival brings together more than 50 stalls of the finest Welsh food and drink (all under cover!), mouth-watering street food, live music, guest chefs, masterclasses, and children’s activities – all topped with that famously friendly festival vibe.
This year, the festival welcomes Wynne Evans – Celebrity MasterChef champion, broadcaster and opera star – who’ll be sharing his passion for food across the weekend. Entry is free for under-16s, with two park and ride sites making it easy to get there.

Start the day in high street heaven…

The morning sees the high street come to life, so enjoy the hubbub of daily life commencing in this vibrant town. Follow your nose to the smell of freshly baked croissants and bread at Rock & Dough and grab a coffee to go at this popular bakery which sells out every morning. The almond croissants are to die for.
Suitably woken with caffeine and pastry, spend a relaxed morning perusing the shops and boutiques at your leisure, taking in the artistic and culinary capability of Narberth’s local community. There are all kinds of shops to explore – if you’re after something special to show for your time in Pembrokeshire, you’ll definitely find it here.

Don’t miss Wild Wisteria, a beautiful independent boutique filled with carefully curated gifts, homeware, and luxury treats – the perfect place to pick up something truly unique to remember your trip by.

After lunch…..

Take a wander down towards the castle ruins. The Narberth Museum – in the historic Bonded Stores – is also at this end of town and is well worth a visit. It has a great interactive display as well as an independent bookshop and cafe, perfect for picking up that holiday read.
If you’re hankering after the countryside, there’s not far to go – it's quite literally on your doorstep. Footpaths lead out from the town taking you along flourishing hedgerows and into tranquil woodlands.
Head to the Town Moor car park and take the footpath down Carding Mill Lane. You’ll soon be enveloped in the calm of the woods. From there you can continue into Canaston Woods and further still to Minwear forest along the banks of the Cleddau River.

Back in Narberth, stop for a drink in The Star – a charming micropub in the heart of the town with cosy vibes and a warm welcome all year. What makes it more than just a pub: they have rooms available right above, with private bathrooms, walk-in showers, tea and coffee making facilities, and free WiFi.

The Star also hosts live music and seasonal events, such as barbecues in its pretty beer garden in summer, making it a great spot to enjoy evenings in town.

There’s also plenty of places to seek out for dinner later in the day, including The Angel on the High Street, which serves top quality homemade food and a selection of the very best Welsh beers and spirits.
For something truly memorable the 3 AA Rosette Fernery Restaurant at the Grove is a short drive outside of Narberth. Here the chefs serve up beautiful dishes worthy of an art gallery at times, using the highest quality seasonal produce and vegetables grown in the restaurant’s own garden. Enjoy a 5 or 8 course tasting menu, or book yourself into afternoon tea.
Annwn, in the old HSBC bank in the heart of Narberth and headed up by chef Matt Powell, has reached the attention of the Michelin Guide and gained a Michelin Green star in 2024. The 10-course tasting menu is a testament to his innovative culinary style, where French classical foundations meet rich, local Welsh ingredients. Dishes like tender Welsh lamb braised in Cleddau honey and served with a sea buckthorn emulsion are inspired by Matt’s extensive collection of traditional Welsh cookbooks.

The next day….

Find a spot to start your second day in Narberth with a hearty breakfast. Once you’re raring to go, book yourself in for a session at Wild Lakes Wales where you can learn to wakeboard and boulder, or challenge yourself at the aquapark. This is a great day out for anyone who loves the water and just a short drive away from Narberth. Refuel by tucking into mouth-watering food at the tipi for a late lunch.
If you’d rather stay in the town, head to Swim Narberth, the much-loved community swimming pool. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly splash, lane swimming, or fitness classes, this modern leisure hub offers a great way to get active without leaving Narberth. It’s also a brilliant option on rainy days, especially if you’re travelling with children.

A special way to finish…

Finally, after a busy day, take the short drive to relax and unwind with a meal at Black Pool Mill, a Georgian Mill situated right on the banks of the estuary. Catch the last light of sunset reflecting on the water, which, at high tide, laps at the banks just meters from the restaurant. A perfect end to a stay in Narberth!