48 hours in Haverfordwest

As the county’s main town, it has all the amenities you might expect - from shops and restaurants to a train station linking with Swansea and Cardiff. But perhaps the focal point of this traditional market town is the castle, perched above, and a striking reminder of the medieval origins of Haverfordwest. You don’t have to go far to be reminded of the town’s history, shaped by the Cleddau river and a strong farming connection. The weekly Friday market still draws people from surrounding villages, keeping the centuries-old trading tradition alive. It was once the largest court in all of Wales and you only have to look up to appreciate the wealthy origins of this town.

Whether you’re wandering through the quaint streets and local museums or exploring the modern developments, such as the new library or Waldo Lounge on Bridge Street, Haverfordwest invites you to uncover its rich heritage and vibrant culture. Surrounded by the stunning landscapes of the nearby Preseli Hills and the spectacular coastline, Haverfordwest is ideally placed as a base for exploring Pembrokeshire with easy access to both coast and countryside.

Notable events throughout the year draw in many visitors and might influence when you come. As well as the weekly farmer’s market, there’s the annual two-day County Show in August and the Haverfoodfest in May. A great place to check out upcoming events is Haverhub on Quay Street. A former post office that has been transformed into a space for arts, events, and work, Haverhub offers a café, a gallery, a bar, a co-working space, and holds seasonal events like the Day of the Dead party at Halloween.

To get you started, we’ve pulled together a few suggestions for how to spend a long weekend in Haverfordwest.

Start your day in Quay Street

Nowhere captures the atmosphere of Haverfordwest better than a stroll along the quaint Quay Street, in the Riverside quarter, with an eclectic range of shops and the banks of the River Cleddau behind. Haverfordwest is a town on the up and there’s a real buzz about this street. If you follow the road beyond, you’ll come to Haverfordwest Priory, a historical gem that dates back to 1200. Originally established as a residence for Augustinian priests, this site has witnessed significant changes over the centuries, including its dissolution in 1536 under Henry VIII's reign. Today, visitors can explore the remnants of this once-thriving priory and marvel at its medieval garden—the last of its kind in Britain—restored to evoke its original charm.

Returning along Quay Street, you’ll be ready for a coffee and a bite to eat in the Turkish Kitchen, a cozy Turkish café serving authentic flavours with a warm, friendly touch. From rich Turkish coffee to delicious traditional dishes, you’ll be treated to great food, fresh ingredients, and a relaxed atmosphere. From here you can simply look up and see the imposing silhouette of the castle. Currently undergoing an exciting period of renovation, as part of a wider regeneration project due for completion in early 2028, the castle is set to become a focal point. The long-standing historical site is being converted into what promises to be a new visitor attraction for the town and the surrounding region. The inner bailey of the castle has already received a facelift and is being landscaped to make it more suitable for outdoor events and concerts.

Archaeological excavations, carried out by the Trust for Welsh Archaeology (Heneb), have already provided valuable insights into the castle's history. Alongside this, preliminary work has begun on the conversion of the old County Gaol building which will tell the story of Pembrokeshire's past. Once fully complete, innovative technology and interactive displays will share tales about the county's future. There will also be a revamped Haverfordwest museum (currently found as a pop-up museum on Riverside) in the Governor’s House, as well as free-to-access interpretation in the castle grounds. The temporary pop-up is an especially good stop for anyone interested in how Haverfordwest grew from a Norman stronghold into the county town of Pembrokeshire.

A tranquil afternoon

After all that history and culture, take the short journey to Picton Castle for a spot of lunch - for authentic Spanish cuisine with Welsh influences, Maria's in the castle is the place to go. Afterwards, explore the meticulously planned castle gardens which provide a year-round oasis with captivating sights and fragrances. Inside the castle itself, visitors can explore hidden secrets and grand interiors, including a circular library and an opulent drawing room that has hosted royalty.

Or if golf is more your thing, Haverfordwest Golf Course offers a parkland course with 6002 yards of excellent golf and beautiful views of the Preseli hills.

Don’t forget to tune into Pure West radio while you’re out and about. It’s the most liked radio station in Pembrokeshire and the team are out and about every day bringing listeners all the latest goings on in the county. Listen online or on DAB digital radio and check out their website for local news and events.

Finally, head back to Quay Street and relax over cocktails and dinner at Forbidden Florist. Overlooking the river, Forbidden Florist is a luxury artisan bar and eatery offering delicious (and bottomless!) weekend brunches as well as extraordinary cocktails and sophisticated dining centred around fantastically exotic and exquisite seasonal flavours using locally sourced and in-season ingredients that are chosen to intrigue and excite.

The next day

You can’t come to Pembrokeshire and not visit the coast. Perhaps you’ve even chosen to stay near the sea – maybe the stunning A-frame cabins at Wilder Retreats which come with their own wood-fired hot tub and internal log burners or the pet-friendly cottages at Rosemoor Country Cottages. Also handy for Haverfordwest is the Pelcomb Bridge holiday park, which is happily next to the highly rated Rising Sun Inn or Cuffern Manor, an award-winning Georgian guesthouse set in beautiful grounds on the outskirts of town. The self-catering cottages and hotel style bed and breakfast rooms are just a short drive from the stunning beaches of Newgale, Nolton, Little Haven, Broadhaven, Solva and St Davids, the UKs smallest city. Whatever your vibe, there’s something for you. One of the nearest beaches is at Little Haven - a charming sandy retreat nestled in a picturesque fishing village, just south of Broad Haven. This delightful spot boasts stunning views from The Point and features accessible pathways for wheelchairs and buggies. With its slipway, it's perfect for boating enthusiasts, while the nearby Sheep Wash offers a safe swimming area in a sheltered cove. At low tide, adventurers can explore rock pools and even venture across to Broad Haven for an enjoyable coastal walk. If it’s a Friday, why not pick up a picnic at the farmer’s market first. This award-winning market offers customers a wide range of fabulous home-grown, home-produced and freshly picked seasonal goods from over 20 stalls, whilst shopping in the pedestrianised Castle Square.

For a real Pembrokeshire experience, check out the Wildwater Sauna, the county’s first-ever mobile sauna. Never staying in one place for long, it invites you to escape the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary, blending the Nordic tradition of hot/cold therapy with the ancient Celtic spirit of this breath-taking coastline. See their latest location on their website.

If it’s not really beach weather and you have little ones to entertain, then you can’t go wrong with a trip to Clerkenhill Adventure Farm. Just a few miles outside of Haverfordwest, it’s a countryside gem offering outdoor fun, friendly farm life, and endless adventure – all in one place. Follow the safe adventure farm trail through the spooky woodland with lots of interesting swings and slides and sights along the way. Watch out for giants, bears and spooks!

In the afternoon, visit Sweet Home Alpaca for a unique encounter with these gentle creatures. Angela, the farm owner, provides a warm welcome and shares her vast knowledge about alpacas' personalities, breeding cycles, likes and dislikes. You can even take one of the alpacas like Alaska for a walk, while dodging the amusing goats and friendly chickens. Angela has many entertaining stories about her animals and encourages everyone to participate in feeding them.

Or try Scolton Manor, charming 19th-century house museum situated in the rural outskirts of Haverfordwest. Originally built in 1842, it was home to the Higgons family and served as a hospital during WWII. The manor has been meticulously restored to showcase Victorian life and features a visitor centre, sculpture trail, and a beautifully restored walled garden.

If the Pembrokeshire landscape and history has left you feeling inspired and you want to weave a bit of its magic into your own home, Interiors at Freystrop is a good place to stop off at for a touch of out-of-town retail therapy.

A special way to finish…

Finally, after a busy day, take the short drive to relax and unwind with a meal at Slebech Park Estate, an exceptional retreat in the heart of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and surrounded by 700 acres of historic, private estate. The tranquil waterside location immerses guests in the peaceful beauty of meandering rivers, wild meadows, and ancient woodlands. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner and is renowned for its Sunday lunch while the estate also offers beautiful accommodation. A perfect end to a stay in Haverfordwest!

Did you know you can travel to Pembrokeshire by train? You can travel with our partners Transport for Wales and GWR. So, dodge the traffic jams and reclaim your travel time for reading, conversation and activities!

For more information on how to travel to Pembrokeshire by train please click here

Arrive by train – Pembrokeshire Awaits!