- The town was originally established as a Flemish colony in the early 12th century, distinguishing its cultural roots from the surrounding Welsh-speaking areas.
- It holds a unique status as a 'town and county' by virtue of a charter granted by Queen Eleanor in 1291, giving it independent judicial standing for centuries.
- The town’s name is derived from the Old English 'Hæfera-ford,' meaning 'he-goat ford,' referencing the river crossing point.
- Haverfordwest Castle was once a royal fortress, frequently used by English monarchs including Richard II to maintain control over the region.
About Haverfordwest
Haverfordwest serves as the historic county town of Pembrokeshire, uniquely positioned at the lowest bridging point of the Western Cleddau river. The town retains a distinctive medieval layout dominated by its ruined castle and religious sites like the Haverfordwest Priory. It acts as a primary gateway to the expansive landscapes of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. Visitors can explore local military history at the Welsh Spitfire Museum or wander the grounds of the Victorian-era Scolton Manor.
Highlights of Haverfordwest
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Parks
Access the rugged coastline and extensive hiking trails of Britain's only coastal national park.
Parks
Tour this Victorian country house and its surrounding 60 acres of parkland and nature trails.
Historical places
Explore the earthworks and remnants of this 12th-century fortification overlooking the Cleddau Valley.
Museums
Examine the ruins of this former Augustinian priory established in the early 13th century.
Museums
View a meticulously restored Supermarine Spitfire aircraft and exhibits detailing local aerial history.
Top things to do in Haverfordwest
The 68 highest-rated places in Haverfordwest, ranked by travellers.
1
Parks
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is the only National Park in the United Kingdom established primarily for its coastal...
2
Temples
St. Davids Cathedral is built into a hollow in the landscape to hide it from Viking raiders, resulting in an entrance th...
3
Amusement parks
Oakwood Theme Park is Wales's largest theme park, situated in Pembrokeshire near Canaston Bridge. The park features a mi...
4
Parks
Blue Lagoon Water Park is a climate-controlled aquatic centre located within the Bluestone National Park Resort in Pembr...
5
Beaches and ponds
Whitesands Bay, known locally as Porth Mawr, is a west-facing Blue Flag beach in Pembrokeshire, Wales, renowned for its...
6
Historical places
Pentre Ifan is the largest and best-preserved Neolithic dolmen in Wales, dating back to approximately 3500 BC. The struc...
7
Places of interest
Castell Henllys is an Iron Age hill fort located within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park in Wales. The site feature...
8
Places of interest
Strumble Head Lighthouse is situated on the isolated, jagged island of Ynys Meicel off the coast of Pembrokeshire, Wales...
9
Parks
Scolton Manor is a Victorian country house and museum situated within 60 acres of Pembrokeshire parkland. The manor hous...
10
Parks
Llys y Frân Country Park & Reservoir is a 350-acre site centered around a large drinking water reservoir in the Preseli...
11
Historical places
St Non's Chapel and Well stands on a cliff overlooking the Pembrokeshire coast and is traditionally identified as the bi...
12
Parks
Scolton Manor and Country Park serves as a 60-acre Victorian country park and museum located in Pembrokeshire, Wales. Th...
13
Places of interest
The Blue Lagoon at Abereiddi is a flooded former slate quarry located on the Pembrokeshire coast. The striking turquoise...
14
Beaches and ponds
Abereiddy Beach is defined by its dark, slate-grey sand and its proximity to the Blue Lagoon, a flooded former slate qua...
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Historical places
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Historical places
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Historical places
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Places of interest
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Parks
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Historical places
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Beaches and ponds
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Parks
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Historical places
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Beaches and ponds
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Historical places
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Temples
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Museums
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Beaches and ponds
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Haverfordwest on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Haverfordwest
Late spring to early autumn (May to September) offers the most reliable weather for outdoor coastal exploration and regional sightseeing.
2-3 days, providing sufficient time to explore the town center's historical sites and visit nearby coastal attractions.
The town is primarily walkable, though local bus services and regional train connections are available for accessing surrounding areas.
The town centre is ideal for proximity to historical landmarks and transport links, while the outskirts offer quieter stays closer to parkland.
Mid-range; the area offers a mix of affordable guesthouses and standard regional pricing for dining and activities.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 68 curated attractions in and around Haverfordwest, ranked by traveller ratings.
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is the highest-rated place to visit in Haverfordwest right now.
The largest category is historical places, with 17 places to explore.
Travellers also explore London, North Kensington, Manchester.
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