Things to do in and around Haverfordwest

Gathered around the banks of the wide Western Cleddau River, Haverfordwest has a natural centre. In recent years, the local community has been infusing the town with distinctive creative character, and new venues, shops and cafes are steadily popping up. Historic buildings and waterfront warehouses are being renovated and repurposed, and presiding over the lot, a Medieval castle stands proud.

Plan your visit to Haverfordwest with these suggestions of things to do in and around the town.

To see the town at its busiest and best, visit on market day. The Friday morning farmer’s market takes over Castle Square with stalls selling locally grown produce, cakes, cheeses, seafood and crafts.

Friday is a fine day to amble on through the town and browse a choice selection of shops. On Quay Street, Quayside Lifestyle has a nice range of gifts and cards, while Crwst is the town’s newest purveyor of baked goods and coffee.

Set off up the steep High Street to The Creative Gallery for homeware, art, and pottery painting. For quirky vintage paraphernalia, veer off onto St Mary's Street and visit All Things Oddette, then push on to Market Street and flip the disks at Core of the Poodle Record Shop and Microbrewery.

From its origins in the Middle Ages to its importance as a port and market town during Elizabethan times, Haverfordwest holds many layers of history. Visit the town centre museum for context and to find out about a recent archaeological dig, then explore the ruins of the riverside Priory and Haverfordwest Castle.

A short drive from town, Clerkenhill Adventure Farm will keep little ones entertained for hours with crazy golf, a frisbee course, and friendly farm animals to meet.

There’s more to entertain at nearby Scolton Manor Park, including a bike track, sculpture trail, adventure playground and toy museum. Back in town, Hanger 5 Trampoline Park is the ultimate drizzly-day destination for burning off some energy.

Taking over a former corn exchange building, the Palace Cinema has been lighting up the silver screen since 1913. Prices are kept low, with plenty of family-friendly films at weekends and during school holidays. Look out for their cult classic-themed movie nights and raid the dress-up box.

This buzzing community venue is housed in a former postal sorting office on Quay Street. It has a busy cafe and varied spaces for classes, talks, live music and eclectic events. Check the Haverhub listings page for the latest, or drop in for small plate dining on Friday nights and see what's occurring.

The contemporary library building holds a prime spot on the riverfront. Inside, a small gallery brings changing exhibits to the town in partnership with the National Library of Wales. Take a wander, then enjoy a drink on the deck overlooking the river, or move on to the neighbouring Waldo Lounge, a riverfront bar and restaurant.

Every August, the Llangwm Literary Festival takes place near the Cleddau Estuary. With plenty of discussions, workshops and family-friendly events available, it's a wonderful weekend. 

There are several leafy riverside walks in Haverfordwest, and Fortune’s Frolic is one of the nicest. The path leads you across a park, along the river, and through the woods to the pretty St Ismael’s Church in Uzmaston.

National Cycle Route 4 (NCR4) passes through Haverfordwest as part of its route from London to Fishguard. For a two-wheel cycle route following a mainly off-road trail, follow the route from Merlin’s Bridge and head along the former Great Western Railway track to Neyland Marina (about 18 miles round trip).

Take a swing with clear views of the Preseli Hills at Haverfordwest's historic Golf Club on the edge of town. Dress smartly and enjoy the ambience in the on-site restaurant.

About seven miles from Haverfordwest in the tangle of country lanes known as The Rhos, the Slebech Park Country Estate is perfect for a roast dinner at The Peg Restaurant followed by a stroll. Positioned on a curve of the Cleddau Ddu River, Slebech Park has a lovely kitchen garden and grounds to explore.

Picton Castle, also in The Rhos, has landscaped gardens to roam, a Medieval fortress with elegant Georgian interiors and a courtyard café serving lunches and cakes with a Spanish twist.

There is a good choice of sandy beaches, all within 10 miles of Haverfordwest. Broadhaven North and Newgale are both popular for surfing and other water sports. While the small bay at Nolton Haven is perfect for a sheltered swim or a sunset walk up and over the cliff.

Head a little further to Marloes and take the clifftop walk to Martin’s Haven beach, then back to the Runwayskiln Café in time for lunch.

It’s a half-hour drive from Haverfordwest to Martin’s Haven, where you can board a boat bound for Skomer Island. In spring and early summer, hundreds of puffin pairs nest around the island's cliffs and grassland, along with Guillemots, Storm Petrels and Razorbills.

A little closer to town, the Pembrokeshire Powerboat and Sailing Academy offers chartered excursions from Neyland Marina along the scenic Cleddau River.