Haverfordwest is located in the heart of Pembrokeshire south west Wales. As the second largest town in the county, after Milford Haven, Haverfordwest is a charming little town situated midway between Tenby and Fishguard. Not just the administrative town for Pembrokeshire, Haverfordwest also serves a road network hub, connecting towns such as Pembroke Dock, Milford Haven, St David’s and Fishguard. The town's name meaning, ‘Ford used by fat cows’, derives from the Old English term of ‘haefor’, translating as ‘heifer’ which means fat cows. However, these days in Haverfordwest you will find more people crossing the town’s three bridges than cows!

Town Centre

William Marshall, first Earl of Pembroke, granted Haverfordwest its first royal charter some time between 1213 and 1219 and to this day Haverfordwest is a popular market town for the people of Pembrokeshire. Over the centuries the town has developed on the banks of the Western Cleddau River, the Castle first, closely followed by the churches, until the advent of the 21st Century and the new cathedrals ......the retail parks! But saying that Haverfordwest also offers a good selection of more traditional stores spread around the High Street and Bridge Street areas. If food is what you’re after, there are plenty of public houses, restaurants and cafes to be found on both banks of the river.

Attractions

Haverfordwest Castle and Museum

Haverfordwest Castle and Museum are popular visitor attractions. In its long history the castle has passed through many hands. It was constructed by Tancred, a Flemish lord, some time during the 12th century and quickly grew to become one of the most notorious mediaeval castles in south Wales. As a symbol and beacon of Haverfordwest, the town quickly grew around it and St Martin’s church, before spreading into the High Street area by the river. There is a steep slope on the east edge of the castle, presumably a means of defence and protection in older times. Although little is known of the earlier construction by 1220 the walls were strong enough to withstand the armies of the Welsh Prince, Llywelyn the Great, who had succeeded in burning the rest of the town to the ground.

In the late 13th Century under the patronage of Eleanor, wife of King Edward 1, much of the present walls were constructed. And by the late 14th Century the castle was to be in the hands of Edward the Black Prince (1381 to 1385). Come the 15th Century and Haverfordwest Castle again proved its worth after withstanding the siege by the army of Owain Glyndwr in 1405.

But by the 17th Century and the onset of the Civil War Cromwell had ordered its destruction. Fortunately for us this never came about and today the walls of Haverfordwest Castle still stand above the town, andindeed are home to the Haverfordwest Town Museum.

Haverfordwest Golf Club

Haverfordwest Golf Club offers a real challenge to golfers of all abilities. Close to the Pembrokeshire National Park in West Wales, the course offers magnificent views of the Preseli Hills. Easily reachable on the A40, one mile east of Haverfordwest, the course is set in majestic parkland and is a true test of golfing skill.

Haverfordwest Lawn Tennis Club

Haverfordwest Lawn Tennis Club has been established since 1935 at The Parade in the centre of Haverfordwest. Use of four all weather courts and two indoor courts available.

Augustinian Priory

The ruins of the Augustinian Priory are to be found on the banks of the Western Cleddau in Haverfordwest  The site, under the control of Cadw, has been excavated and the outlines of the buildings are visible. Much architectural material of a high standard was discovered and can be seen in Haverfordwest museum. Also unearthed was a unique medieval garden with raised beds.

Accommodation and Services

Accommodation is plentiful in both Haverfordwest and the surrounding areas. From bed and breakfasts and guesthouses to hotels and self-catering cottages, you will be sure to find something that suits your preferences.

Although there are no camping sites in Haverfordwest itself, there are several touring sites and caravan parks situated along the road to Newgale, just 14 mins away by car, or Broad Haven to the west, just 12 minutes away from Haverfordwest.