The Western Cleddau flows through the centre of Haverfordwest; the surviving ruins of Haverfordwest Castle define this riverside town. With its riverside setting, almost 1,000 years of town history and walking and cycling routes, the town offers a range of attractions. Before your trip, consider whether history, the Friday morning market or an outdoor activity will be the deciding factor.

Town History and Architecture

Haverfordwest has existed for almost 1,000 years. In Elizabethan times, the town was the second-largest port in Wales. St Mary's Church offers a tangible chapter in its architectural history: it is a Grade I listed building with substantial structural elements dating from the early 13th century. Its features include decorative arcades and a chancel arch made of Caen stone.

Haverfordwest Castle also defines the riverside town. The well-preserved ruins of the inner bailey and the curtain wall remain. A tourism notice from 2026 states that the castle is closed to the public during restoration; reopening is planned for 2028. Check the latest status before visiting.

Haverfordwest Town Museum features exhibitions on the Augustinian priory. Its diverse collection of artefacts, prints and paintings illustrates Haverfordwest’s history over the past 900 years. The museum, church and castle therefore offer different ways to explore the town’s history: a collection, surviving architecture and castle ruins.

Friday Morning Market

The Friday morning farmers’ market adds another clearly timed highlight to your trip planning. It offers locally produced goods as well as cakes, cheese, seafood and crafts. If the market matches your interests, plan your visit for Friday morning so you can include it as a separate activity.

Walking and Cycling Routes

Fortune's Frolic is a walking route in Haverfordwest. It passes through a park, follows the river and continues through woodland to St Ismael's Church in Uzmaston. The route combines several distinct sections with a named destination. As a walking route, it is a different option from a bike ride on National Cycle Route 4.

National Cycle Route 4 passes through Haverfordwest and runs all the way from London to Abergwaun (Fishguard). A ride along the route takes you from Merlin's Bridge along the former Great Western Railway line to Neyland Marina. It runs mostly off-road. The round trip is about 18 miles; this figure refers to the entire ride, not a one-way journey.

Golf and Countryside

Haverfordwest Golf Club adds a parkland-style golf course to the walking and cycling options. It is next to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and offers views of the Preseli Hills. The course has 18 holes and is 6,002 yards long; par is 70 for men and 72 for women. These details give golfers specific information to help plan a round.

Planning Your Journey and Stay

Haverfordwest has a railway station with connections to the British rail network. Bus services also run from the town throughout Pembrokeshire. If you plan to travel by train or bus, check the connections that suit your travel dates and plan your excursions around the timetables.

Discover more destinations: Tenby, Templeton, Whitland, Porthgain, Begelly, Goodwick, Pontfaen, Ludchurch

For the overview of the wider area: Pembrokeshire.