A fishing village on a cove, the rolling Daugleddau landscape and St Jerome’s Church give Llangwm a clear focus on local history and nature. The village grew up around a cove; the surrounding landscape is shaped by rolling farmland and woodland. You can translate this into two interests for a stay: explore the maritime past and church history, or focus on walking paths and the estuary landscape.
Fishing and the shoreline
Llangwm was one of Pembrokeshire’s herring ports. Historic fishing also included salmon, sea trout and shellfish, especially oysters; both men and women took part. In the past, coal barges sailed to Llangwm Pool to transfer coal in deeper water to larger ships. These details show different sides of the area’s maritime history: fishing and the transfer of coal on the water.
There are several landing places and access points along the muddy and rocky shoreline. By contrast, developed quays and jetties are limited. This is a useful distinction if you are interested in the shoreline: the landing places are part of the village’s character, but they are not the same as a fully developed quay.
Choose walking routes by distance and landscape
The Llangwm/Blacktar Point route offers views of Foel Cwmcerwyn, woodland and the estuary landscape. Along the way, you can watch wading birds, ducks, herons and yachts. The short walk to Blacktar Point is 1.4 miles (2.2 km) long. Another short walk at Llangwm Pill is 1.7 miles (2.8 km). You can compare the distances directly if you want to choose based on your preferred length. Check local path conditions before setting out.
Bus routes 308 and 309 from Llangwm are listed as public transport options for the Blacktar Point route. Route 308 links Haverfordwest, Llangwm and Burton on a circular route. If you include the bus in your plans, check the current timetable before travelling.
Church history and stories from Llangwm
St Jerome’s Church was built between 1185 and 1215. Significant remains of the de Roch or de la Rupe family chapel survive in the north transept. The church also contains two gravestones from the 10th or 11th century. The construction date, chapel remains and gravestones mark different periods in the church’s history.
Llangwm’s founding is also linked to the Normans: they founded the village after their invasion of south Pembrokeshire. The Talking Tapestry of Langum is displayed at St Jerome’s Church. It tells the story of the village and of the arrival of Flemish invaders and settlers in the 12th century. The tapestry’s display may change.
Literature, events and rowing
The Llangwm Literary Festival brings local, national and international writers to Llangwm. The programme includes walks, talks, fitness, art and foraging. Individual events and participants may vary from one edition to the next. A local report from 2024 also describes social rowing trips organised throughout the year by Llangwm Longboat Rowing Club.
Discover more destinations: Llanfyrnach, Crymych, Penally, Treffynnon, Tenby, Roch, Pembroke Dock, Solva.
For the wider travel overview: Pembrokeshire.
