Pembroke offers several ways to explore its history: the Norman castle, the town museum’s collections and medieval churches. Waymarked trails and guided walks add to these cultural highlights. During your stay, you can choose between architectural history, exhibitions and outdoor activities.
Castle and Early History
The Normans founded Pembroke Castle in 1093. The Great Keep was built by William Marshal. The founding year and builder are two specific starting points for exploring the castle’s history. Pembroke Castle offers free guided tours every day. Visitors can also descend into Wogan Cavern, considered the site of the earliest people in Britain. Check tour times and the latest access conditions for the cavern before your trip.
Museum in the Georgian Town Hall
Pembroke Museum is housed in the Georgian Town Hall, a Grade II listed building. Its collections include silent films by William Haggar, an authentic collection of 19th-century Welsh costumes and an exhibition of historic children’s toys. There are also maritime artefacts and an extensive archive of old photographs, postcards and oral histories. The murals in the Town Hall are permanently displayed in the foyer and on the upper landing. The museum and murals offer different insights: collection items and archive material in one, artworks in two specifically identified areas of the building in the other.
Churches and Architecture
St Mary’s Church in Pembroke dates from the late 12th to early 13th century. St Mary the Virgin has several stained-glass windows designed by Charles Kempe. Its Norman tower is Grade I listed and houses eight bells; bells have been rung in the church since the 1760s. St Mary the Virgin is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm. Access may be restricted during work on the tower and bell frame, so check the latest visitor information before your visit. The Priory Church of St Nicholas and St John also has an information guide and an exhibition.
Trails and Walks
The Main Town Trail is about 3 miles long; shorter alternative routes are also marked. The Pembroke Town Trail is identified by 30 bronze plaques set into the pavements. The seasonal 2026 programme of Pembroke Town Walls includes one-hour guided walks around the town’s medieval fortifications. The route runs over tarmac or paved surfaces and includes one steep downhill section. Check the dates of the seasonal guided walks in advance and take this section into account when planning.
A circular route runs around the Pembroke ponds, which once formed the castle moat; it is suitable for walking or cycling. The section from Angle to Pembroke follows the Pembroke River and leads into the town. The trails offer different planning options: the approximate length is given for the Main Town Trail, while the guided tour is listed as lasting one hour. Check the dates of this seasonal guided walk for your travel dates.
For your stay, you can decide whether to focus on the castle, museum and churches or on the waymarked trails and town fortifications. The stated opening times, route details and seasonal dates can help you organise your interests around your travel dates.
Discover more destinations: Wisemans Bridge, Treffynnon, Rosemarket, Porthgain, Llandissilio, Tenby, Abercastle, St Florence.
Return to the main travel guide: Pembrokeshire.
