Discover Wales At Haverfordwest – Pembrokeshire
March 6, 2010 by Trevor Johnson
Filed under Destinations
The little town of Haverfordwest – Pembrokeshire is a fascinating and quaint way to get to know Wales. The town of around 14,000 people lies on the River Cleddau and it is overlooked by a medieval castle. This area of Wales is famous for being the area where St Patrick left for Ireland to convert the pagan Irish to Christianity.
The medieval castle above the town was built in the 12th century by the Earl of Pembroke, Gilbert de Clare. The castle is now a ruin, but it has an interesting history having seen such illustrious visitors as King Richard II and Oliver Cromwell. It was also used by soldiers through the civil war. You can learn more about the area’s vast history by visiting the local museum. There is also the ruins of an Augustinian abbey alongside the river.
At Picton Castle nearby there is a lovely art gallery called the Graham Sutherland Gallery. Browsing through the stunning landscapes and other pictures done by the artist and the castle’s gardens is a great way to while away a few hours. The plants in the garden come from the famous Lochinch Gardens of Scotland. Picton Castle is an Edwardian fortress and a beautiful example of this era’s architecture.
In summer Haverfordwest welcomes bunches of tourists who come to enjoy the national parks and the beautiful scenery afforded by the coastline and rugged cliffs. The area is very hilly and there are a number of excellent nature trails that hikers can enjoy. There are guided walks for visitors to the area taking in some of the most popular routes.
Besides the ancient and the natural, there is also a lot of delicious food on offer throughout town. It is a market town and has farmer’s market that has won awards for its produce. There are also a number of great restaurants and cafes throughout Haverfordwest. It is good place to relax for a pint or two as well in one of the town’s old pubs.
Nearby the town is the cathedral of St David and there has been a religious site at this location since the 6th century and it has been a site of pilgrimage for centuries since the monastery here was established by Wales’ patron saint David. Each year there is a dazzling music festival held here, which draws big crowds.
There is plenty to do in Haverfordwest – Pembrokeshire. The area is rich in natural beauty and steeped in Welsh history. It makes a charming area to escape the masses for a few days break when you need your spirits restored.
Find your next Haverfordwest hotel here.