About

The fact that Haverfordwest is within such easy reach of all Pembrokeshire's premier attractions ensures that it retains its popularity as a tourist destination as well as an administrative centre. The world's smallest city of St David's, the Pembrokeshire National Park and the only theme park in Wales are all within a half hours drive away, whilst the town itself provides a high standard of restaurants and pubs around the quayside with new retail developments and a traditional farmers market.

Leisure facilities, entertainment complexes and excellent rail links ensure that this old frontier town holds its own in the 21st century. Haverfordwest has many famous sons and daughters including the artists Augustus and Gwen John, the poet Waldo Williams, the actors Rhys Ifans and Christian Bale as well as Suggs from Madness.

Haverfordwest has a railway station on the Carmarthen and Whitland line to Milford Haven.

HISTORY & CULTURE
Haverfordwest, or 'the ford used by fat cows', is the county town of Pembrokeshire and has been an important trading and transport hub for the coastal towns of Pembroke, Milford Haven and Fishguard for centuries. For that reason it is thought that there has been a settlement there since the Iron Age but the recorded history of Haverfordwest begins with the construction of Haverfordwest Castle by Norman settlers in 1100. The Castle is still open to visitors today and is a visible reminder of the town's medieval heritage, as is the Augustinian Priory. Much of the history of Haverfordwest and Pembrokeshire in general, from the rebellions of the middle ages to the industry of the empire, is excellently documented in the local museum.