Haverfordwest Town Museum

Haverfordwest Town Museum is a local history and heritage museum in Haverfordwest, the county town of Pembrokeshire in south-west Wales. It tells the story of the town, its castle and its people, and also shows a selection of local art.

What can you see at the museum?

The collections cover three main themes: local and social history, the history of Haverfordwest Castle, and regional art. This is not a large national institution but a small, community-scale museum that helps visitors understand everyday life in this Pembrokeshire town over the centuries. For anyone curious about Wales away from the best-known tourist trails, it is a good way to meet the local story.

Which building did the museum occupy?

For years the museum was housed in the former governor's house inside Haverfordwest Castle. The building is Grade II listed and is said to date from 1779. It stood within the castle grounds, facing the former town prison. The setting tied the museum closely to the history of the fortress that overlooks the town.

Why has the museum moved?

The castle is undergoing redevelopment, and the Governor's House is included in plans for refurbishment as part of the wider project. For that reason the museum has relocated temporarily to premises on The Riverside in Haverfordwest (Units 24 and 25). According to the museum itself, it will be there until at least 2027, and admission is free. Sources give different timelines for the castle's reopening, so it is worth checking the museum's own website before you go.

When should you visit and how do you plan it?

The museum runs seasonally: by its own account it opens from 1 March until the end of the October half-term holiday. Older entries in guidebooks and tourism listings may still show the former castle location and different hours, so do not rely on them. A visit does not take long, which makes it easy to combine with a walk around the town centre.

Frequently asked questions

Is admission to Haverfordwest Town Museum free? According to the museum, entry is free.

Where is the museum now? Temporarily on The Riverside in Haverfordwest, because the former governor's house at the castle is being redeveloped.

What is in the collections? Local and social history, the history of Haverfordwest Castle, and a selection of local art.

Is the original building historic? Yes. The governor's house is a Grade II listed building, said to date from 1779.

Is it worth visiting if I only have a short time? Yes. It is a small museum that fits into a brief stop in Haverfordwest, for example on a journey through Pembrokeshire.