Pembroke, a historic walled town in Pembrokeshire, Wales, offers a blend of medieval heritage, traditional market charm, and proximity to the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, yet it remains overlooked by many visitors who flock to better-known spots like Tenby, Gower, and St David's.
Medieval Heritage and Castle
According to Visit Pembrokeshire, Pembroke is a “textbook medieval fortified town” dating back more than 900 years. Its main street runs east from the castle gates, with a moat encircling much of the town. The old town walls are “remarkably” intact, complete with defensive towers.
The town is dominated by Pembroke Castle, one of the most complete Norman castles in the UK and the birthplace of Henry VII, founder of the Tudor dynasty. Over 900 years old, the castle was the seat of power in West Wales for centuries. Visitors can climb the 80-foot keep for panoramic views.
Castle's Restoration and Visitor Experience
After being plundered by locals for building materials, the ruin became a project for a major general in the 1920s. It later passed down family lines, where sisters Clarissa Burgess and Victoria Bruce played as children. Today, a trust conserves and protects the castle for the people of Pembroke and Wales.
Open year-round, the castle offers free guided tours daily, included in admission. The Castle Gift Shop and Heraldry Centre sell unique gifts. A circular path along the former moat, now a millpond, provides walking and cycling routes, with the best views from the tidal wall on the far side.
Modern Regeneration and Local Food
Pembroke is also undergoing regeneration. The South Quay project, led by Pembrokeshire County Council with Andrew Scott Ltd, is in its final construction stages. Phase one, funded by Welsh Government, will include a Henry Tudor visitor centre, library, café, and landscaped gardens. Phase two, the 'Pembroke Hwb', backed by the UK Government's Levelling Up initiative, will convert 7 and 8 Northgate Street into a community facility.
For dining, Watermans Arms offers pub classics overlooking the Mill Pond and castle, while the dog-friendly Royal George serves ales and dishes like fish pie. Brown’s Fish & Chip Café, dating to 1928, remains family-run and serves cod and chips.
