Haverfordwest Castle in Pembrokeshire is set to reopen in 2028 as a major tourist attraction following a £17.7 million restoration, with plans to draw thousands of visitors to the Welsh town.
The 800-year-old fortress, currently closed to the public, is being transformed with a purpose-built outdoor space for 500 people, a three-storey exhibition building, and community areas. The castle grounds will be free to enter, and a new café and shop will offer locally sourced food and bespoke products.
Restoration plans and facilities
According to the BBC, the council estimates around 63,000 people will visit the town during the project's first year. A Pembrokeshire council spokesperson said: "The attraction will not only bring its remarkable history, but will also act as a catalyst for the regeneration of Haverfordwest."
The restoration includes strengthening and repointing the castle's ancient walls, improving footpath accessibility, and landscaping parts of the grounds. The castle, first mentioned in 1188, retains rare traces of its medieval outer ward, though its original western entrance has long disappeared.
Reopening and community impact
The Visit Pembrokeshire website states: "The castle is currently closed to the public as it undergoes restoration and improvements, with plans to reopen in 2028 as a top-quality visitor attraction." The site also notes that the "new flagship heritage attraction will tell Pembrokeshire’s fascinating story in a fun, immersive and interactive exhibition space."
Rob Williams, area director for Morgan Sindall Construction in Wales, said: "Haverfordwest Castle and its grounds will deliver so much more value to the local community and visiting tourists than just being a historical landmark once the project is completed." He added that the structure will be more secure, feature an event space, and include a visitor centre that "lives and breathes history," all fully accessible to everyone.
