With beautiful rolling hills and picturesque coastlines, West Wales has been attracting all manner of visitors for hundreds of years. Staying at our holiday cottages in Pembrokeshire is not just a great way to unwind, but it’s also an opportunity to learn about the world-renowned Welsh way of life that attracts so many people!
There are many great museums dotted throughout West Wales, all shining a light on a different aspect of our history and culture. No matter where you stay, you’ll never be too far from one of these fun and informative days out for the whole family.
National Wool Museum
Location: Dre-fach Felindre, SA44 5UP
Wool is one of Wales’ most famous exports, even surpassing our famous coal industry in the 19th century. The National Wool Museum – a regional part of the Museum of Wales – shows you how Welsh wool is made from fleece to fabric.
Situated in the historic Cambrian Mills, you can explore traditional mill buildings where age-old wool-making techniques are kept alive by museum staff. With self-guided trails for kids and opportunities to try some techniques for yourself, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained.
Look out for opportunities to try your hand at techniques like carding and spinning wool.
The Last Invasion Tapestry Gallery
Location: Fishguard, SA65 9HA
Did you know that the last time British soil was invaded was in Pembrokeshire? The Last Invasion Tapestry Gallery tells the story.
In 1797, French forces landed on the coast just outside Fishguard. A combination of hastily organised British troops and ingenious locals helped to thwart the attack with minimal casualties.
In 1997, a tapestry was commissioned to recognise the local legacy of this event. After taking four years to complete, this tapestry is now the star of a museum dedicated to celebrating the story of how local villages helped save Britain from a potential invasion.
Look out for the 100-feet-long modern tapestry, complete with both English and Welsh commentary.
Tenby Museum & Art Gallery
Location: Tenby, SA70 7BP
One of Wales’ oldest museums, Tenby Museum & Art Gallery, is a fantastic way to understand the history of one of our most popular towns.
This museum tracks the history of Tenby from its first recordings to the present day, looking at the major events and people that have shaped its story through various items. There’s wonderful history to discover for adults, while there’s also plenty of kids’ entertainment.
There’s so much here for the whole family. Geology artefacts show a different side to Tenby’s natural landscape, while the two art galleries capture some of the feelings of those living in and around Tenby today.
Look out for pirates! There are lots of pirate-themed displays at the museum that kids will love.
Scolton Manor
Location: Haverfordwest, SA62 5QL
Slightly off the beaten track, the wonderful open grounds of Scolton Manor are fantastic for a day’s worth of entertainment and discovery.
There’s something for everyone, and every weather, at Scolton Manor. The centrepiece is a Victorian manor house once owned by an upper-middle-class country family, wonderfully kept with displays offering a window to 19th-century life.
However, Scolton Manor is much more than just the house itself. The large estate includes a walled garden, walking trails, cycling tracks, animal enclosures, play areas and more. After hours of playing and exploring, there’s also a lovely tea room for you to sit back and relax.
Look out for Scolton’s beautiful walking trails through the stunning local woodland.
Chapel Bay Fort and Museum
Location: Angle, SA71 5BE
This small, volunteer-run museum is great for anyone with an interest in military history.
Chapel Bay Fort is a fascinating site bridging the gap between classical military structures and more modern practices. Initially built in 1891, it was the last fort in Britain built with a moat and also the world’s first fort made principally from concrete in a low-profile design.
After being in active use for both World Wars, the site is now home to an impressive collection of military equipment throughout the ages. There’s also a cafe and souvenir shop on-site.
Look out for the giant heavy weapons that are stationed around the fort, just as they were during the 19th and 20th centuries.
All these museums promise fun for all the family, so whether you have a keen interest in history or not, we hope you’ll consider these as part of your next adventure here in West Wales!