03 September 2024
There are several museums in Pembrokeshire which brings the history of the county to life and gives visitors an insight into how Pembrokeshire has come to be what it is today.
The history of Pembrokeshire is as rich and dramatic as its landscape. It can be traced as far back as the prehistoric era and is intrinsically linked to its coastline – whether to the early spread of Christianity or Viking invasions. There are several museums in the county which bring this history to life and give visitors an insight into how Pembrokeshire has come to be what it is today. Who knows what else you’ll discover as you delve into Pembrokeshire’s past.
Turn back the clock to the Victorian era and discover Scolton Manor; a delightful all-weather attraction set in 60 acres of park and woodland at the heart of Pembrokeshire.
Experience old country life ‘above and below’ stairs over three floors of the manor house. Displaying hundreds and hundreds of objects, the house tells the story of the Higgon family and a Pembrokeshire country estate.
There’s also plenty to see outdoors at the site, where you can dig into history and see for yourself the restoration of the walled garden as it’s brought back to life. Check out the Pembrokeshire Beekeeping Centre in the stables and, if you dare, discover the Myths & Legends Trail; you’ll never know who you’ll meet along the way.
And while there is always a buzz in the air, don’t forget to take time out for tea and relax in the timeless tranquillity of Scolton Manor; the place where the past meets the present.
Inside Scolton Manor
Tenby Museum and Art Gallery tells the unique story of Tenby and was recently described by a visitor as “a museum for all ages.” Its contemporary bilingual galleries include prehistory collections from the Precambrian through to the Romano-British period, maritime and social history and feature many interactive displays for families.
Its two art galleries exhibit works by Augustus and Gwen John and other nationally important artists including Kyffin Williams, David Jones, John Piper, Meirion Jones and Mark Raggett and the galleries also include regularly changing selling art shows.
There is also a gift shop and all admission tickets are valid for one year after purchase. The museum is fully accredited under Arts Council England and is also VAQAS Accredited. It is a family-friendly museum with something of interest for everyone.
Tenby Museum and Art Gallery perched high above Castle Beach
Narberth has a long and interesting history. This story is told through the use of historic artefacts, scale models, interpretive panels and interactive activities.
Mentioned in the Mabinogion as the location of the court of Pwyll Prince of Dyfed.
A scale model of the castle will help you visualize what once stood on the site of Narberth castle that today lies in ruin. An interactive game illustrates the tactics used in medieval siege warfare.
Narberth’s fortunes were greatly improved with the coming of the railway in 1866. A working scale model of the station is set up with trains running to an original timetable.
Walk the streets of turn-of-the-century Narberth and take a look at some of the shops that were around at the time.
One of the most popular areas of the museum for young families is our Mabinogion woodland glade. As well as explaining the story of the Mabinogion through interpretive panels it includes a storytelling chair where children can listen to welsh folk stories in English and Welsh.
Narberth Bonded Stores is home to Narberth Museum
Narberth Bonded Stores is now home to Narberth Museum
The Museum is housed in one of the oldest buildings in Milford Haven. Designed by Swansea architect, Jernigan, it was built in 1797 for the storage of whale oil awaiting transhipment for sale in London.
Milford Haven has been connected witha number of industries – fishing, Quaker whaling from the 1790s, which led to the whale oil industry and more recently the modern oil industry.
It has also played an important role during the two World Wars when it was a convoy assembly point for mine-sweeping
Milford Haven Museum
Pembroke Museum
The Pembroke Museum houses a collection well worth seeing. Lovingly cared for by volunteers and free to the public, it can be found in Pembroke’s Georgian town hall, a Grade II listed building. Follow the fascinating story of Pembroke and discover the prestigious history of the town, one of the oldest in Wales and famous as the birthplace of Henry VII. Amongst its collections are the silent movies of William Haggar, pioneer of the British cinema; an authentic 19th Century Welsh costume collection; an exhibition of children’s toys; maritime heritage artefacts and an extensive archive of old photographs and oral history. Children are welcome and there is a children’s corner with activities.
Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre
Explore over 200 years of maritime, military and social history at Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre, an all weather family attraction in the heart of Wales’ only Royal Dockyard. The collection focuses on the history of the town and the surrounding area since the establishment of the Royal Dockyard in 1814. The collections have mainly been donated by members of the public and include a wide range of items including uniforms, medals and military memorabilia, as well as documents, ephemera and photographs. The collection also includes aircraft parts such as those recovered from the wreckage of Sunderland T9044, which sunk in the Milford Haven waterway in 1940. Other aspects of the collection include everything from paintings and decorative arts to machinery and tools.
To uncover more of Pembrokeshire’s history, Take the Tour: Legendary North Pembrokeshire to learn of our prehistoric past, our famous myths, legends and saints and Britain’s smallest city, St Davids.
