Haverfordwest Priory

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Religious men with green fingers

Excavations begun in the 1980s revealed many long-hidden secrets of this ruined priory on the banks of the River Cleddau just outside Haverfordwest’s town walls. It was probably founded for Augustinian canons in the late 12th or early 13th centuries, and parts of the church (including the site of the high altar), chapter house and cloister can be seen.

But the priory’s star feature is its restored garden, the only surviving ecclesiastical medieval garden in Britain, replanted to resemble its look and fragrance in medieval times.

This prized ‘pleasure garden’, a place of enjoyment as well as contemplation, was a rarity in monastic circles, a reflection of the priory’s notable wealth. Artefacts from the excavations are on display at the Haverfordwest Town Museum.

Opening times & prices

Opening times

1st April - 31st March	Open all year
Open all year — during reasonable daylight hours

Visitor information

Dogs welcome

Walking difficulty

Terrain: Level 1 – Accessible

Drone policy

No smoking

Health & Safety

The priory is surrounded by flat grassed grounds with relatively flat stone inside the monument area.

The historic stone remains show the outline of inner room structures; these may present trip hazards so please walk carefully around the area.

The monument stonework and small access bridges may be slippery when wet, we ask that you take care.

As with all ancient monuments there is always a risk of stones being dislodged in bad weather, however, we manage this through extensive monitoring.

Climbing may result in serious injury.

There are several wild plants and flowers, although these are great pollinators, they may be poisonous to visitors and animals, we strongly advise you not to touch or allow dogs to eat any vegetation.

Please watch our health & safety film before visiting Cadw sites.

Iechyd a Diogelwch / Health and Safety

Please report any anti-social behaviour such as climbing, setting fires, graffiti etc. to CadwAccidentsReports@gov.wales

The following signs can be found around the site at key areas of risk, please pay attention where appropriate.