Haverfordwest

Castle ruins dominate the skyline from their rocky perch, giving this market town a proper sense of drama. Haverfordwest feels lived-in rather than prettified - a working Welsh town where the high street hums with actual locals doing their shopping, not just tourists browsing.

The Norman fortress of Haverfordwest Castle still commands respect after 900 years, though these days it's the town museum rather than a military stronghold. Below its walls, narrow streets wind between Georgian townhouses and Victorian shopfronts. The Creative Gallery showcases local artists, while the Welsh Spitfire Museum tells fascinating wartime stories from nearby RAF bases.

Walk beyond the town centre and you'll find yourself in proper Pembrokeshire countryside within minutes. Little Treffgarne Woods offers excellent hiking trails, and Bowen's Wood is perfect for a gentle afternoon ramble. Both are refreshingly quiet on weekdays.

From the train station, direct services connect to Cardiff in under three hours - handy for those arriving without a car. The town sits roughly in the centre of Pembrokeshire, making it an excellent base for exploring both the coast and the inland national park. Milford Haven's industrial waterfront lies 15 minutes south, while the dramatic coastline around St David's is a 45-minute drive northwest.

Staying at one of the nearby parks like Bluestone Resort puts you right in the heart of holiday country, but with easy access to a proper market town. You get the best of both worlds - countryside peace when you want it, and decent shops, pubs and restaurants when you need them.