At the top of St Davids’ High Street, Oriel y Parc combines a Pembrokeshire Coast National Park visitor centre, art gallery, café and gift shop. Its changing exhibitions bring together art and objects from the National Museum of Wales, often with a focus on the region’s landscapes and nature. Look for works by Welsh artist Graham Sutherland, or check the Discovery Room for family art and nature activities. Entry is free, and the café serves hearty meals, breakfast and coffee. It’s a useful first stop for local information before exploring the city or coast.
A gallery and park visitor centre
Oriel y Parc brings together the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority and Amgueddfa Cymru-National Museum Wales. The centre includes a visitor information service and a Class A Landscape Gallery, where displays draw on the national museum’s art and artefact collections. Exhibitions change over time, with many exploring the landscapes and natural environment of Pembrokeshire.
The gallery has shown work by Graham Sutherland, the Welsh artist whose landscapes were influenced by Pembrokeshire. Temporary exhibitions by visiting artists have also appeared in the building’s tower. Check what is on during your visit, as the programme changes.
Activities for families and local artists
The Discovery Room gives children a place to explore local landscape and culture through family-friendly art and nature activities. Oriel y Parc also runs workshops, talks and other events, with activities for families among the programme. Events can make the centre busier, so a weekday visit may suit you if you want a quieter look around.
An Artist in Residence Studio and tower spaces connect the centre with local creative work. The gift shop sells items from local makers alongside other gifts, giving you a chance to browse after the gallery. Staff can also share information about the area and its history.
Coffee and lunch at Pilgrims Café
Pilgrims Café is inside the visitor centre, making it an easy stop before or after time in the gallery. The menu includes breakfast, coffee, freshly prepared light lunches and homemade cakes. Daily specials can include locally caught seafood. Gluten-free and plant-based choices have been noted, as have options for children and dairy-free diets; ask the café about current dishes and dietary requirements.
The café can get busy, and food waits have sometimes been long. If you have a tight schedule, allow time for your meal or reserve ahead. The centre also has a gift shop and restrooms, and the building has wheelchair-accessible entrances, facilities and seating.
Häufige Fragen
Is entry to Oriel y Parc free?
Yes. Entry is free.
What can you see at Oriel y Parc?
The gallery has changing exhibitions of art and artefacts from the National Museum of Wales, often focused on Pembrokeshire’s landscape. It also has a Discovery Room with family art and nature activities.
Is there a café at Oriel y Parc?
Yes. Pilgrims Café serves breakfast, coffee, light lunches and homemade cakes. Daily specials can include local seafood.
Is Oriel y Parc wheelchair accessible?
The centre has wheelchair-accessible entrances, restrooms, seating and parking. A wheelchair lift provides access to the lower gallery.
