Oriel y Parc

About the museum

Oriel y Parc is the visitor centre of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority in St Davids, the gateway to Britain's smallest city. An earlier national park visitor centre was built here in 1999. It was redeveloped from 2007 and reopened in July 2008 as a much larger complex with two new galleries.

The building was designed to sit quietly in the landscape. It uses Welsh timber, locally reclaimed stone, wool insulation and rainwater harvesting, and it has won awards as a sustainable building.

The centre is owned and run by the national park authority and is the home of Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales in Pembrokeshire. Its main gallery presents a changing programme of exhibitions with art and objects from the national collections of Wales. Three further spaces, the Tower, the St Davids Room and the Discovery Room windows, show work by local artists. The centre also holds an information desk, a shop with local crafts and a cafe.

Highlights

• Gallery with objects from the national collections of Wales
• Exhibitions by local artists in three further spaces
• Award-winning sustainable building
• Discovery Room for children
• Information on walks and the Pembrokeshire Coast Path

Founded

2008

Operated by

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

The visitor centre and its galleries are free to enter.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Entrance through wide automatic doors. All services are on one level except the gallery and the tower, which have lift access. Two wheelchairs can be borrowed (booking in advance is recommended), and a mobility scooter, a child's beach wheelchair and an off-road wheelchair are available. A hearing loop is available at the desk.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Baby changing facilities

A Discovery Room offers children a playful way to learn about the local landscape and culture. Baby changing units are in the cafe and the visitor centre.

Getting there & parking

From the car park, cross Caerfai Road and pass under the archway to the courtyard; the path is level. The centre of St Davids is a 5 to 10 minute walk on level ground.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

The Brunch House cafe serves brunch dishes and hot drinks. The shop sells local crafts, books, prints and national park items.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Up to 50 guests.

The Discovery Room can be hired for meetings, workshops and events, with space for up to 50 people (theatre layout).

Plan your visit