Scolton Manor Museum

About the museum

Scolton Manor was the home of the Higgon family from the end of the sixteenth century. The present house was built for James Higgon and completed in 1842, to a design by the local architect-engineers William and James Owen. The stable block and walled garden date from the same period. During the Second World War the house served as a convalescent hospital for servicemen.

In 1972 Colonel Jack Higgon sold the estate to the Welsh Church Fund on the condition that it be run for the benefit of the public. Pembrokeshire County Council has managed it since then, and the manor now houses the Pembrokeshire county museum.

The rooms have been restored and furnished with period pieces, some on loan from the National Museum of Wales. They show nineteenth-century life in a prosperous country house, from the drawing room and master bedroom to the servants' hall and cellar. The collection includes paintings such as The Tenby Fisherwoman by William Frith and a contemporary picture of the Battle of Fishguard. A small selection of Victorian toys is on show while a larger toy museum is being developed. The surrounding park has a walled garden, a bird hide, woodland trails, a playground and a steam locomotive.

Highlights

• Furnished Victorian rooms above and below stairs
• The Tenby Fisherwoman by William Frith
• Picture of the Battle of Fishguard
• Antique Victorian toys
• Park with walled garden, woodland trails and steam locomotive

Permanent exhibitions

• Scolton Manor House – Furnished nineteenth-century rooms that show life in a prosperous country house, above and below stairs.
• Toy Museum – A small selection of antique Victorian toys is on display in the manor house while a full toy museum is being developed.

Operated by

Pembrokeshire County Council

Admission & discounts

Prices are for the manor house. Access to the park is paid for through the car park charge: up to 2 hours 4.20 pounds, up to 4 hours 4.70 pounds, all day 6.20 pounds; an annual car park pass costs 37 pounds.

Accessibility

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

Most of the grounds and buildings are accessible for wheelchairs and buggies. The manor house is a Grade II* listed building, so the first floor and cellar can be reached by stairs only. A wheelchair can be borrowed at the manor house. Some paths can become muddy after bad weather. Assistance dogs are permitted in the buildings.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities
• Playground / play area

The park has a playground with a pirate ship and a musical play area, a woodland village for young explorers, a bike trail and pump track, and a steam locomotive named Margaret. Baby changing facilities are available.

Getting there & parking

The park lies six miles outside Haverfordwest on the B4329 Cardigan Road, brown-signposted from the A40 from both Haverfordwest and Fishguard.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Edie's Tea Room (open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:30 to 15:30 from October to March) and the Station Shop. The Welcome Centre is open April to October.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Weddings / ceremonies

The manor house and park can be hired for events and civil ceremonies.

Plan your visit