Narberth: Why This Pembrokeshire Town Is Wales's Best Place to Live
Sometimes a destination captures your imagination through sheer reputation alone. For journalist Joanne Ridout, it was professional research that led her to Narberth, a Pembrokeshire town recently crowned the best place to live in Wales. After compiling a comprehensive list of Wales's 24 finest residential locations, Narberth emerged as the clear winner, praised for its culinary scene, retail diversity, community spirit, location, property prices, and town centre appeal.
A Warm Welcome and Surprising Scale
Joanne noted that Narberth had consistently received excellent feedback, prompting her personal visit. Arriving on a bright, dry day with her adolescent son, she was initially struck by the town's compact appearance from the main road. However, discovering the large, well-signposted car park—nearly full on a Tuesday in December—was the first of many pleasant surprises. Parking cost just £3 for 24 hours, a bargain compared to city centre rates.
Strolling towards the high street, Joanne's eyes were drawn to charming shops filled with unique homeware and gifts. Yet, it was the town's layout and atmosphere that truly captivated her. Two things caught me off guard, she shared: the centre revolves around two streets centred on a war memorial, and it was teeming with people. The pavements bustled, but unlike urban shopping experiences, interactions here were overwhelmingly positive.
The Heart of Community Spirit
In Narberth, people smiled at me, people said hello to me, people held the door open for me, Joanne observed. This friendly demeanour stems from a strong, engaged community where local events are well-attended, and societies cater to all age groups and interests. Voluntary helpers maintain the arts centre and museum, keeping them operational and flourishing—a testament to residents' pride in their town.
Joanne explored a charming pathway leading to The Malthouse Café, where she enjoyed the finest Victoria sponge ever. Speaking to locals Hilary and Tomos, she learned about Narberth's appeal. They praised daytime dining options like Plumvanilla Café, which serves expertly brewed Bay Coffee Roasters beans, fresh lunches, and hosts community gatherings and supper clubs. Other residents highlighted a perfect balance between retailers, dining establishments and activities for both inhabitants and tourists.
Retail Heaven and Culinary Delights
Narberth's high street is a haven for independent retailers. Joanne found herself in retail heaven, with numerous homeware and gift boutiques, antique emporiums like The Malthouse Café's barn, Narberth Antiques and Interiors, and Useful and Beautiful Things. Must-visit shops include The Golden Sheaf gallery, The Wild Wisteria, Jago, and The Shop at No 47, alongside Matilda's, Big Blue Sky, and jewellers like Audrey Bull and Haul Fryn.
Even Wise Buys, Narberth's equivalent of Poundland, impressed with its distinctive gifts. A specialist delicatessen offered shelves brimming with treasures, showcasing an extensive array of food and beverages. Fire and Ice, a store championing regional producers, added to the town's remarkable impact. For such a compact high street, the variety kept Joanne and her son captivated all day.
Architectural Charm and Innovative Dining
With a passion for property, Joanne admired Narberth's architectural mix—historic buildings in bold colours or authentic stone frontages, anchored by the characteristic town hall. The duo ended their day at Hwb, a distinctive establishment set in a former school building, now a sociable dining venue housing four street food vendors: Top Beef, Bee's Thai Kitchen, Grub tacos, and Tikka G Indian. This innovative concept, created by three enterprising locals, perfectly encapsulates the town's character.
Unwavering Community in All Weathers
Returning the next day after staying locally, Joanne sampled pizzas at Top Joe's Townhouse, justifying the extra journey despite torrential downpours. Visitor numbers dwindled, but locals remained undeterred, pausing for conversations beneath umbrellas and exchanging waves—inclement weather poses no challenge to Narberth's community spirit.
Weeks later, watching an episode of Escape to the Country where a property seeker viewed a house in Narberth, Joanne understood the immediate enchantment. The seeker declared the town had captivated her, and nowhere else would do. After her visit, Joanne completely agreed, planning a return in springtime. Narberth's blend of independent shops, friendly atmosphere, and resilient community solidifies its status as Wales's best place to live.
