Broad Haven is the perfect place for a family holiday. Located just 7 miles from Haverfordwest , it is a traditional seaside village on the edge of the glorious St Bride’s Bay. With plenty of activities to do in the village and the tourist areas of St David’s and Milford Haven nearby, Broad Haven is just waiting to be discovered.  

Village centre

There are several local shops and a convenient village shop located just along the sea front. Surprisingly for a small village you will find a number of bars and pubs, as well as a bistro serving delicious, fresh foods. The Royal pub can also be found in the older part of the village away from the sea front and serves real ale, as well as having its own beer garden. It welcomes coach parties but booking is essential.

Attractions

Broad Haven is an ideal place to visit for those keen on water sports. Activities include surfing, canoeing, sea kayaking, fishing, swimming and safe bathing. No equipment....No problem ! There is the Haven Sports sport shop just near the sea front where you can hire surf boards and kayaks.

For those who enjoy walking there are plenty of walks up amongst the cliffs on both sides of the beach. Towards the headland to the north of the beach you will find interesting geological features including several stacks, such as the Sleek Stone, a huge whale-like projection which is in fact part of an up-fold in the Coal Measures. There is also Den’s Door which, interestingly, has two arches through its base.

The Beach

Broad Haven beach is a must see for visitors to Pembrokeshire. Flanked by cliffs on both sides and with wide, glorious, golden sands, the beach is a ‘haven’ for all the family. There are majestic views both from the beach over St Bride’s Bay and also from the top of the cliffs. As well as safe bathing and swimming, Broad Haven beach also offers opportunities to windsurf and sail on its calm waters when conditions are right. The beach offers something for everyone, whether that being water sports, playing games on the beach with all the family, rock-pooling for the children and adults or peaceful walks taking in the magnificent and incredible views of the bay.

Walking

From the beach, if you head south on the Pembroke Coastal Path you will come to Little Haven and onwards round the bay to the village of St Brides. Heading north in the opposite direction you will presently come to Druidston Haven, passing Nolton Haven and eventually Newgale. There are bus services running from Newgale to Broad Haven so that you won’t have to walk the journey back!

History

Little is known of the history of Broad Haven before the 1800s and there are no indications towards settlements in ancient times. Yet by 1800 it had become a popular coastal village and by 1937 it was thriving as a seaside resort. In 1882 the first shop opened, soon to be followed by several others as Broad Haven became more popular.

However, surprisingly, its prime industry was coal, which was extracted from the pits on the cliffs and transported to North Wales. The coal industry thus remained Broad Haven’s main source of income for many years.

Interestingly, during the 1970s Broad Haven made its name known by becoming a prime spot for UFO sightings. It dubbed the name ‘Broad Haven Triangle’ after the Bermuda Triangle, following an article written in ‘The Sun’ titled ‘Spaceman Mystery of the Terror Triangle.’ In February 1977 it is reported that 14 schoolchildren saw a UFO craft in the field beside their school and when asked by the headmaster to draw the craft, the pictures all looked strikingly similar. The oddest of all would have to be the apparent sighting of a 7ft creature in a silver suit late one night in April 1977. Whether these sightings are true or not, they provide an interesting atmosphere to Broad Haven!

Accommodation and Services

Self catering in holiday cottages is available in the surrounding countryside. There are guesthouses and bed & breakfasts dotted about the village, many with spectacular views across the beach. Pembrokeshire has a good selection of quality hotels. (Tip: Always look for accommodation with Wales Tourist Board  or AA / RAC gradings) There are also plenty in nearby Little Haven. Camp sites and caravan sites can be found just outside Broad Haven, along the coast on St Bride’s Road, near to Little Haven. For passing tourists, there is also a Youth Hostel located in Broad Haven, offering a comfortable night’s sleep.

For parking facilities there is a car park at the north end of the village and a smaller one at the south end, both operating Pay & Display facilities.

There is easy access to the beach via three slipways.