Milford Haven lies 7 miles south of Haverfordwest on the west coast of Pembrokeshire, south-west Wales. A charming port town founded during the late 18th century, Milford Haven is home to 14,000 inhabitants although the number swells during the summer months. There are many beautiful beaches to visit nearby and wonderful, relaxing walks to be found. Golfing, riding, boating, and fishing can all be found within the local area.

Town Centre

Where there was once a commercial quayside there are now cafes, restaurants and smart shops. Just above the quay are the museum, galleries, theatre and restaurants. Once a busy whaling Port the docks have been reshaped into a superb 150-berth marina and Milford Haven now hosts many visitor attractions including a nature trail, 9-hole golf course, pleasure boat trips, and an impressive Dockside Gallery and Museum. Milford Haven docks retain some small commercial function but most have been given over to the marina and marina village.

Walks, Cycle Trails and Other Activities

The Pembrokeshire Coastal Path weaves its way through Milford Haven on its way from South Hook Point to Wear Point, and on to Neyland.

Attractions

Milford Haven Marina: Although once a major fishing port in Pembrokeshire, Milford now has a superb 150-berth marina.

Milford Haven's Town Museum: The museum is housed in the town's oldest building built in 1797, Custom House, is definitely well worth a visit to gain an interesting insight into the town's history as both a fishing centre, and more particularly, a whaling town.

Dockside Gallery: The Dockside Gallery displays some of the best art and craft to come out of West Wales for many a year. With its central location, the gallery is a must for any keen artist.

Phoenix Bowl: A family activity, the Phoenix Bowl ten pin bowling alley stands on what was formerly a section of the port. A lively and friendly place, it will offer plenty of fun for everyone. It serves delicious food in its Galley Diner and alcoholic beverages in its fully licensed bar.

Milford Haven Town Band : The always entertaining Milford Haven Town Band, welcomes new members to its Junior Band, with ages ranging from 6 to 64! The band tours various towns, villages and carnivals throughout Pembrokeshire.

The Torch Theatre: The theatre, which overlooks the docks, has a main house, cinema dance studio, studio theatre, and gallery of its own with plenty to offer both visitors and locals alike. The main house has a seating capacity of 297 and caters for the disabled. With plenty of plays and films showing throughout the year, The Torch Theatre provides the perfect evening out in Milford Haven.

History

The town was founded in 1790 by Sir William Hamilton and like many coastal towns in Pembrokeshire, played a major part in the fishing industry. (It is believed to have derived its name from the phonics of two Old Norse words, Melyr and Fyord.) A naval dock was built towards the end of the 19th century and with the arrival of the railway in 1863, a large docks complex was built along the waterfront of Milford Haven. However, the railway did not travel straight to Milford Haven but to nearby Neyland. During the 1960s Milford Haven found industrial success in another source: oil. Since then the town has become one of Britain's major oil and gas ports, dispensing and transporting oil to various points around the country.