Milford Haven lies 7 miles south of Haverfordwest on the west coast of Pembrokeshire, south-west Wales and is believed to have derived its name from the phonics of two Old Norse words, Melyr and Fyord.  A charming port town founded during the late 18th century, Milford Haven is home to 14,000 inhabitants and attracts hundreds of visitors each year. 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 still retain some small commercial function but most have been given over to the marina and marina village. 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 and restaurants. The Torch 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 also kindly caters for those who are disabled.. With plenty of plays and films showing throughout the year, The Torch Theatre provides the perfect evening out in Milford Haven.

Attractions

Although once a major fishing port in Pembrokeshire, Milford now has a beautiful marina overlooking its waters. With plenty of indoor and outdoor activities based here, it provides a beautiful spot to sit and watch the boats sailing through the Milford Haven waterway.

Milford Haven’s town museum, 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. An interesting place, it is one of the town’s little gems!

There is also the Dockside Gallery which displays some of the best art and craft to come out of Wales in the last few centuries. With its central location, the gallery is a must for any keen artist.

For 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 also serves delicious food in its Galley Diner and alcoholic beverages in its fully licensed bar.

There is also the entertaining Milford Haven Town Band, which welcomes new members to its Junior Band, with ages ranging from 6 to 64! The band tours around various towns, villages and carnivals throughout Pembrokeshire and provide a warm and friendly atmosphere.

Why not take a walk through Milford Haven via the Coastal Path? The path which makes its way from north to south Pembrokeshire winds its way round the Milford Haven Waterway and provides spectacular views of the port and marina.

Surrounding Area

Although there are many activities and attractions to be found in Milford Haven itself, there are also many tempting spots in the surrounding area that may appeal to you. The county of Pembrokeshire is renowned for its abundance of beautiful beaches and of course the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path that passes through Milford Haven is a favourite with walkers from all over Europe and beyond..

Neyland
Neyland is a small, maritime town, the last commercial link when the Pembroke Dock ferry finished in 1974, with the opening of the Cleddau Bridge. Complete with a 3000 berth marina and an attractive location across from Pembroke Dock, it is a pleasant little place to visit.

Cleyland Bridge
Cleyland Bridge, built in 1974, gives scenic views of both the Pembroke-Rosslare stream. Being a bridge used by cars, of course you can’t exactly stand on it to take in the views yourself! However there is a picnic area at the southern area of the bridge where you can stop off at whatever time of year to admire the bridge’s construction.

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. 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. Also during this time vast and indestructible forts and barracks were built around Milford Haven’s waters, similar to the forts at Stack Rock and Thorn Island.
       Although the Royal Navy dockyard at nearby Pembroke Dock had thrived throughout the 19th century and First World War, sadly in 1926 it was suddenly closed down, presumably because of the success of the railway. However boats still dock from there and also from Milford Haven.

During the 1960s Milford Haven found industrial success in another source: oil. Since then the town has become one of Britain’s major oil ports, dispensing and transporting oil to various points around the country.

Accommodation and Services

Though with 14,000 inhabitants, there is free parking throughout the town, making it easy for you to shop around and appreciate what Milford Haven has to offer!  If you are planning on staying in Milford Haven, your stay will surely be a pleasant one. With numerous hotels, bed and breakfasts and guesthouses in the town, you will be spoilt for choice on where to choose for your break away. Self-catering farm cottages can also be found in nearby Dale [10.4 miles from Milford Haven], Marloes [9.5 miles] and Little Haven [6.9 miles], as well as caravan parks and camping sites.