The spot is everything you’d want from a fishing village – tiny, charming, and always serving up the catch of the day
Nestled in a picturesque crevice of Wales’ rugged coastline, Little Haven doesn’t strive to impress, but that’s precisely why it does. This quaint fishing village in Pembrokeshire exudes a certain charm with its delightful pubs, authentic seafood sandwiches, and a charming cove that ebbs and flows with the tide.
During the warmer months, locals and tourists alike flock to the slipway with ice creams and pints, creating a relaxed atmosphere. But there’s more to Little Haven than seafood sandwiches and seaside pints. The village has a deep-rooted lifeboat heritage.
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In 1882, the RNLI established a base beneath Goldtrop Head, launching lifeboats directly from the water.
This changed in 1903 when proper facilities were finally constructed. The station shut down in the ’20s, but by 1967, lifeboats returned, this time darting out from the newly christened Little and Broad Haven Lifeboat Station, reports Wales Online.
In addition to its maritime history, Little Haven is situated along Pembrokeshire’s enchanting coastline and serves as an idyllic location for a refreshing swim or coastal walk.
Little Haven’s beach may be small, but it boasts layers of rock pools, soft sand and a changing shoreline that unveils routes to adjacent coves at low tide. It forms part of a stretch of coastline designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its intriguing geology and marine life.
The surrounding cliffs and rock formations enhance the picturesque beauty, offering ideal spots for picnics, sunbathing, and coastal strolls. The beach also provides excellent conditions for water sports, including kayaking, paddle boarding, and surfing.
It’s also increasingly become a favourite spot for wild swimming, though you should always be careful and follow Adventure Smart guidance when taking a dip.
For walkers, the Pembrokeshire Coast Path cuts straight through the heart of Little Haven, so if you’ve packed your boots and your waterproofs, you’re in the right place.
Jump on the trail and stride in either direction to enjoy secluded coves, sandy bays and you might even spot a seal if you’re lucky. Head north for a hike to Broad Haven or Nolton Haven, or swing south past The Swan Inn to reach The Point, a cracking clifftop lookout.
Little Haven has also emerged as a small foodie hotspot, thanks to a popular seafood deli and a seaside pub serving home-cooked food.
Seafood in Little Haven and the wider Pembrokeshire area is a culinary highlight, with its coastal offerings reflecting the village’s rich maritime heritage. Pembrokeshire has a growing reputation for fresh produce and coastal cuisine supplied by an emerging wave of independent producers and dining establishments.
Lobster and MôR have become a popular feature in Little Haven, attracting people from miles around to enjoy a fresh roll smothered with Welsh seaweed butter and filled with succulent crab meat or lobster meat. Freshly caught, whole lobster can also be bought alongside Caws Cenarth cheese, ice cream and their locally distilled Tir and Môr gin.
A trip to this deli is a must when visiting Little Haven. Here, local produce merges effortlessly with nautical gifts, picnic essentials and delicious deli items.
If you’re not in the mood for a lobster roll, other sandwich options like smoked salmon and cream cheese are also on offer and go perfectly with their takeaway coffee or, if you’re feeling indulgent, a bottle of their seaweed and spice gin.
For those looking for a pint with a view, there are several pubs in and around Little Haven that serve a range of home-cooked dishes and seafood specials.
The Swan Inn, a 200-year-old pub with a waterside location, focuses on local diver-caught scallops and St Brides Bay crab.
St Brides is another popular pub in the centre of the village, serving Welsh and local Pembrokeshire ales.
This family-run establishment is full of charm and even has a unique secret – behind a door in the bar is one of Little Haven’s original freshwater wells. Opposite the pub, there’s a sun-soaked beer garden perfect for lazy lunches and relaxed weekend sessions.
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