Martin’s Haven Beach

Almost on the furthermost tip of south west Pembrokeshire lies Martin’s Haven Beach. It is undeniably best known for being the departure point for trips to Skomer Island, the nature reserve located some two miles offshore and famous for being home to the largest colony of breeding puffins in Britain.

Martin’s Haven Beach itself is a small, shingle cove sheltered by cliffs on either side and backed by a bank of steep pebbles. This north-facing bay is part of the Marloes peninsula thus is situated close to the seaside villages of Dale, St Ishmaels and St Brides.

To say this region is a utopia of nature is almost an understatement. Walkers will delight in exploring the headland, divers flock from all over the UK for underwater adventures here and wildlife watchers will discover more than just puffins.

Activities

Pay a visit to Martin’s Haven between April and September, and the chances are you’re on way to Skomer Island. Between April and September, regular ferries run by Dale Sailing depart from the jetty on the left of the bay and sail off towards Skomer and Skokholm Islands. These isles are teeming with wildlife so you’ll find locals and holidaymakers from all over the world flock here for a sighting of the characterful puffins who make their home here.

You can book to land on Skomer, allowing you to get a little closer to the seabirds and practise your wildlife photography, or you can choose to book a cruise taking you on a voyage through the seas taking in incredible coastline views and wildlife sightings. Alongside puffins, you may well spot manx shearwaters, choughs, owls, rabbits and seals.

Note, these trips are in awfully high demand, particularly during breeding season between May and mid-July, and booking in advance is not an option. The 250 spaces reserved for visitors to the island are offered on a first come first served basis only.

Back on land at Martin’s Haven, you can pair your Skomer Island trip with a visit to the Fisherman’s Cottage for a look at their marine exhibition complete with interactive displays, or call into Lockley Lodge for some information on the island and wildlife you’ll see. Lockley Lodge is where you’ll have to purchase your ticket to the islands, so it’s a no brainer to browse the information centre and gift shop whilst you’re there.

The second most popular pastime visitors head to Martin’s Haven Beach for is diving. The water surrounding the tip of the Marloes peninsula, through Jack Sound, around Midland Isle and encircling Skomer Island is all part of the Skomer Marine Conservation Zone. This district of water is designated as a protected region, managed by National Resources Wales and whilst there are rules in place to help preserve the natural habitats found here, divers are welcomed to come along and explore.

The only conservation zone of its kind, these waters between Martin’s Haven Beach and Skomer Island are truly a wonderland of wildlife. Expect to find a vibrant underworld of kelp and sea creatures including 100 different species of sea sponge, approximately 65 varieties of sea slugs and around 150 sea anemones.

You are permitted to fish at Martin’s Haven Beach so you may well find keen anglers and budding fishermen along the shoreline. Fishing onto a rough bottom, regular anglers have been known to catch mackerel and pollack as well as huss and wrasse which seem to be favourites of the area. Anyone trying their hand at fishing is asked to consult advice on how to avoid polluting the area and controlling tackle loss.

The entire Marloes peninsula is ideal for walkers, as you can follow the Pembrokeshire Coast Path around the headland taking in spectacular views over most of the county’s neighbouring island and further afield towards St Brides Bay and the Irish Sea. Take the footpath around Deer Park, unfortunately you won’t spy any deer but you will revel in wonderful fields of heather and wildflowers. Along the coastline, see if you can spot Atlantic Grey Seals (especially active during their breeding season in September), porpoise or even otters.

Flanked by cliffs either side, you will often find Martin’s Haven Beach is idyllic for a spot of bathing.

Facilities

Limited facilities can be found on the hillside leading away from the beach. On the right, you will find the Fisherman’s Cottage housing a one-room marine exhibition/visitor centre alongside a public toilet block.

A little way further you will find Lockley Lodge on the left. This the official Information Centre and Ticket Office for the island ferries. Browse the centre here for maps and information to help you explore Skomer whether you’re planning to visit or not. Purchase mementoes and souvenirs in the gift shop, or buy one of the books written by the family who has lived and farmed on the island in previous eras. Take a look at the webcams from the island showcasing the wildlife or pick up a pair of binoculars before your trip. You can also purchase a range of refreshments here. Note, the landing fee is paid at Lockley Lodge but the boat trip fee must be paid directly on the boat in cash only.

Continue to the top of the hill and you will reach Martin’s Haven car park. It is managed by the National Trust and is manned during the summer months when there is a charge implemented. National Trust members will receive free parking.

For any other amenities, you will have to travel back to one of the nearby villages such as Marloes, Little Haven or Dale. Marloes is the closest and is home to a couple of eateries including The Lobster Pot pub and The Clock House café. There is also a village store and post office plus a public toilet block and outdoor play area for children.

Local Top Tips

When we say the Skomer Island boat trips are popular, do not underestimate just how so. As there are only a limited number of tickets available per day, you will find that day-trippers arrive at Martin’s Haven as early as 6 am (if not earlier) to ensure the availability of tickets. The queue at Lockley Lodge begins to form early morning with the ticket office opening around 8 am and the first ferry sailing around 10 am.

With Lockley Lodge being the only place to purchase refreshments, you may wish to bring along a picnic to avoid queues if visiting during peak season.

Access

From the car park, Martin’s Haven Beach is accessed via a steep downhill walk along a tarmacked road. Upon entering the beach, the road morphs into a slipway onto the beach where you will then be met with pebbles and shingle underfoot.

Where the road merges with the pebble bank, you’ll see a walkway to the left which takes to the jetty for the Skomer ferries. The path and jetty are a mixture of sloping footpath and steps plus a long flight of steps on the island, so anyone with mobility issues may struggle. There is however a wall and handrail along the length of the jetty at Martin’s Haven.

Is Martin’s Haven Beach Dog Friendly?

Yes, Martin’s Haven Beach is dog friendly all year round making it a great spot to visit with your four-legged friend. As Skomer Island is a nature reserve, dogs are not permitted.

Award-Winning

Martin’s Haven Beach has recently been awarded both the Seaside Award and the Green Coast Award, highlighting it as a bay with excellent water quality and a well-maintained shoreline. 

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