Broad Haven Guide

Overlooking St Brides Bay on the western coast of Pembrokeshire is Broad Haven, a popular beachside village that comes to life during the warmer months of the year as locals and holidaymakers alike flock to the Blue Flag beach that has become the heart of the town.

A large village backs the pretty beach with homes and holiday accommodations situated across the rising landscape and handy facilities easily accessible along the seafront. Broad Haven is a top choice for families in search of a seaside getaway and is always in high demand for summer holidays.

What is the History of Broad Haven?

Coal mining was a thriving industry to the north with a significant presence around Newgale and Rickets Head whilst Little Haven developed as a successful fishing village in days gone by. What may surprise those who understand its popularity nowadays, is the fact that Broad Haven was relatively unknown until the 1800s it seems.

Before this time, history suggests that there were only several houses along this stretch - a vast difference from the large settlement that stands there today. So what changed? During the Victorian era, vehicles known as bathing machines were implemented along the sands at Broad Haven and since then, this seaside village has seen an explosion in popularity. These wooden huts provided a discreet changing place for Victorian women to swap from their day clothes into their swimming costumes. Towed by horse, these manned machines were then wheeled into the water, allowing the females to slip into the sea without “parading” across the sands.

What activities are there to do in Broad Haven?

Watersports and beach days are favoured pastimes here, understandably so as Broad Haven Beach is the main attraction of the village. Being located on the western side of Pembrokeshire, this beach often receives fantastic conditions for surfing and power kiting with good swell and suitable winds for these sports. Beginners can take advice from the locals working at Haven Sports, the village’s own watersports specialist shop and touring surf schools can sometimes be found here too.

During the summer months, this bay is lifeguarded too creating a safe space for those finding their feet with these sports. You’ll likely find a crowd of locals riding the waves here too when the conditions are right, many of whom are chatty enough to give some top tips if you’re still perfecting your technique.

Broad Haven Beach is a great all-rounder, perfect for adrenaline-pumping watersports as well as those a little slower in pace. Launch your kayak into the small waves for a leisurely paddle along the coast to sightsee Settlands Beach, Little Haven and Nolton or step out on your paddleboard when the water is still and glassy - it does happen on occasion!

Broad Haven Beach

The presence of seasonal lifeguards makes Broad Haven a popular destination for bathers, with many young families bringing along toddlers for their first foray into saltwater. In the low season, it’s no stranger to brave open-water swimmers wearing bobble hats wading in for a rejuvenating dip.

The lengthy sands are ideal for beach games and sunbathing so make sure to bring a beach towel, a beach ball and plenty of sun cream if you want to fit in. The bay is bracketed on either side by rocky edges creating a splendid spot for rock pooling with the little ones, a fun and free activity to try on sunny and wet weather days.

A level-access promenade with plenty of benches, a grassy bank and large concrete steps all provide plenty of seating space for those looking to be hypnotised by the ebbing tide. You might also find a keen fisherman casting their rod here when the tide is in, enjoying angling into the high waters from a dry standpoint.

If beach days are not your thing, you’re in luck as there is plenty to do away from the sandy shoreline too. As with all of the coastal villages dotted along Pembrokeshire, you can easily access the Coast Path from here. Join the seaside trail from the northern end of the beach to start your journey towards Solva, passing by great beaches like Nolton, Newgale and Porthmynawyd along the way. To join the southern route, you’ll have to walk the road route to Little Haven or head around the headland at low tide then join it from the Point up the hill.

A delightful walk in the area takes you through Haroldston Woods to meet the Coast Path at a more northern route, giving you a lovely circular walk that ends back at Broad Haven. Follow the footpath sign adjacent to the youth hostel in the northern car park and venture up through the wooded valley until you reach St Madoc of Ferns Church. Hang a right on the main road for a few yards before turning left along the road signposted Druidston and as you arrive at the disabled bays, turn left and left again to continue back along the Coast Path.

Known as Haroldston Chins, this flat level path between the road and the Coast Path is a relatively unknown accessible walk providing a beautiful viewpoint overlooking the whole of St Brides Bay from Skomer to St Davids. Alternatively, you could take a jaunt along the Boardwalk Project behind The Galleon Inn. Ideal on sunny days, you’ll find a wealth of wildlife in the shrub and pond habitats here with plenty of picnic benches for you to dine alfresco.

Broad Haven Food and Drink

Broad Haven’s sole pub, The Galleon Inn (dog friendly on the ground floor) can be found on the seafront. Expect a hearty pub menu with daily specials and a calendar of quiz nights / live music. Behind is Sand & Stone Kitchen, well known for its tasty burgers and over the road, you’ll find Off The Hook Bistro - a must for fish and chips.

Along the promenade is where you’ll find further eateries; Sunshine Italian where you can eat in or takeaway plus The Ocean Cafe Bar & Restaurant where you can dine on breakfast through to supper with tea and cakes in between. On those warm weather days (and sometimes those not-so-warm days!), an ice-cream van can be found here too so you can live out your daydreams of snacking on a 99 by the seaside.

What events are there in Broad Haven?

The Pembrokeshire Coast Triathlon takes place annually at Broad Haven during the summer months, usually in late June. Sign up for this swim/bike/run event to test your endurance against other like-minded souls and experience some of the breathtaking landscape that Pembrokeshire has to offer across three disciplines.

You can embrace the festive spirit in early December by taking part in the Christmas Pudding Run. Fancy dress is encouraged for this charity event with runners following a fun-run route around the village and along the seafront.

Broad Haven Christmas Pudding Run

Local Top Tips

Broad Haven can become rather busy in the school holidays, particularly when the weather is heatwave-style. Holidaymakers flock here for beautiful beach stays and locals gather on sunny days to make the most of this beachside location but the bustle does die down out of season.

If you’re travelling here during peak weeks, we suggest pre-booking a table for dinner to ensure you can eat out when suits you best and perhaps head to the shore a little earlier if you want your pick of the sunbathing spots.

What facilities are there in Broad Haven?

Having grown into one of the region’s best-loved holiday destinations, it is no surprise that this coastal village is well-equipped for all your needs. Seaview Mini Market and Post Office, a small but mightily packed shop, stands on the seafront just opposite a bus stop with links to Haverfordwest. Haven Sports shop lies behind. Further into the village lies a free outdoor playground for the kids and a football pitch.

Two car parks lie at either end of the seafront, both chargeable, though there is an additional free car park to the rear of the southern one only a short drive behind The Galleon Inn. Be aware though, it is small and operates with an honesty box in place asking for donations. Each of the larger car parks has payable public toilets with disabled facilities.

Is it easy to access Broad Haven?

Getting to and from Broad Haven couldn’t be easier. It’s only a ten to fifteen-minute drive from Haverfordwest with service bus links available right to the seafront. It’s only a couple of minutes over the hill from Little Haven with Newgale and Nolton easily reached in fifteen minutes along the coastal road.

Walkers pass right through the village when journeying along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path of West Pembrokeshire.