Little Haven Guide

The charming village of Little Haven can be found nestled between two high cliffs on the west coast of Pembrokeshire at the southern end of St Brides Bay.

During the summer months, holidaymakers and locals create a lively bustle in this old fishing village. Little Haven is conveniently located, being just a short drive from other popular holiday hotspots such as Marloes, Dale and Newgale. It’s also just over the cliff from Broad Haven and only a 20-minute drive from Haverfordwest.

The coastline from Little Haven to Newgale has been designated as an SSSI (site of special scientific interest) because of its geology and marine biology. Little Haven Beach is a tiny little cove at high tide, but at low tide, there’s a wide expanse of sand that gets revealed where you can walk over to the neighbouring bay.

What is the History of Little Haven?

The village of Little Haven originated as a small fishing village, with later development as a small port for the export of coal. This great bite out of the Pembrokeshire coast is, in geological terms, Coal Measure, where rocks formed some 300 million years ago during the Carboniferous period. Coal mining on a relatively small scale took place along the coast in the 15th century, and anthracite was cut near Little Haven as well as at Broad Haven, Nolton Haven and Rickets Head.

With the decline of the coal industry, the primary focus of the village has been development as a seaside resort. 

The RNLI established a lifeboat station, named ‘Littlehaven’, in 1882. Interestingly, the lifeboat was kept afloat in a sheltered position under Goldtrop Head until a new boathouse and slipway were built in 1903. However, the station closed in 1921 because of difficulty finding crew members, meaning neighbouring stations could cover the area. In response to the rise in visitors to the beaches of The Havens, in 1967 the lifeboat station was reopened with an inshore lifeboat, and the station name was changed to Little and Broad Haven Lifeboat Station. 

For gorgeous views head south of the village to the headland along the well-paved path up to The Point. Here you’ll have uninterrupted views towards the other beaches within St Brides Bay. Interestingly, there is a small beach on the south side of The Point called ‘The Sheep Wash’. It was used by local farmers 50 years ago for washing sheep before shearing.

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What activities are there to do in Little Haven?

Even though Little Haven is a small cove, it’s very popular with bodyboarders, kayakers and boaters due to how sheltered it is. It’s even becoming increasingly popular for wild swimming.

At low tide, you can follow the cliff around to the north where you’ll discover Settlands Beach, a beautiful sandy spot. If you continue your walking ventures, you’ll come out at Broad Haven Beach. It should just be noted that the tide will cut you off from returning to Little Haven at both of these beaches when the tide makes its way back in so you’ll need to take the route along the road.

When the tide is out, you’ll also notice the abundance of caves and rock pools just waiting to be explored. Children will spend hours discovering the weird and wonderful sea creatures. Little Haven is also a popular spot for keen anglers. The location is great for fishing, with mainly mackerel being caught off the shore.

The Pembrokeshire Coastal Path passes right through the heart of the village, making it the perfect spot for a walking holiday. Head north to the likes of Broad Haven and Nolton Haven, or to the south, just past the Swan Inn, you’ll find The Point. Conveniently, the path to this magnificent viewing point is wheelchair-friendly. The beach is also completely dog friendly all year round so it’s the perfect spot for walking.

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Little Haven Food and Drink

There are three pubs in Little Haven. The St Brides Inn by the car park serves home-cooked food with fresh local produce served in peaceful and tranquil surroundings. You can even dine alfresco in the sun-trapped beer garden.

The Castle Inn on the seafront is set directly behind the beach. It’s a fantastic dog friendly pub that offers quality food. From here, you’ll be able to spot Swan Inn, which is a rustic 18th-century pub that can be found on the path heading to The Point. Being just a stone's throw from the beach, it's known for its cosy atmosphere and scrumptious meals. Open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only.

Also in Little Haven is Lobster and Mor, a takeaway cafe and shop offering high-end craft and local produce. You can purchase lobster and crab from their live aquarium or opt for one of their crab sandwiches, which are simply delish!

The Cornerhouse Cafe can be found on the corner of the path up to The Point. It’s a small family-run beachside cafe offering breakfast and lunch along with homemade cakes.

What events are there in Little Haven?

The Little Haven Swim is a 1-mile open-water swim at the beginning of August. Starting at the slipway on the beach in Little Haven, swimmers head out into St Brides Bay, parallel with the cliffs, in a loop back into the harbour.

Local Top Tips

The car park in Little Haven is very small given how popular the village can get during the summer months. It might be easier to travel to the village very early for a higher chance of nabbing a space. You could always secure a guaranteed parking space by cooking a cottage in the village. Alternatively, you could park in the neighbouring coastal village of Broad Haven and walk over to Little Haven if just visiting for the day. You can also get to Broad Haven by the 311 bus service if travelling by public transport.

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What facilities are there in Little Haven?

There is a Pay and Display car park within the village situated near the St Brides Inn. Through the car park, you will find a walkway leading you to public toilets and the community’s RNLI lifeboat station housing the rescue boat for the area.

The closest convenience shop to the village is in the neighbouring village of Broad Haven which stands on the seafront there just opposite the bus stop.

Is it easy to access Little Haven?

Little Haven is just a 20-minute drive west from Haverfordwest. There is no train station or direct bus route service, but if you want to travel by public transport, there’s the Broad Haven 311 service bus which stops in the neighbouring village.

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