Druidston Haven Beach

On the West Pembrokeshire coastline, sandwiched between the two coastal villages of Nolton Haven and Broad Haven, lies the more secluded Druidston (also sometimes spelt Druidstone) Haven Beach. A long sandy bay at low tide and almost non-existent during high tide, this beach is certainly one of the less frequented along the St Brides Bay coastline.

Druidston Haven Beach is surrounded on three sides by shale and slate cliffs, hinting at its location within an old coaling district of Pembrokeshire. You’ll see dramatic rocky formations, cliffside caves and natural coastline arches with an idyllic stream and sometimes a waterfall. Picturesque is almost an understatement.

Activities

One of the most popular pastimes you’ll see people indulging in at Druidston Haven Beach is horse riding, an activity you can book directly through our Concierge team. In the neighbouring village of Nolton, you’ll find a busy riding stables where the beach ride is one of their most popular treks; the 1.5-hour session takes participants on a bridle path down to this beach where they saunter and gallop across the golden sands. A real must on the bucket list of Pembrokeshire holidaymakers time and time again, you’ll find horse riders at Druidston most days and multiple times a day during the holidays. 

At low tide, this expanse of glistening gold sand reaches nearly a mile long and makes a great choice for family beach activities. Bring your best bucket and spade for an afternoon building sandcastles, split the group in two for a competitive game of beach cricket or engrave a hopscotch grid in the grain and see how many times you can hop, skip and jump the length before the water comes in.

Nolton Haven Beach is nearby

Rockpools are also revealed when the water is far from the pebbly bank backing the sands and in these waters, you’ll find a collection of interesting sea creatures and colourful natural habitats. You may find vivid seaweed in all shades of green, seawater limpets, mesmerising starfish and perhaps even a small crab or two. On your adventures through the rock pools, you may also discover some intriguing fossils and relics hidden in the shale which has weathered from the cliffs. You will likely find graptolites along the bases of the hills which have fallen from the rocky undersides of the cliffs – these are now extinct sea animals which date back to the colonial era.

Waterside activities here include many of the sports you’ll see taking place at several beaches along the St Brides Bay coastline; Newgale, Nolton and Broad Haven. Bathers can enjoy a sea swim here although it is important to be wary as there can be strong currents along this bay and there are no lifeguards watching over.

Facing west out onto the Irish sea results in the same decent swell and great breaks as you’ll see at the likes of Newgale Beach, but the smaller bay and enclosed setting makes Druidston Haven Beach somewhat unsuitable for the more extreme forces of nature sports such as kitesurfing. However, surfing and kayaking are still suitable pursuits – the latter is a particular favourite for many here as you can paddle out to explore the sea caves.

The clean sea bottom here makes for a nice fishing spot although the harvest is less than bountiful. Sea anglers have been known to regularly catch sea bass and flounder at Druidston Haven Beach but these are the only two frequently seen here.

Walkers may wish to join the Pembrokeshire Coast Path here. Just over the headland to the north is the peaceful village of Nolton and if you continue along the path, you’ll pass by more remnants of the old coal industry from the 1800s. To the south lies the lively seaside resort of Broad Haven, continue through here to reach Martin’s Haven Beach where you can jump aboard a boat to Skomer Island.

Along your hike, you might find Atlantic grey seals or porpoise swimming offshore – September is pupping season for the seals meaning you might well find fluffy white pups lining the smaller less accessible coves along the coastline. In the air, you’ll likely see the wingspan of jackdaws, fulmars and peregrine falcons as they fly overhead.

Facilities

It is safe to say that the facilities at Druidston Haven Beach are somewhat lacking. There is no public toilet block, no lifeguard patrol and no convenience store here where you can purchase refreshments. There is however The Druidstone Hotel perched high atop the cliffside which many regard as having the best beer garden views in all of Pembrokeshire. An eccentric and unique guesthouse, “the Dru” as many locals have nicknamed this establishment, houses a bar and restaurant welcoming all for a spot of rest and relaxation.

Call in here on your walk, the Pembrokeshire Coast Path passes right by, and enjoy a refreshing drink whilst watching the waves lap or even better, stop here to watch the sunset with your sweetheart. The food is without a doubt delicious, and the themed Feast Nights are certainly not to be missed. You can also enjoy live music in this wonderfully intimate space.

There is no real car park, just some very limited roadside parking if you’re lucky. That being said, the roads here are mostly single traffic so make sure not to park somewhere you’ll block the pass. Instead, it’s recommended to park at the main public car parks in Nolton or Broad Haven and walk to the bay along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.

Alternatively, you can take the North Pembrokeshire Fflecsi Bus which is available 7.30-6.30 Monday-Friday and 8.30-6.30 on Saturdays. This bus service covers the zone that connects the spectacular coast between Fishguard, St Davids and Broad Haven.

For all other facilities, you’ll have to venture to Broad Haven or Nolton. Broad Haven is the larger of the two with multiple restaurants, a convenience store, a fish and chip shop and a surf shop offering equipment hire. Nolton is smaller, with only one pub and restaurant and a small seasonal store offering cold drinks, ice creams and surf hire equipment.

Access

There are two rather steep paths from the roadside down to Druidston Haven Beach, plus a right of way either side of the cove joining this bay to the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. All bring you out at the back of the beach by the pebble bank.

Unfortunately due to the nature of these paths, they are challenging to navigate for those with mobility issues. However, if you follow the road towards Broad Haven, you’ll come to a tiny parking area at Haroldston Chins with space for two or three disabled vehicles. From here, you can follow a level path out to a viewpoint on the Coast Path.

Is Druidston Haven Beach Dog Friendly?

Yes, Druidston Haven Beach is fully dog friendly all year round.

Award-Winning

The beach at Druidston is the recipient of awards such as the Green Coast Award, the Seaside Award and has made it onto the list of recommended beaches put together by the Marine Conservation Society. 

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