Plan a CruiseMilford Haven, located in Pembrokeshire, Wales, serves as an excellent gateway to an area often called "Little England Beyond Wales," where English is the primary language. Pembrokeshire itself is renowned for being the UK's only Coastal National Park, offering stunning landscapes, wildlife sanctuaries, and historical sites. The Milford Haven Waterway is one of the world's deepest natural harbors.
Smaller vessels, up to 160m LOA, can dock alongside at Pembroke Port, which is just a ten-minute journey from the historic Pembroke Castle. Larger ships, up to 220m LOA, will anchor safely on Milford Shelf, requiring a short tender trip to reach the old docks and the vibrant Milford Marina area, known for its restaurants. The town center is conveniently close, only 0.8 km (0.5 miles) from the port area. Upon arrival, guests can benefit from complimentary quayside services including a Visitor Information point, local craft and art displays, and often a musical send-off, such as a Welsh Male Voice Choir. A courtesy shuttle coach is also provided to transport guests into the nearby town center and around the various attractions at Milford Marina.
Getting Around from the Port
The town center of Milford Haven is easily accessible, located just 0.8 km (0.5 miles) from the port area, making it a manageable walk for many. For convenience, a complimentary shuttle coach is available, providing transport into the town center and connecting various attractions around Milford Marina.
If you plan to explore further by train, the nearest station, Milford Haven, is 0.8 km (0.5 miles) away. Another option is Pembroke Dock train station, which is 2.5 km (1.5 miles) from the port. From the Milford Haven train station area, an interesting walk takes you alongside Hubberston Pill to the hamlet of Priory, where you can explore the remains of Pill Priory, a 12th-century Tironian house.
Attractions and Activities
- Milford Marina (Local): Utilize the courtesy shuttle to explore the bustling marina area, home to various restaurants and shops.
- Pembroke Castle (Historic): Located just 10 minutes from Pembroke Port (for smaller vessels), this magnificent medieval fortress, founded in 1093, is one of South Wales' largest and best-preserved castles. It's famously the birthplace of Henry Tudor VII, founder of the Tudor dynasty, and features an excellent exhibition center.
- Carew Castle & Tidal Mill (Historic): A few miles from Milford Haven, this beautiful castle is set alongside a millpond and features an ancient Celtic cross and a working tidal mill. It's noted as the home of "Helen of Wales," Nesta, and the origin of the Welsh 'Red Dragon' flag.
- Haverfordwest Castle (Historic): Also within reach, this historic fortification offers another glimpse into Pembrokeshire's past.
- Pill Priory (Walkable): From the Milford Haven train station area (0.8 km / 0.5 miles from port), a scenic walk leads to the hamlet of Priory where the remains of this 12th-century Tironian house can be seen.
- St Davids (Day Trip): Discover Great Britain's smallest city, roughly an hour's drive away. Its beautiful 12th-century cathedral is a magnificent shrine to Wales' patron saint. Historically, two pilgrimages to St Davids were considered equal to one to Rome, and three equal to one to Jerusalem.
- Tenby (Day Trip): This popular seaside town, about an hour's drive away, boasts a picturesque harbor, a historic walled town, unique shops, good restaurants, and three fabulous beaches. Consider a ghost walk with Blue Badge guides or explore on your own.
- Pembrokeshire Coast National Park (Nature): Explore the UK's only coastal National Park, with wildlife sanctuaries and nature reserves. Offshore islands like Skomer and Skokholm (named by 9th-century Vikings) are home to tens of thousands of shearwaters, puffins, and other fascinating species.
Dining & Shopping
You'll find various restaurants at the bustling Milford Marina, accessible via the courtesy shuttle. For a wider selection of eateries and unique shops, consider a day trip to Tenby. Standard shopping hours for small stores are generally from 10 am to 6 pm, six or seven days a week. Larger stores often remain open until 9 pm, and some hyper marts operate 24/7.
Safety
No specific safety concerns are noted for Milford Haven or the surrounding areas. The local emergency number is 999; the EU-wide 112 can also be used.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the Pound Sterling (£), often colloquially referred to as "quid." A practical tip: Scottish banknotes are sometimes not readily accepted outside of Scotland, so it's advisable to exchange them before leaving the region if you obtain any. Cash machines (ATMs), also known as 'holes in the wall,' are widely available and typically dispense £10 and £20 notes. Most shops and restaurants accept major credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, and Maestro. English is spoken throughout the country, though local accents can be quite pronounced. Free WiFi is commonly available in most cafes and restaurants.