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Milford Haven

Milford Haven is a fairly new town, conceived and built by Charles Francis Greville. The land was the property of Sir William Hamilton, but it was Greville who applied for an act of Parliament to enable Sir William and his heirs to make docks, construct quays, establish markets, with roads and avenues to the port, to regulate the police, and make the place a station for conveying the mails.

Picture: The Watergardens on The Rath, Milford Haven

Milford Haven was built as a grid system and includes some fine Georgian houses, particularly along Hamilton Terrace. It was hoped the port would become the preferred embarkation point for trans-Atlantic passengers, brought to Milford on the railway, but, unfortunately, that never happened.

Picture: Hamilton Terrace, Milford Haven.

In the 18th century, the Nantucket Quaker Whalers made it their home port for the great whaling fleets of the age and in the early part of the 20th century it was the base for a very large fishing industry. It was once possible to walk across the entire width of the docks on the decks of trawlers. These days, Milford Haven is better known for the oil and gas refineries on either side of the town.

Picture: Milford Haven Marina with the Cruise Ship Europa in the background

Milford Haven docks still retain some small commercial function but most of the docks have been given over to a marina and marina village. Where the fish auction used to be, there is now a ten pin bowling alley called Phoenix Bowl. Where there was once a commercial quayside there are now cafés, restaurants and smart shops. There are also regular visits by cruise ships exploring the west of Britain and Ireland.

Picture: The launch event of the annual Pembrokeshire Fish Week held at the end of June each year on the quayside in Milford Haven.

Picture: The Milford Haven to Tenby Historic Car Run held in September each year.

Picture: Smoke House Quay near Milford Haven Marina

There are a few hotels in Milford Haven along Hamilton Terrace, however, most of the tourist orientated accommodation is further west towards Dale, Marloes and Little Haven where you can find B&Bs, guesthouses, farmhouse accommodation, camp sites, touring caravan sites and self catering cottages. Some self catering accommodation is available in Smoke House Quay, an apartment development on the water's edge next to the marina. There's also a 5 Star bunkhouse at Herbrandston, close to the Coast Path. Pop into the Tourist Information Centre for more information.

Picture: Sandy Haven near Milford Haven

The Pembrokeshire Coast Path runs through Milford Haven as it skirts the edge of the Milford Haven Waterway. Highlights in the vicinity include Lindsway Bay and Sandy Haven.

Picture: Lindsway Bay near St Ishmaels

An interesting walk from the train station and Haven Head retail park takes you alongside Hubberston Pill to the hamlet of Priory where the remains of Pill Priory can be seen. Pill Priory was a Tironian house founded in the 12th century and believed to be a daughter house of St Dogmaels Abbey in north Pembrokeshire. Established by the Tironian order of Benedictine Monks. See www.pillpriory.co.uk for more information.

Picture: Pill Priory Nature Trail

Picture: Pill Priory chancel arch

Picture: Pill Priory