Nolton and Nolton Haven
Nolton and Nolton Haven
Nolton and Nolton Haven are on the west coast of Pembrokeshire in St Brides Bay. Nolton is a tiny farming community.
Nolton haven is connected to St Davids and the St Brides Bay villages by the coastal bus service 400: The Puffin Shuttle
These picturesque villages were once the centre of a thriving coal-mining enterprise, and between 1850 and 1905 several local collieries exploited the seams of anthracite running out under the sea. Nolton Haven was a small coal port and exported coal from the Medieval period. A long tramway ran from the haven over the hill to the Trefran Collieryin the beginning of the 20th century.
On the beach plant fossils are found in large boulders and rocks at the base of the cliffs and, in some places, veins of anthracite coal can be seen.
Above the beach is a small grey stone chapel, Nolton Haven Congregational Chapel, built in 1858. Internal alterations were made in 1907 and renovation work undertaken in 1923. The present chapel, dated 1857, is built in the Romanesque style with a gable entry plan, two storeys and tall round-headed windows. Nolton Haven is now Grade 2 Listed for the architecturally ambitious facade and use of Nolton sandstone.
Activities
Beach horseriding with Nolton Stables is a popular activity on nearby Druidstone beach, when the tides are right. Riding through the surf is an awesome experience you won’t forget in a hurry.
Attractions
North of Nolton Haven is Hilton Court Gardens and Craft. An old courtyard has been nicely converted into a restaurant and a range of interesting shops. The garden centre and cafe are behind the courtyard and behind this are 10 acres of gardens and lakes.
Food and drink
There is a pub in Nolton Haven, The Mariners Arms. A restaurant and bar can found in Druidstone at the hotel just over a mile away and further facilities; a shop; pub and takeaway can be found in Roch just over 2 ½ miles north.
Accommodation
The nearest hotel would be Druidston Hotel just over a mile south of the villages. There are plenty of self catering cottages available in both Nolton and Nolton Haven. There are some on the beach front itself and some in the villages. Above Nolton Haven is a small chalet park and a caravan park with self catering units available to rent. Camp sites or touring caravan sites can be found nearby but not in the villages themselves.