Milford Haven Wales
United Kingdom
Frequently Asked Questions
Ships anchor on the Milford Shelf, and tenders land passengers at the Mackerel Stage pontoon at the foot of the marina. The approach runs up one of Europe's finest natural waterways, a long sheltered inlet reaching deep into Pembrokeshire.
A warm one, and it shows. An information kiosk on the quay, a free shuttle laid on, and often the mayor in person there to greet arrivals. Milford Haven receives few ships each year: every call feels like an event.
The Milford Waterfront area around the marina, with its cafés, restaurants and town museum, fills a morning. Footpaths leaving from the waterfront run along the higher ground and give open views over the estuary.
It is free for cruise passengers. It tells the unusual story of a town founded in the late 18th century by Quaker whaling families from Nantucket, who crossed the Atlantic with their ships and their expertise.
Yes, by organised excursion. St Davids is officially the smallest city in the United Kingdom, and its medieval cathedral, built in a hollow out of the wind, holds the relics of the patron saint of Wales. Allow a good half-day: the drive crosses the whole Pembrokeshire countryside.
Its purplish stone and its carved oak ceiling, in a valley sheltered from the wind. Pilgrims have come here for more than eight centuries, and it is one of the great spiritual sites of Britain.
Because this inlet remains one of Europe's great deep-water anchorages. The haven moved from whaling to herring fishing and then to the energy industry whose installations now occupy the opposite bank. It is a working port as much as a cruise call.
Yes. Footpaths leave directly from the waterfront area and follow the higher ground, with open views over the estuary, its wooded headlands and shipping of every size. No transport is needed.
Yes for a quiet call. The marina, the cafés and the free museum are all walkable and easy. The long excursion to St Davids, however, suits young children poorly: it is a lot of road time for a church visit.
Pound sterling; English and Welsh. Welsh is official in Wales and appears on all signage, but English is spoken everywhere. Cards work without difficulty around the marina.
