Little Haven, a tiny fishing village nestled in a scenic fold of Pembrokeshire's craggy coastline, charms visitors with its unpolished authenticity. This idyllic spot features a sandy cove that fills and empties with the tide, a seaside pub serving home-cooked food, and a seafood deli renowned for its crab and lobster sandwiches.
Lifeboat Legacy and Coastal Beauty
Little Haven's maritime history runs deep. In 1882, the RNLI established a station beneath Goldtrop Head, launching lifeboats directly from the water. Facilities were improved in 1903, but the station closed in the 1920s. However, in 1967, lifeboats returned with the newly named Little and Broad Haven Lifeboat Station. The village sits on Pembrokeshire's famously dreamy coastline, a stretch protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its curious geology and marine life.
Beach and Outdoor Activities
The beach, though small, offers layers of rockpools, soft sand, and a shifting shoreline that reveals paths to neighbouring coves at low tide. It is an excellent spot for swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and surfing. The Pembrokeshire Coast Path runs through the village, allowing hikers to explore secluded coves, sandy bays, and possibly spot seals. Heading north leads to Broad Haven or Nolton Haven, while south passes The Swan Inn to The Point, a scenic clifftop lookout.
Seafood Delights and Local Produce
Little Haven has become a foodie hotspot, thanks to Lobster and MôR, a chic takeaway café and delicatessen on Grove Place. This catch-of-the-day deli sells seafood sandwiches, including crab and lobster rolls slathered with Welsh seaweed butter, alongside locally distilled Tir and Môr gin, Caws Cenarth cheese, and ice cream. All lobster pots are caught on the 'Martha Rose' and sold swiftly, with sandwiches packaged in compostable vegetable-ware. The Seaside Hatch, located by the shoreline, serves coffee and breakfasts and lunches.
According to Portia Jones, Senior Journalist, "A visit to this deli is a must when exploring Little Haven. Here, local produce blends seamlessly with nautical gifts, picnic paraphernalia and tasty deli items." The 'Pembrokeshire Produce Mark' indicates locally made produce.
Pubs with Character
The 200-year-old Swan Inn offers a waterside location with seasonal small plates and seafood; last year, the cast and crew of BBC's Death Valley filmed there. St Brides Inn, a family-run pub in the village centre, pours Welsh and local Pembrokeshire ales and hides a unique feature: behind a door in the bar is one of Little Haven's original freshwater wells. The menu features just-landed lobster and crab when in season, served dressed with salad or as a creamy thermidor, and a Sunday Welsh roast with beef, lamb, or pork.
A Perfect Day Trip or Weekend Getaway
Little Haven offers fresh seafood, coastal walks, lovely pubs, and epic sea views, making it an unbeatable destination. Come for the crab rolls, stay for the vibes.
