Dale, a small village at the southwest tip of Pembrokeshire, offers a sheltered bay, a pebble and shingle beach, and a microclimate, making it an ideal base for kayaking, windsurfing, paddleboarding and sailing. The bay's natural protection keeps waters relatively calm even on breezy days, and a well-established watersports centre rents equipment and offers lessons.
Award-winning seaside pub and dining
The 300-year-old Griffin Pub, perched on the seafront, was previously named one of the best places for a seaside pint in the UK by Big 7 Travel. Its menu features Pembrokeshire produce, including fresh seafood such as mackerel, turbot, razor clams, scallops, crab and lobster.
Other dining options include the family-run Boathouse cafe on the beach, serving Welsh breakfasts and crab sandwiches, and Tân A Môr, a fire-led bar and kitchen within the Dale Yacht Club. Managed by Jonathan 'Jony' Griffiths and his partner Kate, the venue serves fire-cooked dishes, wood-fired pizzas, fresh pasta and Pembrokeshire roasts. The pair are also known for foraging feasts with offerings such as hand-dived spider crab cooked on an open fire, elderflower fritters and Pembrokeshire scallops with garlic butter.
Nearby beaches and coastal walks
A short journey from Dale brings visitors to Marloes Sands, a beach stretching for almost a mile, framed by cliffs of layered red sandstone and grey shale. It remains free of commercial development and is accessible via a half-mile walk from the National Trust car park. The beach has served as a filming location for films including Snow White and the Huntsman.
Dale is also positioned for exploring the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, with routes from Dale to St Ann's Head and its lighthouse, or longer treks towards Marloes. Wildlife in the area includes seals, dolphins, seabirds and the rare chough, a bird with a distinctive red beak and legs.
Skomer Island and accommodation
Martin's Haven, a short drive from Dale, is the departure point for boat trips to Skomer Island, home to thousands of seabirds including puffins from approximately mid-April to late July. Visitors can book via Pembrokeshire Islands Boat Trips. The island, less than 3km², offers wildflower-covered landscapes and opportunities to photograph puffins, razorbills and guillemots, with occasional dolphin sightings and seal pups born on the cliffs. Overnight stays are available once the last visitor boat departs.
Accommodation in Dale includes Dale Fort, a 19th-century military installation perched on a cliff, now an educational centre and hostel. Built between 1854 and 1857, it once commanded the harbour entrance with six heavy guns. Guests can choose from shared dormitories to private rooms, with access to the building's facilities and grounds.
Getting to Dale
By car, Dale is accessed via the A40, heading towards Haverfordwest and following signs for Dale along the B4327. The drive from Haverfordwest takes about 20 minutes, with parking options near the beach. The nearest train station is Haverfordwest, served by trains from Cardiff, Swansea and other Welsh towns, with local buses or taxis to Dale. Visitors can check transport apps and websites like Traveline Cymru for bus timetables.
