Making the most of Milford Haven Wales
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Vessels measuring up to 160m LOA can berth alongside at Pembroke Port, just ten minutes from historic Pembroke Castle. Larger ships up to 220m LOA anchor safely on Milford Shelf, followed by a brief tender ride to Milford Haven's old docks, lively marina and restaurants.
The nearest stations are Milford Haven, 0.8 km / 0.5 miles away, and Pembroke Dock, 2.5 km / 1.5 miles away. The distance to the town centre is 0.8 km / 0.5 miles.
Complimentary quayside services include Visitor Information, Craft and Art displays and a musical farewell, such as a Welsh Male Voice Choir.
A courtesy shuttle coach carries passengers into the nearby town centre and around the different attractions at Milford Marina.
Home to some 13,000 people, Milford Haven belongs to an area called "Little England Beyond Wales". The phrase reflects how English, rather than Welsh, has long been the predominant language despite its location within Wales.
At Wales's western tip, enchanting Pembrokeshire contains the UK's only Coastal National Park. Wildlife sanctuaries and nature reserves extend along a coast dotted with islands such as Skomer and Skokholm. Named by 9th-century Viking visitors, these islands support tens of thousands of shearwaters, puffins and many other fascinating species. Pembrokeshire's deep history is represented by numerous fortifications, notably spectacular Pembroke Castle. Founded in 1093, it is among South Wales's largest and best-preserved castles and was the birthplace of Henry Tudor Vll, founder of the Tudor dynasty...
Getting around
An interesting route from the railway station and Haven Head retail park follows Hubberston Pill to Priory hamlet, where the remains of Pill Priory stand. Founded in the 12th century, this Tironian house is believed to have been a daughter house of St Dogmaels Abbey in north Pembrokeshire. The Tironian order of Benedictine Monks established it.
Nearby places
Pretty Tenby is Wales's most popular seaside holiday town, for good reason. Its picturesque harbour, historic walled centre, distinctive shops, good restaurants and three superb beaches provide plenty to do. Join Blue Badge guides for a ghost walk through its gruesome history, or explore independently.
Continue to Carew Castle, one of Wales's finest castles in a beautiful setting beside the millpond. Do not miss the ancient Celtic cross or working tidal mill. The castle housed many colourful figures, including Nesta, the ‘Helen of Wales’. Wales's ‘Red Dragon’ flag also originated at Carew.
A few miles along the estuary stands imposing Pembroke Castle, a largely intact medieval fortress. Henry Tudor, father of Henry VIII, was born here, and the castle contains an excellent exhibition centre. Carew Castle and Haverfordwest Castle are also within reach and merit a visit.
Money
The pound (£) is used across the UK, where pounds are also informally called quid. Scottish banknotes may be viewed unfavourably elsewhere in the UK, so exchange them before leaving Scotland.
Cash machines, or ATMs, are widely available and sometimes called 'holes in the wall'. They usually issue £10 and £20 notes.
Most restaurants and shops accept Visa, Mastercard and Maestro.
Staying connected
English is spoken nationwide, sometimes with strong accents.
Free WiFi is available in most cafés and restaurants.
For a local emergency, call 999; the EU-wide 112 number also works.
Opening Hours and
General shopping hours are as follows:
Small shops trade 6 or 7 days each week, usually 10am - 6pm. Larger stores generally remain open until 9PM, while hypermarkets often operate 24/7.