Pembrokeshire regularly captures my heart as the perfect getaway from life’s daily grind. If I yearn for escape, its appeal is magnetic thanks to its wonderful beaches, hospitable pubs, top-notch places to eat and boundless opportunities for walks and wildlife-spotting.
From Amroth to Newport, via Marloes and St David’s, you’re spoilt for choice for beautiful places to stay. However, I had never considered Milford Haven, a harbour town in the southwest of the county, as a place to bed down until now.
My past visits to Milford have been fleeting, usually under rainy skies, leaving an impression of it being more a pit stop on the journey to a beachy retreat than a destination in itself.
But Milford’s harbourside has seen a revival in recent years. Investment has brought new shops, cafes, restaurants and even new accommodation like the Celtic Collection’s Ty Milford Waterfront and its novel “floatel” rooms — unique stays set amidst boats and fishing gear right on the water, reports Wales Online.
Discussing my visit with friends, I’ve encountered puzzled looks but have easily dismissed them, citing the marvellous experience I ended up having there.
I had the pleasure of a two-night stay in Milford, and was thoroughly impressed. Thanks to a generous invitation from Ty Milford, I got to experience the floatel for one night.
Folks often say “Milford is great as a base to explore that end of Pembrokeshire”. And while that is certainly true (you’re just a short journey from places like Dale and St Anne’s Head to the west and Freshwater East and Barafundle to the south) I’d say that there’s also plenty to keep visitors entertained in Milford itself.
We popped into the charming Milford Museum – a perfect spot for a rainy afternoon wander, revealing the town’s storied past from its whaling days to pirate visits, and even its contemporary role in the energy sector. The volunteers who staff it were exceptionally welcoming, and admission is a mere £4.
But our highlight of the trip to Milford was undoubtedly the kayaking experience with Milford’s Beach Activity Centre. Our guide, Ollie, was a calm and knowledgeable instructor who made us feel comfortable and safe in the kayak.
We opted for the guided tour, priced at £35 per person for an hour and a half, but it felt like we were out on the water for much longer. The choppier estuary section provided a good workout, while the tranquil Castle Pill area offered a peaceful contrast.
After our museum visits and kayaking adventure, we were keen to refuel and chose Martha’s Vineyard, a popular spot on the marina since the mid-90s. It’s no surprise why it’s so well-loved – we enjoyed a fantastic meal there, starting with fresh crevettes cooked in garlic (£12) and mussels (£8.50), followed by a Caesar salad (£16) and Indonesian seafood curry (£24.50).
With its maritime atmosphere and stunning views over the water, it’s the perfect place to watch the sunset. I’ll certainly return when I find myself in the area again.
We were fortunate enough to stay on and near the water during our two-night visit. The Ty Milford hotel, just over two years old, offered fantastic views of the harbour from our room – a feature worth requesting when booking.
As part of the Celtic Collection, the parent company of the famous Celtic Manor Resort, the soft furnishings were to a high standard, ensuring a restful night’s sleep. On the second night, we tried the floatels. While it was an exciting experience to stay on the water, it didn’t quite match the comfort of the hotel room on solid ground.
But this is a minor detail in a trip that was a highlight of my summer. Ty Milford is not only a great base for exploring Pembrokeshire, but also offers plenty to discover at the waterfront itself.
Prices for Ty Milford’s Waterfront floatel rooms start at £120 for two. More information and booking details can be found here. We also dined at the Dulse restaurant.
