Broad Haven (Welsh: Aberllydan) is a seaside village with a safe, sandy Blue Flag beach on the west coast of Pembrokeshire in west Wales. It is located within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and on the 186 mile Pem
While the Blue Flag strip draws families, Broad Haven’s true allure lies in its tidal pulse. The sandbars that emerge at low tide create natural walkways linking the village to the dramatic rock stacks, where seasoned walkers can trace the ancient folds of limestone that whisper of a millennia‑old sea. Early mornings bring a quiet where local anglers test the shallow waters for mackerel, and the scent of sea‑weed mingles with fresh coffee from the riverside café. Staying late, the horizon lights up with a subtle aurora of reflected sunset over St Bride’s Bay, a spectacle that feels more intimate than any crowded resort.
Beyond the familiar fish‑and‑chips, Broad Haven offers a modest but discerning food scene rooted in Pembrokeshire’s agricultural heritage. The village’s pubs source lamb from nearby farms, often served with a drizzle of locally produced honey—an unpretentious nod to the area’s beekeeping tradition. For a taste of the sea’s bounty, seek out the oyster bar that opens only at high tide, when the mussels are at their plumpest. Pair these dishes with a glass of cider from a family‑run orchard just a short drive inland; the crisp acidity balances the briny flavours and gives a glimpse into the region’s intertwined land‑sea culture.
Broad Haven’s reputation for water sports belies a subtle seasonal rhythm. Spring swells bring a clean, rolling wave ideal for intermediate surfers, while the summer months see a calmer sea perfect for beginners and windsurfers chasing gentle breezes off Lion Rock. Autumn, often overlooked, offers the most reliable wind direction for sailing enthusiasts, with the bay’s funnel shape amplifying gusts that glide smoothly along the coastline. Local clubs host informal skill swaps during these quieter months, providing a welcoming environment for visitors to refine techniques without the summer crowds.
Village in Pembrokeshire, Wales For the bay in Erris, Co. Mayo, Ireland, see Broadhaven Bay. Human settlement in WalesBroad HavenWelsh: AberllydanBroad HavenLocation within PembrokeshireCommunityThe HavensPrincipal areaPembrokeshirePreserved countyDyfedCountryWalesSovereign stateUnited KingdomPost townHaverfordwestPostcode districtSA62Dialling code01437PoliceDyfed-PowysFireMid and West WalesAmbulanceWelsh UK ParliamentMid and South PembrokeshireSenedd Cymru – Welsh ParliamentPreseli Pembrokeshire List of places UK Wales Pembrokeshire 51°47′N 5°06′W / 51.78°N 5.1°W / 51.78; -5.1 Broad Haven (Welsh: Aberllydan) is a village and seaside resort in the south east corner of St Bride's Bay at the western terminus of the B4341 road in south Pembrokeshire, Wales. Broad Haven and Little Haven together form the Havens community and division of Pembrokeshire County Council. The 2001 census records a population of 1,328 for the Havens. The only church in Broad Haven is the Baptist church, although there are Anglican churches in nearby Little Haven.Lion Rock It is a seaside resort with a large west-facing Blue Flag beach offering safe bathing for families and good surfing, windsurfing and sailing opportunities. The north end of Broad Haven beach has a number of interesting geological features including folding, a stack (locally known as Lion Rock) and natural arches. The town has a number of restaurants and pubs. Broad Haven should not be confused with the Broad Haven South beach near Bosherston in south Pembrokeshire.
[edit] Little is known of the origins of the village but it has been known as a seaside resort since the 1800s. A RNLI lifeboat was stationed at Little Haven from 1882 to 1921. In 1967 the station was reopened with an inshore lifeboat, with the name changed to Little and Broad Haven Lifeboat Station.
[edit] In 1977 the area was the scene of alleged UFO sightings and nicknamed the Welsh Triangle, Broad Haven Triangle or Dyfed Triangle in the manner of the Bermuda Triangle. On 4 February 1977, a yellow cigar-shaped craft was claimed to have landed in a field next to Broad Haven Primary School, with a group of 14 children claiming to have observed the craft and a silver creature. On 17 February 1977, the same craft was claimed to have been seen by teachers at the school and other witnesses. On 19 April 1977, the owner of the Haven Fort Hotel in Little Haven claims to have seen an 'upside-down saucer' in a neighbouring field and two humanoid creatures. An investigator from the Ministry of Defence was unable to find any evidence of such a landing, and further speculated that "a local prankster" might have been involved. In 2024, Sian Eleri investigated for series 2 of BBC 3s Paranormal.