This fishing village has a sandy cove, seaside pub and seafood sandwiches

This tiny fishing village has an unpolished charm, with lovely pubs, seafood sarnies, and a pretty cove that fills and empties with the tide

Found in a scenic fold of Pembrokeshire’s craggy coastline, Little Haven isn’t trying to impress you, and that’s exactly why it does.

This tiny fishing village has an unpolished charm, with lovely pubs, seafood sarnies, and a pretty cove that fills and empties with the tide. In the warmer months, locals and visitors spill out onto the slipway with ice creams and pints, giving the place a low-key buzz.

There’s more to Little Haven than seafood sarnies and seaside pints, though. This village’s lifeboat legacy runs deep. In 1882, the RNLI set up shop beneath Goldtrop Head, launching lifeboats straight from the water.

That changed in 1903 when proper facilities were finally built. The station closed in the ’20s, but in 1967, lifeboats were back, this time zipping out from the newly named Little and Broad Haven Lifeboat Station.

Along with its maritime history, Little Haven sits on Pembrokeshire’s famously dreamy coastline and is an idyllic spot for a bracing dip or a coastal walk.

Little Haven’s beach may be small, but it’s got layers of rockpools, soft sand and a shifting shoreline that reveals paths to neighbouring coves when the tide’s out. It’s part of a stretch of coastline protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, thanks to its curious geology and marine life.

The surrounding cliffs and rock formations enhance the scenic beauty, offering perfect spots for picnics, sunbathing, and coastal walks. The beach also offers excellent conditions for water sports, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and surfing.

It’s also increasingly becoming a popular spot for swimming, though you should always exercise caution and follow RNLI guidance when dipping, especially during this current heatwave.

For hikers, the Pembrokeshire Coast Path carves straight through the middle of Little Haven, so if you’ve packed your boots and your waterproofs, you’re in the right place.

Hop on the trail and stomp in either direction to enjoy secluded coves, sandy bays, and you might even spot a seal if you’re lucky. Head north for a trek to Broad Haven or Nolton Haven, or swing south past The Swan Inn to reach The Point, a scenic clifftop lookout.

Little Haven has also become a small foodie hotspot, thanks to a popular seafood deli and a seaside pub serving home-cooked food.

Seafood in Little Haven and the wider Pembrokeshire area is a culinary highlight, with its coastal bounty reflecting the village’s rich maritime heritage. Pembrokeshire enjoys a growing reputation for fresh produce and coastal cuisine supplied by an emerging wave of independent producers and dining establishments.

When buying locally, it’s also worth looking for the ‘Pembrokeshire Produce Mark’, which indicates that the produce has been made in Pembrokeshire.

The local waters in Pembrokeshire are abundant with fresh fish, shellfish, and lobster. The seafood here is renowned for its freshness and flavour, often caught daily by local fishermen.

One of the best seafood spots is on Grove Place, where you’ll find a little chic takeaway café and delicatessen serving some of Wales’s best crab sandwiches, lobster and MôR. This unique, catch-of-the-day deli in Pembrokeshire sells a range of seafood sandwiches, gin, crafts, and local produce.

Lobster and MôR have become a popular addition to Little Haven, and people travel for miles to feast on a fresh roll slathered with Welsh seaweed butter and packed with juicy crab meat or lobster meat. Freshly caught, whole lobster can also be purchased alongside Caws Cenarth cheese, ice cream and their locally distilled Tir and Môr gin.

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.

If you don’t fancy a lobster roll, other sandwich options like smoked salmon and cream cheese are also available and pair best with their takeaway coffee or, if you’re feeling naughty, a bottle of their seaweed-and-spice gin.

It’s worth visiting this locally owned business when you are out and about in Pembrokeshire and fancy eating a crab sandwich on the beach, listening to the sounds of the breaking waves. Utter bliss.

There’s also a tangible ethos of sustainability and responsible fishing at Lobster and MôR. All lobster pots are caught on the ‘Martha Rose’ and swiftly sold to hungry customers. Sandwiches are also sold in compostable vegetable-ware packaging.

The Seaside Hatch is another great shout, located right by the shoreline, serving coffee and filling breakfasts and lunches.

For a pint with a view, several pub stops in and around Little Haven serve a range of home-cooked plates and seafood specials.

The 200-year-old Swan Inn has a waterside location and seasonal small plates and seafood. Last year, the cast and crew of BBC’s Death Valley took over the Swan for a few days whilst filming episode 2 of the series.

St Brides Inn is another popular pub in the centre of the village, pouring Welsh and local Pembrokeshire ales. It’s family-run, full of charm, and hides a unique feature.

Tucked behind a door in the bar is one of Little Haven’s original freshwater wells. Opposite, there’s a sun-soaked beer garden for lazy lunches and a chilled weekend sesh.

The menu’s proudly local, with just-landed lobster and crab when in season, served dressed with salad or as a creamy thermidor. Swing by on a Sunday for a classic Welsh roast, expect juicy beef, lamb or pork, piled high with seasonal veg.

For a day trip or a weekend away, it’s hard to beat Little Haven for fresh seafood, coastal walks, lovely pubs and epic sea views. Come for the crab rolls, stay for the vibes.