The seaside town re-inventing itself with a floating hotel and delicious food

The seaside town re-inventing itself with a floating hotel and delicious food

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IT'S BECOMING SOMEWHERE TRULY SPECIAL AND WORTH VISITING JUST FOR THE AMAZING FOOD AVAILABLE 07:04, 02 Jun 2025Updated 15:42, 02 Jun 2025 One synonymous with heavy industry and commercial docks, Milford Haven is now making quiet but confident waves as one of Wales’ most exciting destinations for tourism. Dominating the estuary, this historic harbour town has had a striking transformation thanks to a multi-million-pound regeneration project that has turned its waterfront into a bustling hub of food, fun and on-the-water living. At the heart of the revival is Milford Waterfront, a stylishly redeveloped marina that’s fast earning a name for itself - and is becoming somewhere worth travelling to in its own right. Think independent bars, locally owned shops, gallery spaces, and an increasingly sophisticated dining scene that’s starting to rival Tenby in both quality and character. _FROM SUPERSTAR GIGS TO COSY PUBS, FIND OUT WHAT’S ON IN WALES BY SIGNING UP TO OUR __NEWSLETTER HERE_ Fresh data from Independent Cottages has also just revealed that it has just been named one of the five most popular places for Brits to visit this summer. A standout addition to the town is the Ty Milford Waterfront Hotel, part of the Celtic Collection which also run the five-star Celtic Manor Resort. Article continues below This modern stay by the water offers some stunning harbour views and a smart brasserie-style restaurant, but it’s the hotel’s quirky ‘floatel cabins’ that have caught the most attention. These on-water rooms, bobbing gently beside fishing boats and sailing yachts, offer a serene stay where guests can wake up to sea breezes and feel truly part of the scenery. Inside the hotel, the popular restaurant, Dulse, does dishes to die for, offering people an authentic taste of the local sourced seafood in a stunning setting with views right across the marina. The hotel seems to be a core symbol of what Milford Haven has to offer right now, as our lifestyle editor Kathryn Williams also recently found out, noting: "Since talking about visiting there I’ve been met with some puzzled expressions but I’ve been able to bat them off by telling them about the trip I took there this year. "Over the summer I stayed in Milford for two nights and was impressed by what was on offer right on the doorstep of the harbour. Thanks to an invite from Ty Milford, where we stayed for one night, myself and my partner also tried the floatel. "Now, many might - and have to me - say that 'Milford is great as a base to explore that end of Pembrokeshire' and it certainly is. "You are in an arm’s length of Dale, St Anne’s Head out to the west and if you go south you’ll stumble across Freshwater East, Barafundle. "But I would argue that there’s nothing stopping you staying in Milford Waterfront and utilising what it has to offer." You can read the full piece here. Staying at Ty Milford, Kathryn noted that the entire stay was a 2024 summer highlight, writing: “Yes, it is a great place to base yourself to get around Pembrokeshire, but equally it’s worth checking out what’s on at the Waterfront as there’s lots to explore.” Elsewhere, the foodie scene is continuing to grow. COCO’s Restaurant, perched right on the waterfront, is a favourite for its Mediterranean-inspired plates, with Mad Hatter’s Café offering some super creative brunches and indulgent bakes which are well worth trying out. For fresh seafood and local produce with a modern twist, The Harbourmaster delivers dependable seasonal dishes in a smart-casual setting, as well as offering an extensive wine and cocktail menu - perfect for a relaxed evening soaking in the area in style. Martha's Vineyard, family-run bar and restaurant is also a stunning option if you're looking for a proper maritime vibe serving fresh fish, great meats and quality ingredients as well as a daily specials board. And for a morning treat, Sugar Loaf Deli & Bakery is the perfect spot to start your day off, also located on the waterfront. They are known for serving the best in rustic baked goods, homemade deli products, and a range of teas and coffees. From cosy cafes and seafood-focused bistros to brunch spots with serious Instagram appeal, Milford Haven is quietly establishing itself as a go-to for food lovers seeking something a little more low-key than the busy, more widely known hotspots in Pembrokeshire. Visiting the marina, our travel-loving journalist Portia Jones also noted: “History and heritage are also thoughtfully displayed through walking trails and the volunteer-run Milford Haven Museum. “The museum tells the story of Milford Haven and its proud maritime heritage. Inside, you can explore the exhibits and collections covering the Nantucket Quaker Whalers, the fishing industry, and the nautical town's crucial role in supporting the world’s energy demands. “Wander further along the waterfront, and you’ll find boutique shopping, cafes, seafood restaurants and even a chocolate shop.” All of this, and you’re also just a 20 minute drive from two of Pembrokeshire’s lesser-known, secret beaches including St Brides Haven and Musselwick. The cliffs at Musselwick are completely jaw-dropping, and make you feel like you’ve stepped onto your own little private island. It’s located not far from the tiny village of Marloes - but this is definitely not a commercialised spot so with no parking, your best bet would be to leave the car up here and walk along the nearest footpath. Despite being a little more out of the way, this hidden gem beach looks like paradise with plenty of sand and crystal clear blue waters to enjoy. St Brides Haven is also an underrated Pembrokeshire spot, and is a more pebbly beach than Musselwick which reveals sand at low tide, but it is arguably just as private. The coast between Mill Haven beach and St Bride's also makes for great clifftop walking, meaning you can see right across St Bride's Bay to St David's Head and Ramsey. Article continues below And if you don’t have access to a car and want to explore this incredible part fo Wales, you might be glad to hear that two popular bus services are returning to the Pembrokeshire coastline this year according to Pembrokeshire County Council, including: * The Puffin Shuttle (service 400, operated by Richards Bros) running between St Davids and Marloes, via Little Haven, Druidston, St Brides and Martins Haven (for boat trips to Skomer Island). * The Strumble Shuttle (service 404, operated by Richards Bros) running via the coast road between St Davids and Fishguard, including Abereiddy (for the Blue Lagoon), Porthgain, and Strumble Head.

IT'S BECOMING SOMEWHERE TRULY SPECIAL AND WORTH VISITING JUST FOR THE AMAZING FOOD AVAILABLE 07:04, 02 Jun 2025Updated 15:42, 02 Jun 2025 One synonymous with heavy industry and


commercial docks, Milford Haven is now making quiet but confident waves as one of Wales’ most exciting destinations for tourism. Dominating the estuary, this historic harbour town has had a


striking transformation thanks to a multi-million-pound regeneration project that has turned its waterfront into a bustling hub of food, fun and on-the-water living. At the heart of the


revival is Milford Waterfront, a stylishly redeveloped marina that’s fast earning a name for itself - and is becoming somewhere worth travelling to in its own right. Think independent bars,


locally owned shops, gallery spaces, and an increasingly sophisticated dining scene that’s starting to rival Tenby in both quality and character. _FROM SUPERSTAR GIGS TO COSY PUBS, FIND OUT


WHAT’S ON IN WALES BY SIGNING UP TO OUR __NEWSLETTER HERE_ Fresh data from Independent Cottages has also just revealed that it has just been named one of the five most popular places for


Brits to visit this summer. A standout addition to the town is the Ty Milford Waterfront Hotel, part of the Celtic Collection which also run the five-star Celtic Manor Resort. Article


continues below This modern stay by the water offers some stunning harbour views and a smart brasserie-style restaurant, but it’s the hotel’s quirky ‘floatel cabins’ that have caught the


most attention. These on-water rooms, bobbing gently beside fishing boats and sailing yachts, offer a serene stay where guests can wake up to sea breezes and feel truly part of the scenery.


Inside the hotel, the popular restaurant, Dulse, does dishes to die for, offering people an authentic taste of the local sourced seafood in a stunning setting with views right across the


marina. The hotel seems to be a core symbol of what Milford Haven has to offer right now, as our lifestyle editor Kathryn Williams also recently found out, noting: "Since talking about


visiting there I’ve been met with some puzzled expressions but I’ve been able to bat them off by telling them about the trip I took there this year. "Over the summer I stayed in Milford


for two nights and was impressed by what was on offer right on the doorstep of the harbour. Thanks to an invite from Ty Milford, where we stayed for one night, myself and my partner also


tried the floatel. "Now, many might - and have to me - say that 'Milford is great as a base to explore that end of Pembrokeshire' and it certainly is. "You are in an


arm’s length of Dale, St Anne’s Head out to the west and if you go south you’ll stumble across Freshwater East, Barafundle. "But I would argue that there’s nothing stopping you staying


in Milford Waterfront and utilising what it has to offer." You can read the full piece here. Staying at Ty Milford, Kathryn noted that the entire stay was a 2024 summer highlight,


writing: “Yes, it is a great place to base yourself to get around Pembrokeshire, but equally it’s worth checking out what’s on at the Waterfront as there’s lots to explore.” Elsewhere, the


foodie scene is continuing to grow. COCO’s Restaurant, perched right on the waterfront, is a favourite for its Mediterranean-inspired plates, with Mad Hatter’s Café offering some super


creative brunches and indulgent bakes which are well worth trying out. For fresh seafood and local produce with a modern twist, The Harbourmaster delivers dependable seasonal dishes in a


smart-casual setting, as well as offering an extensive wine and cocktail menu - perfect for a relaxed evening soaking in the area in style. Martha's Vineyard, family-run bar and


restaurant is also a stunning option if you're looking for a proper maritime vibe serving fresh fish, great meats and quality ingredients as well as a daily specials board. And for a


morning treat, Sugar Loaf Deli & Bakery is the perfect spot to start your day off, also located on the waterfront. They are known for serving the best in rustic baked goods, homemade


deli products, and a range of teas and coffees. From cosy cafes and seafood-focused bistros to brunch spots with serious Instagram appeal, Milford Haven is quietly establishing itself as a


go-to for food lovers seeking something a little more low-key than the busy, more widely known hotspots in Pembrokeshire. Visiting the marina, our travel-loving journalist Portia Jones also


noted: “History and heritage are also thoughtfully displayed through walking trails and the volunteer-run Milford Haven Museum. “The museum tells the story of Milford Haven and its proud


maritime heritage. Inside, you can explore the exhibits and collections covering the Nantucket Quaker Whalers, the fishing industry, and the nautical town's crucial role in supporting


the world’s energy demands. “Wander further along the waterfront, and you’ll find boutique shopping, cafes, seafood restaurants and even a chocolate shop.” All of this, and you’re also just


a 20 minute drive from two of Pembrokeshire’s lesser-known, secret beaches including St Brides Haven and Musselwick. The cliffs at Musselwick are completely jaw-dropping, and make you feel


like you’ve stepped onto your own little private island. It’s located not far from the tiny village of Marloes - but this is definitely not a commercialised spot so with no parking, your


best bet would be to leave the car up here and walk along the nearest footpath. Despite being a little more out of the way, this hidden gem beach looks like paradise with plenty of sand and


crystal clear blue waters to enjoy. St Brides Haven is also an underrated Pembrokeshire spot, and is a more pebbly beach than Musselwick which reveals sand at low tide, but it is arguably


just as private. The coast between Mill Haven beach and St Bride's also makes for great clifftop walking, meaning you can see right across St Bride's Bay to St David's Head


and Ramsey. Article continues below And if you don’t have access to a car and want to explore this incredible part fo Wales, you might be glad to hear that two popular bus services are


returning to the Pembrokeshire coastline this year according to Pembrokeshire County Council, including: * The Puffin Shuttle (service 400, operated by Richards Bros) running between St


Davids and Marloes, via Little Haven, Druidston, St Brides and Martins Haven (for boat trips to Skomer Island). * The Strumble Shuttle (service 404, operated by Richards Bros) running via


the coast road between St Davids and Fishguard, including Abereiddy (for the Blue Lagoon), Porthgain, and Strumble Head.