Attractions and Places To See around Hayscastle - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Hayscastle include a blend of historical sites, natural beauty, and local points of interest. Located in Pembrokeshire, West Wales, the area is characterized by its coastline, ancient monuments, and picturesque harbours. Hayscastle serves as a base for exploring the diverse landscapes and cultural heritage of the region.
Best attractions and places to see around Hayscastle
- The most popular attractions is Solva Harbour, a settlement that features a bustling coastal village and quay with a charming high street. It provides easy access to Pembrokeshire’s Blue Flag beaches and walking routes.
- Another must-see spot is Porthgain Harbour, a historic harbour once used for exporting stone, now featuring a pub, cafe/restaurant, and art galleries. Visitors can find coastal views and industrial ruins here.
- Visitors also love Garn Fawr summit and trig point, a high point in the coastal area with a trig point at 213 meters. It offers views over the Pembrokeshire coastline and includes an Iron Age fort.
- Hayscastle is known for its historical sites, natural coastal features, and picturesque harbours. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient monuments to scenic viewpoints.
- The attractions around Hayscastle are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 160 upvotes and 40 photos.
Last updated: May 6, 2026
Solva Harbour
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Porthgain Harbour
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Abereiddy Beach
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Parking is charged £4 between 8am-5pm through the summer and is free outside these times.
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Carreg Samson Dolmen
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Little Haven Beach
Highlight • Beach
Little Haven’s streets are as steep as a ski run so be careful particularly on the approach from Broad Haven.
There is an attractive shingle-backed beach to explore and some excellent pubs to take in the sea views.
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Tips from the Community
One of our favourite spots when we visited the area. A lovely spot to stop off and explore
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Beautiful old pub! Stopped here after a hike & it was fascinating inside, plenty of locals, of course a lot of tourists (as I was!) But I'd love to come back here sometime & go there for the evening, it just looks like it gets a bit loose!
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Visit this interesting historical site & see how Porthgain used to be
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Porthgain, a small coastal village in Pembrokeshire, became an industrial hub in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The quarrying activities in Porthgain primarily focused on slate and later on roadstone. The harbour, constructed in 1851, was essential for exporting slate from nearby quarries. Initially, slate was transported to the harbour by horse-drawn tramways and later by steam-powered machinery. By the late 19th century, the industry expanded to include brickmaking using slate waste. The demand for roadstone led to the development of steam-powered crushers and large storage hoppers, which are still visible today. Despite its industrial success, the Great Depression in the inter-war period led to a decline in trade, and by 1931, the quarrying activities had ceased. Today, Porthgain is a conservation area, preserving its rich industrial heritage and attracting visitors to its historical sites and scenic beauty
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Porthgain is known for its picturesque harbour and rich industrial history. The village was once a bustling industrial port in the early 1900s, primarily involved in the export of slate, bricks, and crushed roadstone. Quarry History: • Slate Quarrying: Slate was the primary industry in Porthgain from around 1850 to 1910. The slate was quarried from nearby locations like Abereiddi and Trwynllwyd and transported to Porthgain via a tramway. • Brickmaking: From 1889 to 1912, bricks were manufactured using waste from the slate operations. The large brick hoppers that dominate the harbour today were used to store crushed dolerite before shipment. • Roadstone Production: After the decline of the slate industry, Porthgain turned to producing crushed roadstone from 1889 until 1931. Today, Porthgain is a conservation area, attracting visitors with its historical charm, scenic views, and local seafood. The harbour remains active, primarily serving local fishermen and recreational boaters.
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Popular pub for young and old with delicious food. For fans of Game of Thrones: Jerome Flynn also stops here when he is in the area.
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Remnants from a time gone by then ships used to be loaded with quarried materials via the structures that still remain.
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This beach is made up of pebbles and exceptionally dark sand made from crushed grey slate. The slate gives the water in the "Blue Lagoon" its bright deep blue colour. To the north of the beach is a lovely little harbour - an open-cut quarry that is also wheelchair accessible. Be careful: there are strong currents here.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore near Hayscastle?
Hayscastle and its surroundings are rich in history. You can visit the earthwork motte of Hays Castle Motte, a Scheduled Ancient Monument, or explore the medieval St. Mary's Church with its 13th-century font. The area also features several Iron Age defended enclosures like St Lawrence Camp and Bronze Age funerary monuments such as the Carreg Samson Dolmen, a Neolithic burial chamber near Abercastle Bay. Other sites include Iron Age forts at places like Garn Fawr summit.
Are there any picturesque harbours to visit in the Hayscastle area?
Yes, the region boasts several picturesque harbours. Solva Harbour is a bustling coastal village with a charming high street, cafes, shops, and galleries. Another must-see is Porthgain Harbour, a historic site with industrial ruins, a pub, cafe, and art galleries, offering great coastal views.
What natural features and viewpoints are worth seeing near Hayscastle?
The area offers stunning natural beauty. You can enjoy panoramic views from Garn Fawr summit and trig point, which stands at 213 meters and overlooks the Pembrokeshire coastline. The Pembrokeshire Coast Path itself provides diverse landscapes, from dramatic cliff tops to secluded coves. Llys-Y-Fran Lake is also nearby, offering opportunities for outdoor enjoyment.
What beaches are accessible from Hayscastle?
Hayscastle is well-situated for accessing beautiful Pembrokeshire beaches. Popular options include Newgale Sands, Marloes Sands, Abermawr Beach, and Broad Haven beach. You can also visit Abereiddy Beach, famous for its black sand and proximity to the Blue Lagoon.
Are there family-friendly activities or attractions near Hayscastle?
While Hayscastle is a smaller community, it's a great base for family fun in wider Pembrokeshire. Options within a reasonable distance include Hangar 5 (trampoline park), Merlins Magic Childrens Play Centre, West Wales Karting, Willhome Farm Barn (petting zoo), and Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo. Historic estates like Scolton Manor and Dr Beynon's Bug Farm also provide engaging experiences.
Where can I go hiking or walking around Hayscastle?
The region around Hayscastle is excellent for hiking. The Pembrokeshire Coast Path offers numerous routes with spectacular views. For specific trails, you can explore the Hiking around Hayscastle guide, which includes routes like the 'Roch / Brandy Brook' trail and various loops from Roch Castle.
Are there cycling routes available near Hayscastle?
Yes, there are several cycling routes for various skill levels. The Road Cycling Routes around Hayscastle guide features routes such as the 'Nolton Haven Beach – Broad Haven Beach loop' and longer, more challenging rides to St David's Cathedral.
What are some unique or hidden gems to discover in the Hayscastle area?
Beyond the main attractions, Hayscastle offers some unique spots. The Hayscastle Fishery provides a quiet place for fishing. Trerhos Common is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, offering a chance to experience local ecology. The historic pub, The Cross Inn, in the village center, also offers a glimpse into local heritage.
What outdoor adventure activities can I do near Hayscastle?
For those seeking adventure, the wider Pembrokeshire area near Hayscastle offers activities like Kayak King Tours, Celtic Quest Coasteering, and Thousand Islands Expeditions. These provide guided experiences to explore the stunning coastline from a different perspective.
Is Hayscastle a good base for exploring the Pembrokeshire Coast Path?
Absolutely. Hayscastle's location makes it an excellent base for exploring the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. The path offers diverse landscapes, from dramatic cliff tops and secluded coves to wide sandy beaches, providing spectacular views and numerous walking opportunities.
Are there any local events or cultural sites in Hayscastle?
Hayscastle hosts the Hayscastle Show every August since 1954, a horticultural show that also includes pony classes. For cultural sites, Noddfa Newton Chapel, built in 1862, is another place of worship in the area, alongside the historic St. Mary's Church.
What is the best time to visit Hayscastle for outdoor activities?
The Pembrokeshire region generally enjoys milder weather, making it suitable for outdoor activities for much of the year. Spring and summer offer the warmest temperatures and longest daylight hours, ideal for coastal walks, beach visits, and water sports. Autumn can also be beautiful with fewer crowds, while winter walks can be invigorating, though some facilities might have reduced hours.
Most popular attractions around Hayscastle
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