Lighthouse Keep

If you would like more information on the local area, please call us on 01348 837871 to speak to one of our friendly team.

History of st. Anne's Lighthouse.

Milford Haven has long been recognised by merchants and shipowners as one of Britain's finest deep water harbours; today, large fleets of trawlers and oil tankers gather in the anchorage. Dangerous reefs lie just below the surface of the approach to this famous port, almost in mid channel and in two groups through which shipping must pass.

One of the greatest dangers the dreaded Crow Rock and Toes lying off Linney Head lies some seven miles south-east of St. Ann's Head, which has claimed many more vessels than the reefs within the harbour. Today, two usable channels are marked clearly by sets of leading lights, all vital to safe navigation.

On 15 March 1712 a patent was granted to Trinity House to build a lighthouse at St. Ann's Head. Trinity House in turn as was its policy at the time leased it to the owner of the land, Joseph Allen, who agreed to build two lighthouses and keep them in good repair. The terms of the lease were for 99 years at an annual rent of 10; to help maintain the lights, Allen was permitted to collect dues from the shipmasters at Milford Haven amounting to one penny per ton of cargo on British vessels and two pence on foreign vessels. Allen established two towers near the old disused lighthouse and lit coal fires on them in June 1714.

Robert Stevenson visited the station in 1801 and describes them as leading lights guiding vessels clear of the Crow Rock off Linney Head and that:-

The light is from Argand burners with parabolic silvered copper reflectors each twenty and a half inches in diameter. In the one lantern there are 16 reflectors and in the other 11 and though they are only about one hundred paces distant from each other there is a distinct keeper at each lantern, so that they are in the most complete state of cleanliness and good order.

St. Ann's Head Lighthouse was automated and de-manned in 1998.

Marloes & Dale

• Just a short drive away to is Dale village; built round a horseshoe shaped bay it is allegedly the sunniest spot in Wales. Try sailing, surfing, windsurfing or kayaking tuition is available from West Wales Windsurfing and Sailing for all abilities!
• Dine al fresco overlooking the bay at The Griffin Inn, with its extensive fish menu, visit the Moorings restaurant or enjoy a delicious snack at the Boat House Cafe & Shop.
• Within easy reach (1m) is Marloes village with The Lobster Pot pub, offering good bar food as well as a well-stocked local convenience store.

The Pembrokeshire Coastal Path and local beaches

• Both the Marloes and Dale peninsula are bounded by the Pembrokeshire coastal path which runs 186 miles from Poppit Sands in the north to Amroth in the south with its magnificent scenery and beautiful sandy beaches.
• The Pembrokeshire beaches offer something for everyone - close by are the beaches of Marloes, Dale, Musslewick, Westdale and slightly further afield, the long sandy beaches in St Brides Bay - Broad Haven, Druidston Haven and Newgale this is the perfect place for a beach holiday
• Little Haven is as popular holiday village with a picturesque setting, a short drive from Dale, sandy beach, cafe , excellent choice of pubs The Swann Inn, The Castle & The St. Brides all offer a good choice of freshly prepared food, including fresh fish & seafood.
• Lobster & Mor offers quality crafts & local produce, together with delicious crab/lobster sandwiches.
• Corner House Cafe provides simple, yet awesome cafe fayre , with freshly baked artisan bread, locally sourced produce & delicious desserts, along with wonderful coffee, La Bastilla P3 beans, slowly roasted, just perfect, & delicious Pembrokeshire ice-cream.
• Take a stroll up The Point from where the coastal path may be accessed and marvel at the stunning view of St. Brides Bay

Skomer, Grassholm, Skokholm and Gateholm

• From the cliffs at Marloes look out to the offshore bird islands Skokholm, Gateholm, Grassholm and the Marine Nature Reserve of Skomer.
• Visit the headland opposite Skomer Island, the Deerpark (NT), a two thousand year old promontory settlement bounded by cliffs and, in September, you will see seal pups on the beaches below.
• Do take a boat trip from Martin's Haven, just a short drive from the cottage to visit Skomer Island to see the puffin colonies,or take the 2 hour cruise around the island.

Local Natural History - Marloes Mere and Musselwick

• The gently sloping countryside surrounding St. Anne's Head is a delight for birdwatchers. Nearby Marloes Mere is a fascinating and unique landscape - a wetland once famous for its medicinal leeches (don't worry they died out about 100 years ago!).
• There are hides for bird watching enthusiasts and, depending on the time of year, you can spot marsh harriers, snipe and teal and perhaps barn owls, choughs, swallows and swifts.
• Experience the SSSIs at Musselwick & the cliffs at Marloes or wander out onto the nearby airfield between Dale and Marloes no longer in use and let your children cycle along the bridleways or fly their kites with complete freedom where the sky stretches from horizon to horizon.

Local history - Mullock Area of Dale and Bridge is a site of historical Welsh significance.

• The story is told that after Henry Tudor's return to Britain (at Dale in 1485) Rhys eased his conscience by hiding under Mullock Bridge as Henry marched over, thus absolving himself of his oath to Richard that Henry would only get the crown by marching over his body.

The Cleddau River and Milford Haven

• To the south east of St. Anne's Head the Haven is one of the largest sheltered natural harbours in the world - watching the boating traffic on the water is a fascinating and enjoyable way of whiling away a few hours!
• Dine out at the marina with its variety of shops cafes bars and restaurants.
• The Torch Theatre in Milford Haven has a variety of live stage performances as well as a cinema, cafe/bar and gallery.

Brunel Trail

• If walking and cycling are more your thing, join the Brunel Trail at Neyland, just beyond Milford Haven, and enjoy the lovely views and open countryside of this traffic-free route.

St Davids and Solva

• No visit to Pembrokeshire is complete without a trip to St Davids with its magnificent medieval cathedral, small individual shops, restaurants and art and craft galleries. Boat trips to the bird islands sailing from St Justinian's can also be booked from here.
• To get to St Davids you must travel through the pretty coastal village of Solva with its sheltered harbour - ships sailed from here to America in times gone by and it is still a very popular berth for sailors today!
• Do try The Cambrian for good bar and restaurant food, as well as the excellent tea room right on the harbour, browse the art gallery, National Trust shop and Window on Wales for a great selection of gifts and memorabilia.

Pembrokeshire family days out

As well as all the natural wealth of the county, in Pembrokeshire there is plenty to entertain the family.
Oakwood, Blue Lagoon Water Park, Heatherton Sports, Folly Farm, Manor Wildlife Park and the Dinosaur Park Tenby in the south of the county or in the north at Sealyham and TYF - there are lots more to choose from!

Please choose a category to view activities and attractions near Lighthouse Keep.

If you would like more information on the local area, please call us on 01348 837871 to speak to one of our friendly team.