Milford Haven is the ideal base for cruising the Pembrokeshire coast and beyond, and Neyland Yacht Haven with its warm welcome, easy access and first-rate facilities comes highly recommended says Sue Pelling
One of the many takeaway feelings experienced when visiting a Yacht Havens Marina is the warm and friendly welcome you receive. You’ll also find that Yacht Havens Marinas are mostly situated in sheltered and tranquil locations, which make them ideal retreats for cruising sailors. Neyland Yacht Haven, based within the Pembrokeshire Coastal National Park at Milford Haven is no exception. Located 10 miles east from the entrance of the Milford Haven Waterway and away from the hustle and bustle of heavy shipping at the docks, this 450-berth marina is nestled in the beautiful Westfield Pill area of the Cleddau Estuary which is noted for its scenic views, walks and cycle routes.
This marina has two choices of berthing areas – the Upper or Lower Basin – separated by a tidal cill and fees are priced accordingly. The rural Upper Basin offers access over the tide cill varying from 2.5-4 hours either side of high water, while the Lower Basin gives berth holders full tidal access to their boats and the freedom to come and go at any time. Yacht Havens say this is only marina in Wales that provides full-tidal access without any lockgate restrictions.
As with all Havens marinas within the group, Neyland Yacht Haven has modern, clean and tidy washroom and laundry facilities with 24-hour access in both basins. All pontoons are fully serviced with with 16 amp electricity (32 amp on certain berths) and wifi at every berth. There is an on-site recycling centre and the fuel berth, which supplies diesel and petrol, is on the port-hand side at the marina entrance, at the neighbouring Dale Sailing.
Easy access from the Lower Basin takes you straight to the marina office and facilities including the marina bars and restaurants. As well as the on-site Manillas Cafe and The Marina Bar, there’s also The Ferry House Inn in Hazelbeach, or in nearby Burton there’s Beggars Reach and The Jolly Sailor, which are both marina-recommended.
For something different during your visit, the marina’s two on-the-water Haven Pods offer a peaceful and quirky, eco-friendly place to stay (minimum stay two nights).
Neyland Yacht Haven is also well connected by road – approximately two and a half hours from the Severn Bridge, or a short taxi ride from Haverfordwest or Milford Haven railway stations – which means it could be an ideal place in which to base your boat for a season of cruising the Pembrokeshire
