dale village
Dale is an unspoilt village in the heart of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, at the extreme southwest tip of Pembrokeshire. It lies in a sheltered valley with beaches facing the atlantic (West Dale) and the Haven (Dale Beach). The traditional activities of agriculture and fishing still take place and have been joined by tourism as a major aspect of the area.
The community of Dale offers a warm welcome to visitors throughout the year. There are numerous clubs and societies, such as the WI, local amateur dramatic society, poetry group, bowls club and local history group, which organise many different events, open to residents and visitors, from craft fairs in the Coronation Hall to the annual Village Fete at the Vicarage. For more information visit the Dale Village Website.
- Village Pub: The village has a good local pub - The Griffin Inn (tel 01646 636227) where you can have a quiet drink or a pub meal whilst enjoying the view of Dale bay.
- Yacht Club: The yacht club has a strong membership with a welcoming restaurant, visit the Dale Yacht Club webpage for more information.
- Post Office: The local post office/shop sells newspapers, bread, milk, eggs and a limited amount of basic items. It is open Mon-Fri 9.00-12.00 and Sat 9.00-12.00 in high season.
- Bistro Cafe: The Bistro Cafe and gift shop, which is facing the beach is open during the spring and summer months.
- St James' Church: This is part of the larger parish of Dale, Marloes and St Brides and has an active congregation with a monthly parish publication.
- Field Studies Centre: This belongs to the Field Studies Council and runs courses in marine biology and ecology, as well as digital photography and conservation courses, for school and universities, families and individuals. Visit their web page: Dale Fort Field Studies Centre.
Local Beaches
Within a 10-mile drive of Dale there are numerous beaches to enjoy. Dale is a Blue Flag beach and is ideal for small children. It is very sheltered, facing towards the Haven and is popular for water-sports, including sailing and windsurfing. West Dale, which faces St Brides Bay, can take the full force of winds from the Atlantic and is therefore good for surfing. Marloes Sands and Watwick Bay are both within walking distance of Point Farm, accessible from the coastal path with beautiful sandy beaches at low tide. Musselwick Sands is about half a mile on from Marloes, but beware being cut off by the tide! Broad Haven is a wide sweeping sandy beach set between rocky cliffs and easily accessible from the road. It adjoins Little Haven bay at low tide. St Brides has a secluded rocky shore with excellent rock pools, exposed at low tide, which are ideal for inquisitive children.
If you travel a little further afield you can enjoy the beaches of St David's, Newgale, Barafundle, Broad Haven South, Manorbier and Tenby, most with awards as some of Britain's best beaches.
For a more detailed list and descriptions go to Visit Pembrokeshire.
Local Activities
Activities on the Water
Dale is a hive of activity during the spring and summer months and is a favourite with yachtsmen, sailors and windsurfers. The sheltered harbour is ideal for the beginner, whilst the surf and sometimes-wild waters at West Dale provide an exhilarating experience for the accomplished surfer.
There are dozens of adventurous water-based activities to try, both in Dale and slightly further a field, including:
- Sailing: visit Dale Yacht Club. They organise regular dinghy races on Thursday evenings and Sundays from April – October and visiting sailors are welcome to compete. The club also hosts many sailing competitions and regattas.
- Windsurfing and sailing courses: visit West Wales Windsurfing and Sailing based in Dale, specialise in windsurfing and surfing tuition but also offer RYA accredited dinghy courses. They also offer sailing tuition.
- Cruising: For the more adventurous sailor, there are RYA yachting courses and yacht charters available from Pembrokeshire Cruising
- Kite Surfing: Based along the coast in Newgale Big Blue Kitesurfing offer courses for beginners and accomplished "kitesurfers"
- Scuba Diving: Dive Pembrokeshire in Little Haven run regular diving charters up and down the Pembrokeshire coast.
- Kayaking & Coasteering: Fresh Adventure in Pembroke and TYF Adventure in St David's offer courses for individuals and groups.
Walking
The Pembrokeshire National Park is the only National Park in Britain to run the entire length of a county’s coastline. It is a total of 186 miles long. From the coastal path you can explore the many inlets and secluded coves, which remain unspoilt and idyllic. For information on walking the coastal path visit Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority. There are also inland walks through the Preseli Hills and along the Daugleddau Estuary.
Bird Watching and Island Visits
From Dale and nearby Martin’s Haven you can visit the island of Skomer. For bird watchers, this is one of the best sites to visit in Europe, especially during springtime, when the bluebells and coastal flowers present a wonderful coloured carpet for the birds to land on.
Skomer’s waters are Wales’ only statutory Marine Nature Reserve and and one of only three in the United Kingdom. Coral grows offshore, fed by the rich flow of the warm Gulf Stream. Over seventy species of sponges have been recorded here.
Other islands to visit in Pembrokeshire include Ramsey Island, off St David’s and Caldey Island, off Tenby.
Fishing and Boat Charters
You can experience Pembrokeshire's spectacular coastline, cruising aboard the stylish Motor Cruiser ‘Magic' with Pembrokeshire Boat Charters.
Horse Riding
Riding is a popular activity and you can join a pony trek along the beautiful tracks and beaches from near-by Nolton Haven Stables
other attractions
Places of Historical Interest
Dale itself was the site of Henry VII's landing in 1485 before he marched on to fight at the Battle of Bosworth. The castles in South Pembrokeshire are reminders of its advantageous positioning for fortifications, with Pembroke Castle, Carew Castle, Manorbier Castle and Haverfordwest Castle all open to the public.
St Davids Cathedral and Caldey Island near Tenbyhave been a site of pilgrimage and worship for many hundreds of years and provide for an interesting day out.
Pentre Ifan Burial Chamber and Castell Henllys Iron Age Settlement are reminders of ancient bronze and Iron Age communities, who once made Pembrokeshire their home.
There are many large estates and houses to visit, including the Stackpole Estate and Picton Castle, which have impressive grounds and gardens.
Arts and Crafts
On rainy days there are many free attractions to enjoy. Throughout Pembrokeshire there are craft shops and galleries, exhibiting the work of local artists and photographers. Good places to visit include Nant-Y-Coy Watermill, Solva Wollen Mill, Melin Tregwynt Woolen Mill, Celtic Images, Solva Pottery, Hilton Court, Pembrokeshire Candle Centre and the Oriel Glan Y Mor Gallery.
Children's Attractions
Children can be kept busy at many fun attractions which include Oakwood Theme Park, Folly Farm Adventure Park, Tenby Silent World Aquarium, Phoenix Bowl and many more.
Shopping
Haverfordwest is the main shopping town in Pembrokeshire. With a limited selection of high street shops, Market Street is the most interesting shopping area with an array of highly individual shops. There is a farmer’s market held every fortnight on Fridays in the town centre.
Milford Haven has a new shopping arcade alongside the Marina called the Nelson Quay, with an expanding range of shops including a delicatessen, a children’s clothes shop, a designer clothes shop and a kitchen shop.
St David's and Narberth have a range of enticing boutiques, designer clothes shops, furniture and antique shops, as well as cafes serving delicious food.