YHA Broad Haven

Picture this: a budget-friendly break with family or friends in Wales, a mere 100 metres from one of Pembrokeshire’s Blue Flag beaches. Sound appealing? Then YHA Broad Haven is the place for you, a hostel with a nautical theme – what else, given the property’s seaside location? Head onto the Coastal Path from the doorstep, or when the tide’s low, wander half a mile over the golden sands to Little Haven – a conservation area where you’ll find a quaint quayside and charming fishermen’s cottages. From there, walk round to the wide bay at Settlands.

Accommodation-wise, there are shared dorms (some have an en-suite), as well as private en-suite options sleeping three to six. Whichever you go for, all guests have a storage cupboard that can be locked and a reading light. For those without an en-suite, there are communal showers and toilets. Bed linen is supplied but towels aren't – don’t worry if you forget the latter, you can rent or buy from reception. If you're a lover of the great outdoors, choose a waterproof (but unheated) landpod. Sleeping up to four, this quirky and dog-friendly glamping alternative is slightly elevated and you can open the roof; you're also welcome to use the hostel’s facilities. Planning a celebration or reunion? it’s possible to hire the whole place – YHA Broad Haven sleeps up to 81 people across 15 bedrooms and bathrooms. 

The contemporary one-storey building houses a scenic café and restaurant overlooking the bay, a licensed bar, a kitchen for those who prefer to self-cater, and a dining room looking out to the lovely grounds and St Brides. On warm days, make your way outside and use the BBQ, but if the weather isn’t playing ball, it’s back indoors to the water-facing lounge, where you’ll find seating, a pool table, board games and plenty of books.

Out and about, it’s a walker’s paradise. But if that’s not your thing, there’s cycling and surfing to enjoy, plus coastal foraging (we recommend Black Rock Outdoor Company), visiting Sweet Home Alpaca, and taking an adrenaline-fuelled trip to Oakwood Theme Park. You can also explore 40-acre Picton Castle and meet 25 species of owls in the secret garden. Then back to YHA Broad Haven for more of those fabulous Pembrokeshire views.