Porthgain is a small harbour village known for its picture postcard looks, great food and depth of history. Once an industrial hub, this picturesque little village has become a must visit on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, offering visitors a unique blend of history, scenery, and seaside tranquillity.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it thrived as a busy port exporting stone, slate, and brick. The surrounding cliffs were quarried for dolerite, a hard blue stone prized for road building. Remnants of this period are still visible today — the striking brick hoppers that dominate the harbour are relics of the old crushing plant, once used to store stone before loading it onto ships. These towering ruins, now weathered give Porthgain a haunting quality, you can feel the past all around you.
Today, Porthgain’s harbour has exchanged the clatter of industry for the quiet hum of leisure boats and the laughter of visitors. It’s a favourite stop for walkers exploring the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. From the harbour, a path leads westward to Abereiddy, famous for its vivid Blue Lagoon — a flooded slate quarry popular for coasteering and cliff diving. Heading east, the trail meanders towards Traeth Llyfn, a broad and dramatic beach framed by towering cliffs, accessible by steep steps.
Despite its small size, Porthgain boasts a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The Sloop Inn, a historic pub dating back to the 18th century, offers hearty meals and local ales. The Shed, a famous fish and chip restaurant on the quayside, serves freshly caught fish and shellfish straight from the nearby waters. Local art galleries and craft shops are all around.
You could come for the coastal walks, the sense of history, or simply to breathe in the salt air while enjoying fish and chips by the harbour wall. Porthgain is a must visit while staying in St Davids at one of our apartments in Galwad y Mor, you can even stay in the apartment named for Porthgain!
