Business
First Minister visits Milford Haven ahead of summer tourist season
FIRST Minister Mark Drakeford will visit Milford Haven as Wales gears up for another busy summer tourist season.
The First Minister will visit Tŷ Hotel Milford Waterfront to hear about the preparation work that is underway for the summer.
Celebrating its first anniversary in April, the 100 bedroom hotel is a venture between Celtic Collection and the Port of Milford Haven that employs over 60 people.
Tŷ Hotel Milford Waterfront has exceeded expectations through its first year of trading, successfully attracting a mix of visitors and corporate travellers.
With three Bank Holidays and a half term on the horizon, there are plenty of opportunities for people to visit Wales over the next few weeks.
A survey undertaken on January 2023 by Visit Wales, of people living in the UK who had previously contacted VW, shows those who visited in 2022 felt positive about their experiences in Wales.
They were the most satisfied with the ‘quality of the natural environment’ in Wales (83% very satisfied), followed by ‘feeling of safety’ (80%), ‘cleanliness of beaches’ (77%), ‘the welcome you received’ (76%) and ‘places to visit (75%).
On the experience of a holiday in Wales, 78% of overnight visitors rated their experience in Wales as ‘excellent’, a notable rise on 2021 ratings.
The aim of the Welsh Government tourism strategy is to spread tourism benefits throughout Wales, encouraging increased spend in our economy and tackling seasonality by promoting Wales as a nation you can visit all year round.
First Minister Mark Drakeford said:
“We are ambitious for Wales as a tourist destination, and it is clear from the research work that our visitors highly rate their time here.
“We look forward to welcoming visitors from all parts of the globe to Wales to experience the breadth of what we have on offer.
“There’s so much to do and to see, and so many wonderful places to visit across Wales.
“I’d also encourage the people of Wales to go out and discover parts of the country they may have never visited before.
“I know how hard the industry works to ensure that everyone who visits Wales returns home with great memories.
“We will continue to work with communities, visitors and businesses to achieve sustainable growth for tourism across Wales.”
Celtic Collection Chief Executive Ian Edwards said: “We have been delighted by the enthusiastic response we have received from both the local community in Milford Haven and the thousands of guests who have enjoyed staying in the new Tŷ Hotel during its first year of opening.
“Pembrokeshire is world-renowned as a tourist destination thanks to its spectacular coastline and landscape, as well as its welcoming people, and the hotel is the perfect place to explore all the many attractions that West Wales has to offer.
“With almost all of the guest bedrooms enjoying views of the marina and the working harbour, the hotel also showcases the incredible redevelopment that has taken place at Milford Waterfront.
“As well as welcoming new visitors to Pembrokeshire from all over the world, the local team recruited at Tŷ Hotel has also been delighted to immerse itself in the community, championing the amazing local produce in Dulse restaurant and sponsoring a number of sports teams and events in the surrounding area.”

Business
205-unit storage site at Pembrokeshire farm submitted to planners
A CALL to allow a Pembrokeshire farm to keep a storage facility for more than 200 caravans, boats, cars and farm machines as a form of diversification has been submitted to county planners.
In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Mr & Mrs Davies, through agent A.D Architectural Design Consultants Ltd, seek retrospective permission for a farm diversification scheme to accommodate the storage of caravans, boats, cars and farm machinery in four of eight agricultural sheds and on hard-standing concrete courtyards at Froghall Farm, Spittal.
The works were completed back in 2019.
A supporting statement accompanying the application said: “At present, four of the eight shed structures on the site form part of the caravan and boat storage scheme, with additional touring caravans stored externally on the concrete courtyards.”
It said the storage provision was split as follows: Shed 1 – farm workshop, and 30 caravans, motorhomes, boats & cars; shed 2 – 16 caravans; shed 3 – 28 caravans, motorhomes, boats & cars – 28; shed 8 – cubicle shed, 11 units of farm machines, motorhomes & caravans; courtyard storage of 120 touring caravans, for an overall storage of 205 units.
The statement added: “It would take place in an accessible location, would incorporate sustainable transport and accessibility principles and would not result in a detrimental impact on highway safety or in traffic exceeding the capacity of the highway network; access road is a no-through road with no increase in traffic due to the nature of development.
“There won’t be a constant stream/flow of traffic as the site’s used for storage. Our client offers a towing service to sites in and around Pembrokeshire, which is used by 45 per cent of their customers, who are unable or prefer not to tow themselves. This gives our client control over the flow of traffic.”
The application will be considered by county planners at a later date.
Business
Wolfscastle spa earns prestigious AA recognition
WOLFSCASTLE COUNTRY HOTEL and Spa in Pembrokeshire is celebrating national recognition after its luxury spa was included in the prestigious AA Recommended Spa Awards.
The accolade highlights the hotel’s commitment to delivering high-quality wellbeing experiences, exceptional service, and first-class facilities.
The AA Recommended Spa status is awarded to venues that provide an outstanding guest experience, combining professional expertise, premium treatments, and a relaxing environment. The recognition places Wolfscastle among a select group of leading spa destinations across the UK.

Hot stone massage in the Wolfscastle Country Hotel & Spa treatment room.
The spa, which has been open for nine years, has established itself as one of Pembrokeshire’s top wellness destinations, welcoming both hotel guests and day visitors seeking relaxation in a tranquil countryside setting.
Facilities include hydrotherapy experiences, thermal suites, and dedicated relaxation areas, alongside a wide range of luxury treatments designed to help guests unwind and recharge.
Bethan, Spa Manager at Wolfscastle Country Hotel & Spa, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be recognised by the AA as a Recommended Spa. The team here work really hard to make sure every guest feels relaxed, welcomed and properly looked after from the moment they arrive.
“To receive this recognition is very special for us and reflects the care and effort our therapists put into every treatment.”
The award further strengthens the hotel’s reputation as one of West Wales’ leading hospitality destinations, offering award-winning dining, boutique accommodation, and premium wellness experiences.
Guests can enjoy spa days, overnight breaks, and tailored treatments throughout the year.
For more information or to book, visit www.wolfscastle.com.
The hotel is also marking a significant milestone this year, with owner Andrew Stirling celebrating 50 years at the helm.
Business
Pembroke South Quay boat shed expansion plans submitted
A PADDLEBOARDING and canoeing company’s call for an extension to a boat shed at Pembroke’s South Quay, below its historic castle, has been submitted to county planners.
In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, G Booth of Paddle West CIC, through agent James Dwyer Associates, seeks permission for an extension to the stone-built boathouse, adjacent to the cliff on South Quay fronting the Mill Pond, Pembroke.
A supporting statement says: “It is intended to erect a single storey ‘lean-to’ building, or ‘shed’ for the storage of boats, such as canoes and kayaks, and related equipment, on a vacant space adjacent to the existing stone-built boathouse.”
It adds: “The boathouse and the intended adjacent boat storage shed is located, as is to be expected, in close proximity to water, the Mill Pond. The Mill Pond is the main area of activity for Paddle West, a Community Interest Company, providing boating activities, kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding, frequently for young people and families.”
It goes on to say: “It is intended that the structure would be lightweight, erected on the exiting hard standing. The ‘shed’ would be used for the storage of boats and related equipment.”
With regard to the historic setting, it adds: “Although the stone-built boathouse appears not to be listed, it is recognised that the walls above are listed and together they are a piece.
“Accordingly, through form and external materials proposed, timber cladding and profile sheet roofing, the aim is to ensure that the structure would be subservient and muted and not detract or compete with the visual aesthetic of the boathouse or historic walls. In effect the addition would blend into the background.”
The application will be considered by county planners at a later date.
The boathouse is sited near to the new Henry Tudor Centre in South Quay, which is due to open in Spring 2027.
The centre, expected to receive around 30,000 visitors a year, will tell the story of Henry Tudor, son of Pembroke, his Welsh ancestry and his impact on our national story, Welsh culture and our wider British heritage.
The restored derelict South Quay buildings will also house a new library and community café, and a healthcare, social services and supported employment facility in the adjoining premises.
-
News6 days agoEmergency services flood Haverfordwest after reports of person in river
-
Crime5 days agoMother given community order after admitting child cruelty offence
-
Health4 days agoNHS waiting list falls — but cancer delays and diagnostic backlog worsen
-
News6 days agoSenedd votes to ban Greyhound racing in Wales to protect animal welfare
-
News6 days agoSenedd vote to ban greyhound racing hailed as ‘landmark moment’ by charities
-
News5 days agoReform secures first Pembrokeshire councillor in Hakin by-election win
-
News7 days ago£3.8m to help Welsh families struggling with soaring heating oil costs
-
Crime5 days agoWoman stole from pharmacy despite ban, court hears










