Strumble Head is a rocky headland a few miles from Fishguard in North Pembrokeshire, it is also only 50 or so miles from Ireland, but separated by the Irish sea.
The headland is also well known as a bird observatory – once a wartime lookout post has now been converted to an observatory and was opened by Bill Oddie. As well as a bird observatory, Strumble Head is considered to be one of the best locations in the UK for spotting families of cetaceans, particularly porpoises racing through the fast tidal waters of the headland.
Curious to learn more about this beautiful corner of North Pembrokeshire? Here’s our quick guide to Strumble Head…
Discovering Strumble Head
This dramatic stretch of coastline is well worth a visit, on a clear day you can see north to the Llyn Penninsula and South to St David’s Head – and occasionally as far as Ireland on very clear days. You’ll find plenty of Strumble Head walks around the area, so be sure to pack your walking gear.
Quick facts
- The lighthouse at Strumble Head is owned and operated by Trinity House, it was first built in 1908 to help improve the safety of sea traffic along this stretch of coast. It was manually maintained by a staff of lighthouse keepers until 1965 when it was electrified, and in 1980, it was fully automated.
- There are often organized visits to Strumble head by the Wildlife Trust of South & West Wales, these visits are open to everyone and are inspirational in explaining the local sea and wildlife.
- Strumble Head is very near where the “Last Invasion of Britain” occurred in 1797 at Carreg Wasted. When the French forces landed they were repelled by a group of Welsh Ladies armed only with pitchforks. The French Army mistook the black Welsh hats and the red flannel cloaks the ladies wore to be the British Army. The French Army conceded and the treaty was signed in the Royal Oak pub in Fishguard.
Reaching Strumble Head by car
If you’re stopping in Fishguard, you can drive over to Strumble Head in less than twenty minutes. The route is as follows:
- Head south-west on Main Street, going towards West Street
- At the Rafael Roundabout, take the second exit onto the A40
- At Windyhall, you’ll need to take the first exit and stay on the A40
- Continue straight on at the roundabout, heading towards Station Hill
- Follow signs and turn left onto Quay Road
- Continue to Goodwick Hill
- Follow signs to Heol Penlan
- Turn left at Llanwanda
- Drive for five minutes along this road and you’ll reach Strumble Head!
Getting on the Strumble Shuttle
If you don’t fancy driving, you can always hop on the Strumble Shuttle! This regular bus service starts at Newport and takes visitors all the way to St. Davids. It stops at quite a few towns and villages along the way, including Fishguard and Abercastle. To see the full schedule, you can visit the Pembrokeshire County Council website.
Best places to eat and drink
Finish your day off with a stop at one of these excellent pubs.
Rose & Crown
Location: Goodwick Square, Goodwick
The Rose & Crown is a popular bar and restaurant in Goodwick, just a short drive from the Strumble Head lighthouse. Serving up locally sourced and seasonal dishes, you can expect to tuck into juicy burgers, delicious toasties, and indulgent loaded fries!
The Farmers Arms
Location: Mathry Hill, Mathry
The Farmers Arms has a real traditional feel to it. Set within the pretty village of Mathry, this cosy pub has retained many of its original features, especially in the beamed bar area. Guests can enjoy classic pub grub as well as a fantastic choice of Welsh ales.
Bennett’s Navy Tavern
Location: 20 High St, Fishguard
You can’t miss the pastel pink exterior of Bennett’s Navy Tavern! Set within the centre of Fishguard, this friendly pub has a beer garden for guests to sit out and enjoy the lovely weather.
Cosy cottages in Fishguard
The easiest way to reach Strumble Head is to start from Fishguard – here are a few of our most popular cottages in this scenic coastal town.
Sleeps: Two
Y Stabl is a cosy cottage for two, just minutes outside the town of Fishguard. Beautifully converted, this single-storey cottage has a gorgeous paved terrace to the front of the property, complete with a private hot tub.
Sleeps: Four
Surrounded by trees, Cwmbrandy Cottage is perfect for a romantic weekend away or a relaxing break with the family. Just a mile from the coast, you’ll find plenty of amazing coastal paths from your doorstep.
Sleeps: Six
Milkwood is a spacious three-bedroom cottage in Lower Town. Just a few minutes from the quay, you can easily get onto the Strumble Shuttle and enjoy the fantastic sights of Strumble Head in no time at all!
Enjoy a weekend away in one of our cosy cottages in Fishguard Bay. With its beautiful coastal views and abundance of natural attractions, there’s so much to be enjoyed here.
