Fishguard Lower Town Harbour is one of the most quietly beautiful places in Pembrokeshire. Tucked below the main town, it offers a slower pace, historic charm, and a setting that feels largely unchanged.
With its stone cottages, small boats, and sheltered harbour, it provides a very different experience from the region’s larger, busier beaches.
Our visit on this day was very brief. Dave had asked me to drive him to Fishguard to pick up a boat engine for work, and I eagerly agreed. While he packed the engine, I had a short explore in the rain. Whether you are visiting for a short stop like us, to break up a journey, a family outing, or a relaxed dog walk, this guide explains exactly how to visit and what to do.
- Our Fishguard Lower Town Harbour, Pembrokeshire, Reel
- Key Takeaways
- Where is Fishguard Lower Town Harbour
- A Brief History of Fishguard Lower Town Harbour
- Fishguard Herrings Sculpture
- Historic Cannon
- Famous Film Locations in Lower Town
- A Real Whale in Fishguard Harbour
- Things to Do at Fishguard Lower Town Harbour
- Visiting with Kids
- Visiting with Dogs
- Practical Tips for Visiting
- Suggested Itinerary
- Where to Stay Near Fishguard Lower Town
- Why Fishguard Lower Town Harbour is Worth Visiting
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
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Our Fishguard Lower Town Harbour, Pembrokeshire, Reel
Here’s a short reel from our visit showing what Lower Town Harbour, Pembrokeshire, actually feels like on a quiet day:
Key Takeaways
- A historic harbour with strong links to Pembrokeshire’s fishing past
- Easy to visit and ideal for short, relaxed trips
- Famous filming location for Under Milk Wood and Moby Dick (which will celebrate it’s 70th anniversary this year, 2026)
- Suitable for families, dog walkers, and casual visitors
- Best combined with a short coastal walk or a nearby stop in Fishguard or Goodwick
Where is Fishguard Lower Town Harbour
Fishguard Lower Town Harbour is located just below Fishguard in north Pembrokeshire. It is around a five-minute drive or a 15 to 20 minute walk from the town centre.
Although it is close to the main town, it feels different- much quieter and more traditional.
How to Get There
By car
Follow signs for Lower Town from Fishguard. The road down is steep and narrow but manageable.
Parking
There is a small free car park close to the harbour. Spaces are limited, particularly during summer, so visiting earlier in the day is recommended.
On foot
You can walk down from Fishguard. The route is short but steep, especially on the return uphill.
Public transport
You can travel to Fishguard or Goodwick by bus (check out the T5, T11 or book the Fflecsi Bus) or train, then walk or take a short taxi journey.
A Brief History of Fishguard Lower Town Harbour
Lower Town dates back to the 16th century and was once a busy working harbour.
The Herring Industry That Shaped the Harbour
At its peak, Fishguard was an important herring fishing port. Boats filled the harbour, and the catch was processed and shipped to Ireland, Bristol, and Liverpool. This trade supported much of the local economy. Today, you can still see this history in the layout of the harbour, the old stone buildings, and the area’s overall character. It has not been heavily developed, which helps preserve its authenticity.
Fishguard Herrings Sculpture
This shoal of herrings darts through the air on the quay at Lower Town Fishguard. This striking image reminds the passer-by of the historic importance of the herring catch to the economy of Lower Town.
Although not stated on the plaque, “Fishguard Herrings” is the work of John Cleal, a South African, who made his home in Lower Town in the early 1960s. He founded the Workshop Wales Gallery near Fishguard in 1970.
John Cleal died in 2007. During his lifetime, he generously donated artworks to local hospitals and public spaces. From “Fishguard Herrings” walk further along Quay Street to see his sculpture ‘Sun Lover’ at the end of the lower harbour, which was sited here by his family after he died in recognition of his great affection for the area where he lived for more than 40 years. I will do this next time, hopefully the sun will be shining then!
I love this John Cleal quote:
“In a world that seems so focused on the hustle and bustle of daily life, be the parent who takes time to slow down and teach their child about the beautiful world we live in.”
Historic Cannon
Close to the herrings sculpture sits a historic cannon, adding another layer to the area’s story. While small, it is a reminder of the town’s wider past, when coastal communities needed to be alert to threats arriving by sea. Today, it provides an interesting contrast alongside the herring sculpture, linking Fishguard’s maritime industry with its defensive history. If you are interested in this side of local history, you can also look out for more cannons at Fishguard Fort (blog post and reel coming soon) which is only half a mile away. I may also write a post about cannons in Pembrokeshire to update each time I come across a new cannon), where additional coastal defences can still be seen overlooking the bay.
If you’re interested, there is also a cannonball cemented into the wall of one of the houses along Glyn-y-Mel in Lower Fishguard.
Famous Film Locations in Lower Town
Pembrokeshire is a popular place for film lovers to visit as it has been the location for many popular films, such as Robin Hood and Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows at Freshwater West, Me before You (Pembroke Castle and town), The Lion, The Witch and The Wardorobe (Manorbier Castle and beach), and Snow White and the Huntsman (Marloes Sands). Fishguard Lower Town also has a strong connection to film, which adds to its appeal.
Under Milk Wood
As the 1996 Centenary of Cinema monument above states, Fishguard harbour was used as the fictional village of Llareggub (if you haven’t already- read this word backwards for a glimpse into Dylan Thomas’ humour) in the 1971 film Under Milk Wood. Its traditional appearance made it an ideal filming location. If you’re interested in Dylan Thomas, also visit nearby Laugharne in Carmarthenshire to see the Dylan Thomas Boathouse and Writing Shed.
Coincidentally, Under Milk Wood will be performed at the Torch Theatre in Milford Haven from Thursday, 16th April – Saturday, 25th Apr 2026. There will also be an Under Milk Wood exhibition at the Joanna Field Gallery, Torch Theatre, from 1st April to 29th April 2026.
Watch our reel of the Verse and Visuals Under Milk Wood exhibition below:
Moby Dick and the Whale Story
The harbour was also used during the filming of Moby Dick, starring Gregory Peck, in the 1950s.
Three full-sized, 85-foot-long mechanical whale models were constructed for the filming of Moby Dick. Due to the intense, dangerous sea filming conditions, the first two models were lost at sea, necessitating the creation of a third model for scenes shot in the Canary Islands. Stories from the time suggest one version even drifted away during filming with Peck aboard. Luckily, he survived to tell the tale on a TV interview. Another Moby Dick model was lost at sea forever and at one time considered a navigational hazard.
See one of the life size Moby Dick head models on show at London Zoo in this charming short film.
See more photos of Gregory Peck during the filming of Moby Dick. See also shots of them building a Moby Dick model on location in Fishguard.
There is renewed interest in this connection, as the whale model is expected to return to Fishguard to mark the film’s anniversary. In September, Ar Ymyl y Tir/On Land’s Edge Festival will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the cinematic release of the acclaimed Hollywood movie after managing to hook a £44,300 National Lottery Heritage grant.
The autumn festival will feature a giant model whale heading a lantern parade organised by Cardigan’s Small World Theatre, literary talks on whaling, plus an augmented reality great white whale out in the bay.
Cliff Benson, founder of Sea Trust Wales, said the festival would also highlight the importance of protecting marine life.
A Real Whale in Fishguard Harbour
Before Moby Dick was filmed here, a real-life whale visited Fishguard Harbour. In September 1936, the County Echo reported on a great excitement as a whale was spotted trapped in the inner harbour at Fishguard. Apparently, the mammal was initially thought to be a shark and so a number of local men, including the customs officer, rowed out to it and sadly shot and killed it.
Naturally, there was a huge outcry about their actions and even the local Police were involved. However, they were subsequently cleared of any wrongdoing when a curator from the Natural History Museum arrived to view the carcass and indicated that their actions had been humane. The animal would not have survived being stranded – they had relieved it of an inevitable, stressful and painful death.
The body of the animal was sent to the Natural History Museum in London where the skull and skeleton were prepared and preserved as part of the national research collection and the intestinal tract was preserved in alcohol for study purposes. A model was created of the body of the animal, and this still exists in the Cetacea collection of the Natural History Museum today.
Always take a good look at the sea when walking on the coastal path as there are often porpoise, dolphin, and whale sightings in Pembrokeshire.
Film Monuments in Goodwick
Nearby Goodwick (about 2 miles away) also features mosaics that commemorate these films, which are worth visiting if you are exploring the area.
In fact, there is a lovely Art Afoot Art Trail in Fishguard and Goodwick, a lovely art walk, featuring a seahorse sculpture, LLyr, a shoal of fish, the mosaics mentioned above, a secret squirrel and lots more…
Things to Do at Fishguard Lower Town Harbour
This is not a location filled with attractions. Its appeal lies in its simplicity and atmosphere.
Take in the Harbour Views
The harbour is one of the most photogenic locations in Pembrokeshire.
For the best experience:
- Visit early in the morning for calm water and reflections
- Visit later in the day for softer light on the buildings
- Mid-tide often provides the most balanced view of the harbour
Walk all along the harbour wall to make the most of the view and to see all the sculptures.
Walk the Pembrokeshire Coast Path
Lower Town connects directly to the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, making it easy to extend your visit.
Route towards Goodwick
- Distance approximately 1.9 miles one way
- Terrain is fairly gentle with some inclines
- Suitable for most visitors
On the way, you could pass Gorsedd Circle, Saddle Point, walk the Marine Walk and then along The Parrog, Goodwick.
This route offers wide sea views and a quieter walking experience. Walking from Lower Town to Goodwick works well with a dog or children. It is manageable, scenic, and not overly crowded.
For longer walks, continue onto Strumble Head Lighthouse, which is about 9 miles along the coastal path from Lower Fishguard Harbour Car Park, a great spot for dolphin watching, but not for those scared of heights.
From Goodwick continue along the coastal path for sea views or take a more inland detour to visit St Gwydaf’s Church, Llanwnda. There used to be a lovely, quirky Fairyland Self-serve tea and coffee stop near here, but I don’t know if it’s still “open”. Let me know if you do this walk. Whichever route you choose, then walk onto Carreg Wastad Point, the rugged landing place of the French forces in their attempt to invade Britain in 1797. Pass Cnwch St Degan, Porthsychan, a secluded, picturesque shingle and pebble beach located in a sheltered cove, Carreg y Wrach (meaning “Witch’s Rock” or “Hag’s Rock” in Welsh), a rocky outcrop, and then reach Strumble Head Lighthouse
You could also do the Stumble Head Circular Walk for a shorter scenic walk.
Route towards Dinas Head
- Distance between 2 and 4 miles depending on how far you go
- More challenging with steeper sections
- Offers more dramatic coastal scenery
From Lower Fishguard Harbour, it is a short walk to the interesting Fishguard Fort (approx 0.6 miles) and you can walk further on to Cwm-yr-Eglwys (about 7.6 miles). On the way you will pass Aber Grugug, Penrhyn, Aber Bach Beach and then to Cwm-yr-Eglwys via Dinas Head.
Wildlife Spotting
You may see:
- Seals near the harbour entrance
- Seabirds along the shoreline
- Dolphins further out at sea
Taking your time and watching the water increases your chances of spotting wildlife.
The break water in Goodwick and Strumble Head are great wildlife spotting places too. If you have no luck in the wild, visit Ocean Lab Sea Trust Wales, a “catch and release” aquarium in Goodwick (I need to write a blog post about here too).
Relax by the Water
One of the best ways to enjoy Lower Town is simply to sit and take in the surroundings.
Bringing a drink or a small picnic and spending time by the harbour can be just as rewarding as walking.
Visiting with Kids
Lower Town is a good option for families because it is simple and easy to manage. Our kids love a good day in Goodwick too- there’s a play area, beach and ice cream!
Children can:
- Look for crabs along the harbour edge
- Watch boats in the water
- Explore the area safely with supervision
It is not overwhelming, which makes it suitable for younger children.
Visiting with Dogs
This is a dog-friendly location throughout the year. Sadly, we had to leave Ozzy home during this visit as we had the car seats down for the boat engine. We’ll definitely bring him next time though! He’ll love the sights and smells.
Benefits include:
- No seasonal restrictions like some beaches
- Easy access to coastal paths
- Open space for walking
Tips:
- Keep dogs on a lead near the water
- Bring water, as there are no facilities directly at the harbour
Practical Tips for Visiting
Parking
There is a small free car park near the harbour. It fills quickly during peak periods. An alternative option is to park in Fishguard and walk down. There is lots of parking in nearby Goodwick.
Best Time to Visit
For the best experience:
- Visit early morning for quieter conditions
- Visit late afternoon for better light
- Check tide times for a fuller harbour view
Facilities
There are no major facilities at Lower Town itself.
Nearby in Fishguard and Goodwick you will find:
- Cafes and takeaway options
- Toilets
- Shops
Suggested Itinerary
Short visit (1 to 2 hours)
- Walk around the harbour
- Take photos
- Spend time by the water
Half-day visit
- Start at Lower Town Harbour
- Walk towards Goodwick along the coast path
- Stop for food or coffee in Fishguard or Goodwick
- Option to visit film monuments in Goodwick
Where to Stay Near Fishguard Lower Town
There are plenty of great places to stay near Fishguard Lower Town Harbour, whether you are planning a short break or a longer Pembrokeshire trip.
In Fishguard and Goodwick, you will find a mix of welcoming guesthouses, bed and breakfasts, and self-catering options. Good choices include The Ferryboat Inn, which is right on the waterfront, and Ivybridge Guesthouse, a well-rated and convenient base within walking distance of the town. For something more independent, there are also several harbour-view cottages in Lower Town itself, which give you direct access to the harbour early in the morning or later in the evening.
If you are happy to stay a little further out, nearby areas offer excellent alternatives. Dinas Cross is just a short drive away and ideal if you want easy access to beaches like Pwllgwaelod and Cwm-yr-Eglwys, along with coastal walks. Newport is another popular option, with a wider choice of cafes, restaurants, and boutique accommodation such as Llys Meddyg.
Staying locally makes a noticeable difference to your visit. Early mornings and evenings at Lower Town Harbour are when it is at its quietest, and having accommodation nearby allows you to experience it without the crowds.
Why Fishguard Lower Town Harbour is Worth Visiting
Lower Town stands out because it has avoided the heavy development seen in many coastal destinations.
Instead, it offers a rare combination of preserved character and natural beauty. The harbour still reflects its working past, with traditional stone cottages, narrow lanes, and an unchanged layout that gives a genuine sense of history. The setting is calm and unspoilt, with quiet coastal scenery that feels a world away from busier beaches.
What makes it particularly special is the slower pace. There are no crowds, no large attractions, and no pressure to fill your time. You can simply walk, sit, and take it in.
If you are looking for an authentic Pembrokeshire experience rather than a typical tourist stop, Lower Town is one of the best places to find it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fishguard Lower Town Harbour worth visiting?
Yes. It is ideal if you prefer quieter, scenic locations with historical character.
Is there parking at Lower Town Fishguard?
Yes, but spaces are limited, especially in summer.
Can you walk from Fishguard to Lower Town Harbour?
Yes. It takes around 15 to 20 minutes, although the return walk is uphill.
Is Fishguard Lower Town dog friendly?
Yes. It is suitable for dogs all year round.
Was Moby Dick filmed here?
Yes. Parts of the 1950s film were filmed at the harbour.
How long should you spend here?
Most visitors spend between one and two hours, or longer if combining it with a walk.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes, with supervision near the water.
When is the best time to visit?
Morning or late afternoon is usually the best time to avoid crowds and enjoy better light.
Final Thoughts
Fishguard Lower Town Harbour is a simple place, but that is exactly what makes it so memorable.
It offers something increasingly rare along the coast: space to slow down, take in the scenery, and experience a place that still feels true to its history. Whether you visit for a short stop, a coastal walk, or a quiet moment by the water, it leaves a lasting impression without needing to try too hard.
If you are exploring Pembrokeshire, it is well worth adding Lower Town to your plans—especially if you value places that feel genuine, peaceful, and unspoilt.
Have you been to Fishguard Lower Town Harbour? I want to rewatch Under Milk Wood and Moby Dick films now…
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Things to Do in Pembrokeshire with Kids (Local Family Guide)
A Dog Owner’s Guide to Secure Fields in Pembrokeshire
A Visit to Nolton Haven: A Complete Guide for a Day Out in Pembrokeshire
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