West Blockhouse Point, near Dale, Pembrokeshire, Wales
West Blockhouse Fort
Fort
Place photograph
5.5
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Check
Cost
Atmospheric
Feel
Why it's Wildland
5.5A coastal fort built in 1857–58 to defend the Milford Haven Waterway stands on a rocky headland beside the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. Its site had an earlier Tudor blockhouse, demolished before the Victorian fort was built.
The appeal is the meeting of coastal defence history and a rugged Pembrokeshire headland: the fort is a landmark on the Dale Peninsula walk, with cliffs, sea views and a wider story of guarding Milford Haven. Access to the building itself is not established for day visitors, so plan around the public coast walk and verify access before setting out.
Atmospheric · Dramatic
Find your way
Open mapWest Blockhouse Point, near Dale, Pembrokeshire, Wales
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The experience
Treat West Blockhouse Fort primarily as a coastal-history landmark to view from the Dale Peninsula walk. The fort is a Landmark Trust holiday property, not confirmed as a walk-in attraction; verify access before planning to visit the building.
Things to do
View West Blockhouse Fort from the Dale Peninsula walk
The park’s walk information lists views of West Blockhouse coastal defence among the route’s features. Confirm whether the fort grounds are accessible before attempting to approach the building.
Look for the Iron Age fort and ruined limekiln
Both are listed as things to look out for on the Dale Peninsula walk. Consult the official walk page for route details and current conditions.
Watch for seabirds along the coast
Seabirds are among the features identified by the national park’s Dale Peninsula walk notes.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Allow a short stop within a coastal walk; exact time not specified.
See the fort from the coast path
- 01
Check current route conditions and access information before setting out.
- 02
Follow a suitable section of the Dale Peninsula walk and look for views of West Blockhouse Fort.
- 03
Do not assume the fort itself is open to day visitors; confirm with Landmark Trust.
Half day · 6.6 miles (10.6 km); about 3 hours, plus stops.
Walk the Dale Peninsula
- 01
Use the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s Dale Peninsula walk information to plan the route.
- 02
Walk the rugged cliff-top route, noting the listed heritage and coastal features, including views of West Blockhouse Fort.
- 03
Allow for steep gradients, fields and livestock, and the stated minor-road section; check current conditions before going.
Verified history
The present coastal artillery fort was built in 1857–58. It replaced an earlier blockhouse built by order of Henry VIII as part of the Tudor fortification programme begun in 1539; the earlier structure was demolished and, according to the supplied historical account, no visible remains survive. The Victorian fort was planned in the early 1850s to defend the Milford Haven Waterway.
Hidden details
The Tudor fort beneath the story — The present fort replaced a Tudor blockhouse on the site. The earlier structure was demolished, and the supplied historical account says no visible remains survive.
When to go
· Choose a clear day for coastal views; no more specific time is established by the supplied sources.
The route is exposed and includes steep coastal sections, so weather and daylight matter. The supplied sources do not identify a particular wildlife or seasonal peak.
The walk is described as rugged and cliff-top, with steep gradients. Check forecasts and current route conditions before setting out.
The route
- distance
- 6.6 miles (10.6 km) for the Dale Peninsula walk.
- duration
- 3 hours, according to the national park walk page.
- difficulty
- Rugged coastal walk with steep gradients; the route page also notes fields and livestock.
- start point
- Dale Peninsula; consult the official walk page for the route start and directions.
- parking start
- Check before visiting.
- Views of West Blockhouse coastal defence
- Iron Age fort
- Ruined limekiln
- Wooded bay
- Lighthouse
- Seabirds
- Rugged cliffs and cliff-top scenery
What to look for
Look for the fort from the coastal path and consider its position on the rocky headland at the mouth of Milford Haven. The earlier Tudor blockhouse was demolished, so the source says no visible remains survive.
The story
Industry
Best time to go
Spring to autumn for longer daylight and the Dale Peninsula walk; check local conditions before going.
Choose a clear, settled day for the coastal views. The full Dale Peninsula walk is listed as 6.6 miles (10.6 km), around 3 hours, before stops.
How long to spend
1–2 hours; the full Dale Peninsula walk is a half-day outing.
Perfect for
Walkers · History lovers · Photographers
Before you go
Practical information
Opening & access
The fort is managed as Landmark Trust holiday accommodation, so do not assume the building is open for casual visits. The source row marks its Google listing permanently closed, while the Landmark Trust page describes the property as a holiday stay; check directly with Landmark Trust and the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park before travelling. The nearby Dale Peninsula walk includes views of the fort.
Check before visiting
Parking
Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Food & drink
Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Dogs
The Landmark Trust page says dogs are welcome at the holiday property. Rules for the surrounding route and any day visit should be checked before visiting.
Check before visiting
Accessibility
The supplied Google information says the site has no wheelchair-accessible car park or entrance. The Dale Peninsula walk is described as having steep gradients and rugged cliff-top sections; check route suitability and current access before setting out.
Check before visiting
Cost
Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Water
Sea
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around West Blockhouse Fort
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
Place photograph5.9St Brides Haven
St Brides Haven, near Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, Wales
7.5 km away
Place photograph9.1Skomer Island
Off the Pembrokeshire coast, reached by boat from Martin’s Haven, Wales
10.9 km away
Place photograph9.4Skomer Island
Off the Pembrokeshire coast, reached by boat from Martin’s Haven
10.9 km away
