Porthgain
Pembrokeshire, SA62 5BN
Category: Place to Visit
A taste of Wales' bygone industrial age
A natural beauty spot, Porthgain is a sheltered port that in the 19th century was home to a thriving slate and brick industry, the remains of which are still visible today including a brickworks and workers’ cottages. The mining began in 1890, employing roughly 200 men and boys and the town eventually became a crucial part of Britain’s building boom. Many buildings, even as far away as London and Liverpool have Porthgain granite in them. Today, the industries of Porthgain are fishing and tourism (the harbour’s unique character means it often gets used as a location by filmmakers) although there is still a strong sense of Welsh community here. This can be experienced to its full effect at the social heart of the village, The Sloop. Often referred to as the best pub in the county, this 18th century stone house offers excellent food and drink. After a pint, if you’ve got good sea legs, why not go out with Rob Jones on his boat? He offers all kinds of trips out of the harbour in search of seals and dolphins and other wildlife.