Manorbier Beach

Situated on the south coast of Pembrokeshire, just six miles and fifteen minutes from the popular resort of Tenby, you will find Manorbier Beach. A popular sandy beach backed by pebbles and sand dunes; this beach lies alongside a rural coastal village with all the essential amenities needed for a wonderful seaside holiday.

Somewhat overshadowed by the likes of other nearby beaches such as Freshwater West, Tenby and Saundersfoot; the beach at Manorbier is a lesser-known gem of the area. Beachside games and water activities are common here, and history buffs will no doubt want to pay a visit. Towering over the sands here is a magnificent medieval castle making for a picture-perfect scene and a Neolithic tomb lies nearby.

This inlet also marks the most easterly point of the Pembrokeshire Marine Special Area of Conservation, an area which reaches around the coast up to Abereiddy and indicates a wonderful nature zone.

Activities

Flanked by sandstone cliffs on either side of the bay, Manorbier Beach is a favourite in the area for bathing. There is however a sea rip on one side of the shore and there can be strong currents so it is best to be wary when swimming here.

Good clean waves often make this south-westerly facing cove a hotspot for surfers, although locals tend to avoid high tide as the waves can become messy. Plus during high tide, the water reaches up as far as the pebbles at the back of the beach.

Those who haven’t quite worked their way up to surfing yet enjoy hours spent bodyboarding in the ebbing shoreline, whilst you might also spot the back of some heads bobbing in the water as people snorkel here. Divers have also been known to launch from here, whilst kayakers and canoeists love to paddle through these shores.

Whilst Manorbier Beach is not an obvious choice for fishing, sea anglers have been known to visit this bay, particularly after a series of high tides and good swells. Locals have been known to catch the likes of bass, mackerel and pouting.

Along the cliffsides at either side of the shore, you’ll find a land scattered with rock pools which are brimming with wildlife. Take the little ones on a sea adventure providing endless hours of fun exploring natural habitats along the coastline. Pick up rocks, sift through seaweed and search through these rock pools where you may find sea anemones, crabs, starfish and shrimp. You might even find a little octopus if you’re lucky! Just remember to be respectful of the nature you find and try not to disturb the wildlife you discover.

Walkers visiting the area will no doubt love to join the Pembrokeshire Coast Path here, which is accessible at both ends of Manorbier Beach. Take steps up the cliffside to the left of the bay or walk over the small bridge and up the grassy hillside to the right. Venturing left will take you along the coastline past Lydstep and Penally towards Tenby offering views of Caldey Island and Carmarthen Bay, whilst ambling right will take you along Freshwater East towards some of Pembrokeshire’s most iconic locations, Barafundle Bay and Broadhaven South Beach.

The coast path approaching Manorbier

Enthusiastic historians should combine their beach day with a visit to the impressive historic locations within a short walk of Manorbier Beach. Start with a trip to the castle, touring the remarkably preserved medieval gatehouse, round tower, hearths and curtain walls. Much of Manorbier Castle dates back to the 13th Century with remnants suggested to be even older, dating from sometime in the 12th Century. This incredible castle was even used as a filming location for the 1989 film The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.

Over the road from the castle, there stands St James’ Church – also a medieval building dating back as far as the 12th Century allegedly. Now a Grade I listed building, it is well worth calling in when you are in the area to see some of the ancient features which are well-maintained.

If you follow the Pembrokeshire Coast Path towards Tenby, you will find a Neolithic burial chamber known as the King’s Quiot. Complete with a capstone, this stands on the edge of the cliff looking out over the bay.

The Wales SwimRun course passes through Manorbier

Facilities

Manorbier Beach is backed by the small parish village of Manorbier which is located above the beach, which has select but suitable facilities catering for locals and beachgoers. On the hillside near the beach lies a small car park, free of charge, whilst a larger Pay and Display parking area is situated behind the beach. A public toilet block can be found in the larger of the car parks and during the summer, you’ll also find a mobile ice cream van here too.

The main centre of the village is set further inland. Here you will find Beach Break Tearooms, a seasonal café offering light lunches, homemade soups, coffees and cakes – an ideal pitstop for refreshments after a beach visit. You can also purchase handy beach items and souvenirs here including buckets and spades, plus pretty mementoes and ornaments.

The one and only pub in the village is The Castle Inn. “By the Sea” as the sign says, this traditional coastal pub is a great choice to visit all year round. Take advantage of their suntrap of a beer garden on balmy days or cosy up inside by the roaring log fire. Enjoy hearty home-cooked meals and real ales.

Manorbier is home to a well-stocked convenience store, where you will also find the local post office. Shop here for your day-to-day groceries and even purchase some local delicacies. Make sure to call in to post your postcard to your loved ones back home.

A little further inland, out of the village centre and across the main road, you’ll find Manorbier Garden Centre. Browse the locally grown flowers or buy a plant to brighten up your coffee table, a visit to the onsite tearooms here is highly recommended. The Potting Shed serves breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea and the locals travel from far and wide across the county for a bite of their delicious freshly made cakes.

Local Top Tips

If you want the pick of the parking, make an early start. Parking here is limited and the free car park fills up quick so improve your chances by setting an early morning alarm. Once you’re here though, you’re free to explore the whole village so make the most of it by touring the castle, playing on the beach and stopping for lunch.

Access

The country roads into the village can be narrow in parts depending on which direction you’re coming from, and the beach lies at the heart of a valley between the cliffs. The village is elevated so you’ll drive downhill to the beach.

The path from the main car park to the beach is gravelled and fairly level, making the beach easily accessible for wheelchairs and prams. The walk from the beach to the smaller car park will take you along a walkway over the stream and up a narrow sloping path which may be more difficult to manoeuvre with a wheelchair.

If you are coming via the Pembrokeshire Coast Path from Tenby, bear in mind that the path can be quite close to the edge and there are steps for the very last section bringing you onto the beach.

Is Manorbier Beach Dog Friendly?

Yes Manorbier Beach is dog friendly all year round with no restrictions to be aware of. Dogs are also welcomed in the outside eating areas of Beach Break Tearooms and The Manorbier Castle Inn.

Award-Winning

Manorbier Beach is a Marine Conservation Society recommended beach due to its excellent water quality. It has also received the Seaside Award and the Green Coast Award recently.

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