A Town Guide to Manorbier, Pembrokeshire

In a tranquil spot amidst the Welsh countryside of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is Manorbier, a holiday hotspot with Manorbier Castle overlooking the scenic coastline.

Situated on the south coast of the country, just six miles from the popular seaside resort of Tenby, is Manorbier. This quaint coastal village has something for everyone. The superb sandy cove makes it popular with surfers and the historic castle is a favourite with newlyweds. The village has even previously been voted as one of the most Romantic Locations in Wales by National Geographic.

What is the History of Manorbier?

A Celtic monastery was established by Saint Pyr in the 6th century on a hillside site at Manorbier. You can still see evidence of this Celtic monastery in the circular shape of the existing churchyard. The Saint gave his name to the location, for the name Manorbier means ‘Manor of Pyr’. Saint Pyr was also the first abbot of the monastery on Caldey Island. The Welsh name for Caldey is ‘Ynys Byr’ or ‘Pyr’s Island’.

In the middle of the 12th century, a Norman church was built on part of the earlier monastic site. By that time, this seaside village had been dominated by its majestic Norman castle. Manorbier Castle was founded in the late 11th century by the Anglo-Norman Odo de Barri family, along with estates at nearby Begelly and Penally. Odo originally built a fortress of timber and earth, that timber fortress was gradually replaced and castellated by his son, William.

Manorbier Castle, Pembrokeshire

Interestingly, Odo’s fourth son, Gerald of Wales, was born at the castle in 1146 and grew to become one of the most famous scholars and writers of the medieval world.

In 1327, Richard de Barri attacked the castle during a family squabble over the inheritance of the estate. The castle eventually became crown property in the late 15th century but by the reign of Elizabeth I, the castle was recorded as ruinous. It was then sold privately multiple times until 1880 when an avid antiquarian JR Cobb restored several castles in Pembrokeshire including this one at Manorbier. It was after this that the castle became a favourite haunt of George Bernard Shaw and Virginia Woolf.

As early as the 17th century, smugglers used the bay of Manorbier to smuggle goods such as wine and brandy into Pembrokeshire. There’s even a very famous story from the 1800s based here involving a sailor named Captain Jack Furze who came ashore. According to reports, a well at the castle was used as a storage place by smugglers like Captain Jack. You can even still peer down the well and see the entrance to a smuggling tunnel leading out to the sea.

The coastal location of the castle was one of the main reasons it was chosen to represent Cair Paravel in the BBC adaptation of C S Lewis’s classic ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’ in 2005. You may have also spotted the castle in the film ‘I Capture the Castle’ from 2003. Today the castle is privately owned and is a popular wedding venue that is open to the public when not booked for private events.

The village also has a long history with archaeological findings dating back to the Mesolithic and early Neolithic periods. To the east is where you’ll discover the most dramatic survival from the Neolithic period, the King’s Quoit burial chamber. This stone cromlech is on the coast path on the side of a hill overlooking the picturesque bay.

What activities are there to do in Manorbier?

A trip to Manorbier Beach is a must. Flanked by sandstone cliffs on either side, the beach is a favourite for bathing and the strong south-westerly currents also make it popular with keen surfers. Bodyboarders will similarly enjoy spending hours on the ebbing shoreline, while divers, kayakers and canoeists are also known to love these shores.

Little ones will love going on sea adventures on their hunt for wildlife in the rock pools scattered along the cliffsides on either side of the shore. Keen ramblers will no doubt love to join the Pembrokeshire Coast Path which is accessible from both directions of Manorbier from the beach. Head west to pass the remote and unspoiled Swanlake Bay over to Freshwater East or head east to the likes of Lydstep and Penally with breathtaking views out to Caldey Island. Skrinkle Haven and Church Doors are two coves that are worth a visit in the easterly direction from Manorbier.

Manorbier Beach, Wales

Enthusiastic historians can embark on a castle tour and stroll through the enchanting gardens, remarkably preserved medieval gatehouse, round tower, heaths and curtain walls. The Grade I listed Dovecote is also worth a visit just to see how fresh meat and eggs were once stored in the 13th century.

As mentioned, over the road from the castle is St James’ Church - also a medieval building dating back as far as the 12th century. This Grade I listed building is well worth a visit to see the ancient features. If following the Coast Path towards Tenby, you’ll stumble across the King’s Quiot on the edge of the cliff looking out over the bay.

Manorbier Food and Drink

The only pub in the village is the quirky Manorbier Castle Inn next to the castle. Expect real ales, light lunches, tasty evening meals and delicious pizzas. There’s a lovely dog-friendly outdoor seating area which is perfect for summer days.

Just a stone's throw away from the pub was Manorbier Beach Break Tearooms. This has recently closed but not far away near the school and train station is The Potting Shed Tea Rooms. Here you can enjoy delicious homemade sweet treats as well as a hearty full English. The castle also has its own private cafe, which you can only use if you have paid entrance to the castle grounds.

What events are there in Manorbier?

Manorbier Castle houses its own activities including archery, falconry, fire entertainment, and a Santa's grotto in the festive season just to name a few. The Castle Inn opposite also holds many events throughout the year including live music from local artists, plenty of open mic nights, charity quizzes and even the occasional pub rave! There’s also the Rip Tide Festival at Manorbier Castle Inn which takes place at the end of August across the Bank Holiday Weekend which is a popular music and arts festival.

When Guy Fawkes night comes around be prepared for fireworks over the glistening water of the bay, an impressive bonfire, a well-stocked bar, incredible live music, plenty of hot food and lots of fun.

Manorbier is also home to the start of The Wales 10K which takes place alongside The Wales Marathon, part of the epic multi-sport festival, Long Course Weekend. Here at Coastal Cottages, we are proud sponsors of this event that sees athletes pass under our pop-up from the start line beneath the historic castle before heading to Tenby at the famous red carpet finish where giant crowds of supporters await.

The start of The Coastal Cottages Wales 10 at Manorbier

Local Top Tips

If you’re planning on travelling to Manorbier via public transport, bear in mind that Manorbier Train Station is around a 40-minute walk from the beach and is not located in the centre of the village as you might expect. There are regular bus routes from Haverfordwest that could be alternatives to getting the train.

What facilities are there in Manorbier?

Near the beach, there is a small free-of-charge car park. A larger Pay and Display car park can be found behind the beach that is clearly signposted from the village. From here, the beach is just a few minutes walk away via a flat path.

The castle is a short 5-minute walk away but does take you up a rather steep hill. Disabled parking is available within the grounds of the castle but is limited, so prior arrangement with the castle is recommended.

There are public toilets in the Beach Car Park while the local shop, post office and pub are a short walk away in the main part of the village.

Is it easy to access Manorbier?

Manorbier is located on the southerly coast of Pembrokeshire, just 5 miles away from the popular seaside resort of Tenby.

The village is connected to the surrounding area via the 349 bus service to Haverfordwest and Tenby, both of which have a railway station. Manorbier has its own railway station but as mentioned previously, it’s about a 40-minute walk from the beach so it may be easier to travel by train to Tenby and book a taxi or hop on board the bus.

Within the village itself, there is easy access to Manorbier Beach from the car park. The terrain between the car park and the beach is relatively flat and should be easily accessible for wheelchairs and prams.

If you are visiting Marnobier via the Coastal 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.