Manorbier, a charming coastal village in Pembrokeshire, offers a heady mix of stunning natural scenery and historical charm. The village is home to an idyllic sandy cove, a hotspot for both surf enthusiasts and avid Instagrammers alike who flock to take in the incredible views.
Towering above the beach is the imposing yet splendid Manorbier Castle, adding a touch of medieval gravitas to this must-visit Welsh destination.
To the southeast of the village lies the beach of Shrinkle Haven, and just beyond that, a remarkable hidden gem surrounded by the rugged beauty that the area is so famous for. Only accessible at low tide, a short walk through a rocky tunnel reveals a golden sandy bay so beautiful you wouldn’t expect to find it in the UK.
The sheer cliffs surrounding the area have been naturally sculpted over time into what resembles a monumental gateway. Named Church Door Cove, this secret beach is well worth a visit.
The beauty of this spot was not lost on social media influencer, aarons_adventures1, who captured the cove’s splendour on film and enthusiastically shared it with his online audience. The Instagram explorer exclaimed “This secret beach in Pembrokeshire Wales is truly spectacular” when he laid eyes on the tucked-away treasure, reports the Mirror.
Stepping through the short tunnel formed by the rock he said “As you make your way through the rock-carved opening, you’ll discover an unbelievable hidden gem with crystal clear waters and golden sands“
Discovering that he and his travel companion had the beach all to themselves, they were overwhelmed by the sheer beauty of it saying “The rock formations are simply breathtaking and I can’t stress enough how amazing this place is to visit.”
Despite its secluded location, reaching the cove is easier than one might imagine. Parking at the nearby Manorbier Youth Hostel, beach lovers should simply follow the coastal path until they reach a set of stairs leading down to the coastline and the rocky tunnel leading out into the cove.
Anyone looking to visit this tranquil corner of Wales should check out the tide times to make sure they don’t get cut off by the incoming tide.
“This secret beach in Pembrokeshire Wales is truly spectacular.
“As you make your way through the rock-carved opening, you’ll discover an unbelievable hidden gem with crystal clear waters and golden sands”.
Exploring the hidden gem of Church Door Cove, one visitor said: “The rock formations are simply breathtaking and I can’t stress enough how amazing this place is to visit.”
While tucked away, finding this coastal marvel is surprisingly straightforward. Begin at the Manorbier Youth Hostel car park and meander along the coastal path until a staircase descending towards the shoreline appears, guiding explorers through a rocky tunnel to emerge at the cove.
It’s imperative for beach enthusiasts wanting to visit this quiet corner of Wales to check the tide times and avoid the risk of being stranded by the rising waters.
How to get to the secret beach at Church Door Cove.
Reach the sands of Manorbier via the number 349 bus service from Haverfordwest and Tenby – both offering convenient train links for travellers.
Beyond the beach, the village offers quaint charm with historical allure, boasting an ancient castle, a notable Norman church, an inviting pub, and a collection of cafes. The scenic beauty of the area led to its recognition as a conservation area by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park in 1997.