Photo: Tony Grant (CC BY-SA 2.0)The Norman castle above Manorbier beach — birthplace of Gerald of Wales, who called this 'the pleasantest spot in Wales', and it's hard to argue.
Gerald of Wales — medieval scholar, churchman and the first great travel writer about Wales — was born here in 1146 and declared Manorbier "the pleasantest spot in Wales". The castle his family held still stands remarkably complete above Manorbier Bay: curtain walls, towers and a great hall you can climb through, with the beach and Coast Path framed in every window slot.
It's privately owned and opens seasonally (it moonlights as a wedding venue), so check dates on the castle's site before making a special trip. The village below has a proper pub and the beach carries no summer dog restriction — the whole package makes one of the best half-days in south Pembrokeshire.
Walkers on the Freshwater East to Manorbier stage pass the gate; the Manorbier to Tenby stage starts here, past King's Quoit burial chamber on the headland.
Combining with a Manorbier beach day; couples; anyone walking the Coast Path through.
Places to stay in and around Manorbier. We earn a commission if you book through these links.
Manorbier · Sleeps 8
Beach village with direct access onto the private sands of Lydstep Haven, an indoor pool and sweeping bay views between Tenby and Manorbier.
4.0 · 1 review on Hoseasons
Bookable via Hoseasons
Manorbier · Sleeps 4
Elegant lodges with private hot tubs, fast Wi-Fi and EV charging at Manorbier, minutes from the castle, the beach and Tenby.
5.0 · 55 reviews on Hoseasons
Bookable via Hoseasons
Manorbier's village local, five minutes from castle and beach.
Fixed to the exterior wall of the public toilets in the car park
Run by Tenby & Saundersfoot Community First Responders
Tenby, SA70 7TJ
Run by Nisa
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