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An Exciting Guide to Church Doors Cove and Skrinkle Haven Beach, Pembrokeshire

Church Doors Cove Cover

How to Visit Church Doors Cove and Skrinkle Haven Beach

Church Doors Cove is a secluded spectacular geological site that has large arched caves in the sandstone cliffs that look like magnificent natural church doorways. Skrinkle Beach is in a beautiful bay and has golden sand. They are found together in West Wales in Pembrokeshire, and although there are many stairs to reach them, it is definitely worth the challenge. 

Skrinkle Haven used to be inaccessible because it was near a Royal Artillery Range. Therefore, visiting the beach and Church Doors, Cove feels like discovering something hidden. It is picturesque and makes a nice change from the other beaches in the area. At low tide, you can walk through the cave to Skrinkle Haven Beach but make sure you do not get caught out at high tide, and there are lots of warning signs for guidance. 

If the names are not a good enough reason to visit, then the unspoilt and unique natural surroundings should convince you.

Church Doors Cove Parking

You can park next to Manorbier Youth Hostel or on Lydstep Head (both across a road from each other). Lydstep Head has free parking, but there are no facilities at the latter. The Youth Hostel has a cafe to buy tea, coffee, snacks, and sandwiches. From here, it is only a short 10-15-minute walk to the Coves.

Church Doors Cove Postcode: SA70 7SH

You can follow the Google Maps directions here.

Alternatively, you can park in Manorbier at the Manorbier Beach Car Park and walk to Skrinkle Haven and Church Doors Cove from there. However, the car park is not free, and you will have to pay for parking. The walk is about 1-hour each way and will offer you spectacular views while walking on the coastal path. You will also have the chance to find undiscovered beaches on the way, so you could easily make this a full day out.

Church Doors Cove From above

Church Doors Cove Tide Times

You will need to check the tide times before you visit. Unfortunately, you can only access the sandy golden beach at low tide. You can still stay at high tide, but there will be rocks instead. 

Best Time to go to Church Doors Cove and Skrinkle Haven

If you want to swim at the beach, the Best Time to visit is between June and September. As it is not as famous as other spots on the coastline, such as Tenby, you can still see in peak season and have the place (almost) to yourself. However, it does not attract the same crowds.

Church Doors Cove From The Bach

Church Doors Cove Weather

Check the weather before you go, especially if you plan to go for a swim. You can find the weather for Pembrokeshire on the Met Office’s website here.

Church Doors Cove Access

You can only reach Church Doors Cove by the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path. You have to go down a lot (over 100) of steep stone and metal steps to get to the beach. Therefore, if you have limited fitness, we would not recommend it. We saw lots of young children being carried down and up the steps!

The Church Door Cove walk is relatively easy. Head through the gate from the car park, go down through the bushes and go down the stairs in front of you. 

What to do at Church Doors Cove and Skrinkle Haven Beach

  1. First, you can take plenty of pictures as this place is a photographer’s dream. You need to take a camera!
  2. You can go swimming at both beaches. However, there are no lifeguards, so be careful and watch out for the changing tides.
  3. It has become a unique paddleboarding spot. We saw families take their paddleboards down to the beach. Now, they inflated them at the car park and then had to walk down the steps. Therefore, it is not the most convenient spot to paddleboard in Pembrokeshire, but it is one of the unique places as the scenery is surreal. 
  4. Walk part of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. For example, you can walk to Manorbier, a beautiful part of the trail to explore.
  5. Watch the sunset from the beach. As it is not too far to reach the beach and it is difficult to get lost, you can see an epic evening and make it back to your car 15-minutes later.
Church Doors Cove Through Rocks
Church Doors Cove Vertical Photo
Church Doors Cove Vertical Photo With Splash

Is Church Doors Cove dog friendly?

Yes, dogs are allowed on the beach throughout the year. We saw some dogs enjoying themselves in the water. 

Is there accommodation nearby?

Yes, the nearest town is Manorbier, where you can find pubs and places to stay. However, the closest place to stay in the YHA is walking from the geological wonders!

The attraction is also only a 15-minute drive (6.2 miles) from Tenby, a bustling town worth a visit. It has plenty of amenities and accommodation. 

Suppose you are in Wales on a more extended trip. Please read our guides to what else you can do in the area:

Best things to do in Tenby

Best things to do in St Davids – the UK’s smallest city 

How to visit the  Blue Lagoon Wales.


Photo Credits: averagelives.com



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