Just past Manorbier on the Pembrokeshire coastline lies two of Pembrokeshire’s best beaches.
Boasting breathtaking views from the Pembrokeshire coastal path, and stunning geological features, put Church Door Cove and Skrinkle Haven next on your Pembrokeshire beaches must-see list.
Church Door Cove
Church Door Cove is the first port of call, as you can only reach the second beach from this small Pembrokeshire cove with it’s unique archway that gives Church Door Cove it’s name.
How to get to Church Door Cove
The nearest car park for Church Door Cove is Manorbier Youth Hostel, where you can park for free. From here, it is a short walk down to the start of the 140 steps leading to Church Door Cove.
The steps to Church Door Cove are in two parts – the first section of steps are solid, stone steps. The second set of stairs are a metal grated style.
Dogs are allowed at Church Door Cove, but this section of metal steps can be quite difficult for small paws and your dog may need to be carried like ours did!
Once down at the beach at Church Door Cove, you will need to climb over rocks to reach the sandy part of the beach.
When is the best time to visit Church Door Cove?
The best time to visit Church Door Cove is at low tide. That is when you have access the ‘secret’ next beach along – Skrinkle Haven.
How to get to Skrinkle Haven Beach
Timing is key as Skrinkle Haven is only accessible via Church Door Cove at high tide.
There is no way off the beach at Skrinkle Haven so watch out for the tide coming back in so you can get back to the steps at Church Door Cove in time.
If you get cut off you will have to wait 8 hours for the tide to recede, or swim around to Church Door Cove (not recommended, very rocky!)
If you like rock climbing, you can also clamber through the rocky opening halfway down the cliff wall between Church Door Cove and Skrinkle Haven. The children did this with their dad whilst I walked around with our newborn! This opening also becomes inaccessible at high tide.
Skrinkle Haven beach is a real secluded paradise with it’s green rugged cliffs and huge expanses of sand.
The best thing about Skrinkle Haven (aside from the adventure to get there!) is that it never feels busy, as it is hidden behind Church Door Cove and not the most straightforward Pembrokeshire beach to access.
If you are visiting Church Door Cove and Skrinkle Haven, I would also recommend walking the coastal path to the left of Church Door Cove for a fantastic view of one of Pembrokeshire’s most dramatic sections of coastline.
The view of Church Door Cove and Skrinkle Haven from the Pembrokeshire coastal path is breathtaking at any time of day, but sunset is a particularly spectacular time to visit.
Looking to explore more beautiful Pembrokeshire beaches? Check out my article on the best beaches in Pembrokeshire
Church Door Cove FAQ
Where is Church Door Cove?
Church Door Cove is located on the South Pembrokeshire coastal path between the villages of Manorbier and Lydstep. Head for Manorbier Youth Hostel and you are in the right place to access Church Door Cove and Skrinkle Haven.
How was Church Door Cove formed?
Church Door Cove is a door-shaped natural stone arch that was formed over time by erosion from the sea.
Sea archces begin as a crack, which then expands into a cave. Sea Arches are formed when a cave continues to be eroded and expanded by waves until it cuts right through a headland to form an arch. The process of erosion to form a sea arch takes millions of years.
Is Church Door Cove pushchair friendly?
Church Door Cove is absolutely not pushchair friendly. First you need to navigate the uneven coastal path, then a lot of stairs, then a fair bit of stepping over small rocks. You can, however, still visit with babies – I took my 4 week old in a sling.
Is Church Door Cove easy for children?
Be prepared to carry young children up and down lots of stairs when they tire, but older children should find Church Door Cove and Skrinkle Haven a fun clambering adventure – our children found the walk down to and back from Church Door Cove and Skrinkle Haven fine, they were four, seven, and ten years old at the time.
Skrinkle Haven FAQ
Can you get down to Skrinkle Haven?
Skrinkle Haven’s steps have collapsed so there is currently no direct access to Skrinkle Haven beach. The only way to reach Skrinkle Haven is via Church Door Cove at low tide.
Is Skrinkle Haven dog friendly?
Dogs are allowed at Skrinkle Haven all year round.
