A Guide to Church Doors Cove and skrinkle haven | Pembrokeshire Coast National Park
Church Doors is an amazing and wonderful rock formation situated near Manorbier, Pembrokeshire.
It is a must visit for your trip to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, and is considered one of the highlights by many. Also, right next door is the beautiful Skrinkle Haven - a ‘secret’ golden sand beach.
What is Church Doors Cove and Skrinkle Haven?
Church Doors Cove is a small sand and rocky cove with magnificent towering cliffs cut by the forces of the sea into a huge ‘door’. When the tide is in there isn’t much of a beach here, and a large part of what is left is rocky. But as the tide drops away a beautiful, sheltered stretch of golden sand is exposed. Therefore, it is well worth checking the tide times before you visit.
As the tide goes out, there is a small gap in the rock formation to the right hand side that allows you to go through to Skrinkle Haven beach which is right next door. The beach has steep and dramatic cliffs, that give it a unique and special feel.
Need to know
Parking: Manorbier Youth Hostel
Facilities: Toilets & Cafe at the Youth Hostel nearby
Access: Down steep steps, can be tricky
Dog Friendly: Year-round
Distance from Beavers Retreat Glamping: 2 miles
Where is it?
Church Doors Cove and Skrinkle Haven beach sit between Old Castle Head and Lydstep Point and are located to the south-east of the pretty seaside village of Manorbier.
You can park at Manorbier Youth Hostel, and then walk down to the attractions.
How to access Church Doors and Skrinkle Haven?
Church doors can be accessed by walking from YHA Manorbier, down some steep metal steps to reach the small cove. Be careful, it is steep and not for the feint-hearted.
To access Skrinkle Haven, you will need to check the tide times. The beach is only accessible when it is low tide. When standing on Church Doors Cove, to the right hand side there is a small gap in the rock that will only show when the tide is two hours either side of low tide. You can go through this gap and access Skrinkle Haven, but be sure to check the times so that you do not get stuck, or you will be forced to swim around the headland back to Church Doors.
Be careful when climbing through the gap in the rock, as there is a 4ft drop on to Skrinkle Haven beach. Just take your time :)
