MANORBIER

Landowner

The car park and foreshore is managed by Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority. The rest of the land is under private ownership.

Facilities

Car Park (charge during summer)
Free parking in lay-by next to road with disabled parking.
Emergency Telephone in car park on toilet block.
Public toilets
Public Telephone in village.
Beach Activity Days are held during the summer, run by National Park Staff providing a variety of activities for families. (See Coast to Coast for details).

Description

The site lies within Freshwater East to Skrinkle Haven Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It is of special interest for its old Red Sandstone cliff exposures, plant fossils, coastal cliff habitats and a number of rare plants and invertebrates. The SSSI covers the dunes, coastal slope and foreshore extending inland.
The cliffs provide nest sites for chough and peregrine, while fulmar and raven can also be found.
The beach is backed by a fenced area of dunes that have been stabilised with marram grass planted by the National Park Authority. Please keep out of the fenced enclosure.
The 12th century Castle is in private ownership and is open to the public.
The Bay is overlooked by a ruined mill and a fine example of both dovecote and a limekiln in the vicinity.
Manorbier is popular for surfing and canoeing. Competitions and events are held here and the area may become congested. Canoeists and boat users should be aware that the coastal water may be covered by the Manorbier firing range Sea Danger Area, contact Castlemartin Camp to check for firing.
The site is popular for fishing, both off the beach and rocky shore.
Within the bay there are severe undercurrents during certain weather/tide conditions.

Important Information

Visitors should be aware of the cliff edge and crevices and the danger they may pose. The coast path gets very close to the cliff edge in some places, extra care should be taken.
The beach and foreshore are sensitive, specimens should not be removed from the area.
Rockpools can be slippery, care should be taken.
Children should be kept under close observation at all times.
Visitors using the tidal zone must familiarise themselves with its movements for the day.
Dogs should be kept under control so as not to cause a disturbance to other people, wildlife or livestock.
Fires should not be lit and camping is not allowed unless on designated sites.
Cycling is not allowed except on roads or bridleways.
The beach is cleaned by Pembrokeshire County Council.
An MOD range lies to the east of the site, there is no public access to the land, cliffs or, during firing, the seaward side.
The barrier at the entrance to the beach must be kept clear at all times to allow emergency access. An emergency key for the barrier is held with the car park attendant and at the Castlemead Hotel.

Useful Contact Numbers

The National Trust – 01646 661359
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park – 0845 345 7275
Milford Haven Coast Guard – 01646 690909
Countryside Council for Wales - 01646 636736
Castlemartin Camp - During Firing (Tower) - 01646 662336, Day Light hours (Range Office) - 01646 662287, Out of Hours (Guard Room) - 01646 662280

EMERGENCY TELEPHONE IN THE CAR PARK