Manorbier Beach sits on the south Pembrokeshire coast, three miles east of Tenby — a sheltered south-facing bay backed by Manorbier Castle and the Wales Coast Path. The bay’s shape means it catches occasional clean surf when the south coast is right, with significantly less crowding than the busier Gower and Llyn beaches.
What to expect
A small-to-medium beach break that works on a clean south or south-westerly swell. The wave is gentler than the open Atlantic-facing beaches further west — ideal for beginners and intermediate riders. The bay closes out above 5ft. Tides matter: mid tide on a clean swell is the sweet spot; low tide can expose rocks at the south end.
Practical notes
September through April for size, summer for the easier conditions. The Wales Coast Path runs above the beach and gives proper sea views in every direction. Wetsuit: 5/4/3 in winter, 4/3 autumn, 3/2 summer. Tenby is 10 minutes’ drive and has good B&B and hotel options. Manorbier itself is a tiny village with a pub, the castle, and an SYHA hostel. Combine a surf with a Pembrokeshire Coast Path walk and a Tenby evening.
Train, parking, drive…
- Train
- Manorbier (Pembroke Dock branch), 15 min walk to the beach
- Parking
- Manorbier beach car park, pay-and-display
- Postcode
- SA70 7TD
- Drive
- ~4h30 from London, ~1h30 from Cardiff
- Car-free?
- Easy (station is in the village)
Transport details are best-effort and worth double-checking on the day — rural buses and station services change with the timetable.
If you’ve got an extra day…
- Pembrokeshire paragliding on the coast nearby
- Wild Lakes wakeboarding at Martletwy
- Pembrokeshire Coast Path runs above the beach
Plan it yourself.
The most authoritative sources we know of for this break — routes, conditions, governing bodies and operators. Open in a new tab.
