Manorbier
Pembrokeshire, SA70 7SN
Category: Places to visit, Pembrokeshire
This quaint village (pronounced ‘Manner-beer’) is charmingly situated at the head of a valley which makes it way down to a pretty little bay. Above the village and its beach is a Norman castle. Originally conceived by Odo de Barri in 1095 as a wooden hall within a defensive structure, his son William began the castle’s stone construction in the early 12th century. The castle was the birthplace in 1146 of Giraldus Cambrensis, Gerald of Wales who wrote the first account of life in medieval Wales and described the castle as ‘the pleasantest spot in Wales’. Take a wander around the castle. You’ll find the walls are very well preserved, as are the castle’s chapel and staterooms. Life-size wax figures, placed at various points, bring the history of the castle. Views from the rampart are stupendous - you can see the coastline, dunes, fields and the village. The castle gardens were created by JR Cobb in the late 19th century and there are some delightful herbaceous borders lining the castle walls. Manorbier’s shell-shaped cove is safe for bathing, although for a more secluded spot, follow the path to the left of the beach for a half a mile to reach Precipe Beach.