Solo by the Sea: A Day at Manorbier Castle

#hellohalloween Some castles are about battles. Manorbier is about beauty. My solo trip to this stunning fortress was a journey to what many call the most romantically-sited castle in Wales, where the sounds of the sea and the cries of gulls are your constant companions. It’s a place that feels both grand and deeply personal for a lone explorer. My Perfect Solo Itinerary: A Day of Dramatic Views 10:00 AM - A Gatehouse Welcome The approach is magical. I parked and walked down the lane, and the castle suddenly appeared, its sturdy gatehouse rising from a sea of green with the blue of the bay behind it. Paying the entry fee, I stepped through the archway and into a sprawling, grassy bailey. I was greeted not by crowds, but by the sound of the waves from the nearby beach. 11:00 AM - Towers, a Great Hall & A Famous Prisoner I had the freedom to explore at my own, unhurried pace. I climbed the Great Tower for a breathtaking 360-degree view of the castle, the village, and the stunning coastline. I wandered through the atmospheric ruins of the Great Hall and the Chapel. I made a point to find the room where the famous Giraldus Cambrensis (Gerald of Wales) was born in 1146. Standing there alone, thinking of the medieval scholar and chronicler who described this as "the pleasantest spot in Wales," was a powerful connection across the centuries. 1:00 PM - A Picnic with a Panorama I’d packed a lunch, and the castle grounds are a picnicker's paradise. I found a spot on the battlements overlooking Manorbier Beach. Eating my sandwich with that view—the golden sands, the tidal island, the endless sea—was a solo experience I’ll never forget. 2:30 PM - A Walk to the Beach No visit is complete without descending the path to the beach itself. I left the castle and spent the late afternoon walking the sands, exploring the rock pools, and looking back up at the castle standing sentinel on the cliffs. It was the perfect way to round off the visit. Solo Traveler Tips I Discovered: · Go Early or Late: For the most peaceful experience and the best light for photography, aim for the first or last slot of the day. · Wear Comfy, All-Terrain Shoes: You'll be climbing spiral staircases and walking on grassy, uneven ground. · Pack a Picnic: The on-site café is good, but nothing beats a solo feast with that view. · Embrace the Romance: This castle is less about military might and more about its breathtaking setting. Let yourself be swept away by it. Manorbier Castle is a complete sensory experience. For a solo traveler, it’s a place of powerful beauty, peaceful reflection, and absolute freedom to explore. #solotravel #wales #manorbiercastle #pembrokeshire #castlebythesea