Lydstep
Lydstep is small village in south Pembrokeshire situated in between Tenby and Manorbier.
Picture: Lydstep Haven & coatline near Lydstep Village
In the centre of the village are the remains of Lydstep Palace, a late medieval hall house with a vaulted undercroft. It is now roofless and partially ruinous, but has been repaired as far as it’s possible to do so. Lydstep Palace appears to have been used as a court of the Manor of Manorbier and Penally, as well as being a domestic residence. During the medieval period, it appears that the first floor comprised one large chamber, subdivided into smaller spaces by at least one open arch. Post-medieval alterations included the division of the first floor into three rooms. A Neolithic stone axehead was retrieved from the soil when the building was excavated, but as the soil was brought in during the 19th century to create a garden, its likely the axe head came with it.
Lydstep Tavern is the only pub in the village but you can also eat at the restaurant at Celtic Haven holiday village.
Picture: Lydstep Church Doors Cove
A rough track leads to Lydstep Head, owned by The National Trust. There is a small car park but it’s not in a very obvious location. Carry along the road too far and you end up at the back entrance to Lydstep Haven Holiday Park. Head west from the car park for a short distance and take a path down a series of steps. This takes you to the wonderful caves at Church Doors Cove. You need to go down at low tide or you can’t get access.
Picture: Lydstep Haven
Accommodation in the vicinity is plentiful. The nearest hotel is in Manorbier but there is a B&B or guesthouse in the village on the Manorbier side. The whole of Lydstep Haven is occupied by The Lydstep Haven Holiday Park. Most of the static caravans are privately owned but some are available to rent. There are self catering cottages available throughout this part of Pembrokeshire including those at Celtic Haven holiday village in Lydstep itself. Camp sites, touring caravan sites and Holiday Parks are available at Penally and Manorbier. For those walking The Coast Path, a modern youth hostel is mid way between Lydstep and Manorbier alongside The Coast Path.
Beach Awards
Lydstep Haven beach has a Blue Flag Award and a Seaside Award. A Blue Flag is the highest award for beaches. Blue Flag beaches meet the highest levels of water quality plus 25 other criteria including lifeguards, dog controls and public toilets. The same standard applies across Europe.
The water quality isn't tested at Church Doors Cove.