Beautiful British beach with impressive bays resemble Dardle Door, but no crowds (Image: Birdsonline via Getty Images)
Wales certainly doesn't lack in the beautiful beach department. And the visitors are really spoiled for choice. Of course, popular spots like Tenby's North Beach and Abersoch on the Llŷn Peninsula are always hit when the sun adorns us with its presence.
But if you're looking for a more secluded beach experience, there are many hidden coves and bays that require a little more effort to reach, but trust us, they are definitely worth the trip. One such gem is the Church Door Cove in Pembrokeshire. This fascinating bay frequently appears on the “Best UK Beaches” list.
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Access to the church door cove is only via the Pembrokeshire Coast Pass (Image: Zoe Turner via Getty Images)
Main attraction? The striking arch carved into a cliff by the relentless sea has a mysterious similarity to the cathedral door.
These adoring natural layers lend their names to the cove, providing visitors with a spectacular background and a dream environment for photography enthusiasts, Walesonline reports.
Essentially, the stunning church door is Welsh's response to Dardle Door, the famous natural limestone arch on the Jurassic Coast, but there are less crowds, especially during the off-peak season.
At low tide, a slight golden sand reveals itself, surrounded by unique rocks waiting to be discovered and photographed.
Scrinkle Haven Beach is surrounded by cliffs (Image: Estavillml via Getty Images)
The lack of facilities enhances the wild, untouched feel of the beach and provides a shelter away from the bustle where you can explore rocky pools filled with marine life.
The easiest way to reach the bay from outside Pembrokeshire is by car as it is a 15-minute drive from Tenby on the A1439. Head to the villages of Manorbier and Park in YHA. From this point on, you can choose to take a short walk to the hidden cove or a longer walk on the coastal road, detoured to the church door.
Access to the church door cove is a sea kayak only at low tide via the Pembrokeshire Coast Pass or for seasoned paddlers. If you plan on walking to the cove, wear your hiking boots and get ready to embark on the trail to this picturesque location.
There are numerous trails nearby, and you can easily navigate using all the useful trail apps. This will take you to two miles of loop walk walk line kuru haven beach, lid step point, past church door cove beach and Shrinklehaven beach.
For those looking for a wider hike, there is an 8-mile route from Tenby to Manobier via the church door cove. Once you reach Manorbier, Yha Hostel has an incredible cafe stop where you can indulge in light snacks such as pies and mash, scampi and chips, pesto pasta and hearty meals.
Regardless of the route you choose, when you arrive at the church cove, you will have access to the beach at low tide, with steep concrete staircases and metal staircases leading to the idyllic bay. Do you feel a little bold? Head to Skrinkle Haven, a secluded beach that can only be reached via the church door cove.
If you're a seasoned open water swimmer, here are some great spots for wild dips, but remember the basic rules about the tide. At approximately 6 hours intervals between low and high tides, avoid the middle of the 2 hours when the water changes most rapidly.
Always adhere to Adventure Smart Guidelines when swimming or hiking in Wales. It is important not to place yourself in unnecessary danger.
Church Door Cove is the perfect dupe for Dirdle Door (Image: Wireastock via Getty Images)
Another approach to the cove is through kayaking paddling along the rugged coastline. Pembrokeshire coastline was designated a national park in 1952 and later became a sanctuary for hikers and paddlers seeking coastal escape.
Take advantage of sitting tops and sea kayaks to take intimate views of the bays and bays like church doors, glide along the sparkling coastline, exploring stunning rocks, caves and clear waters. If you don't own a kayak, many outdoor businesses offer guided tours and allow you to safely explore the ocean under expert supervision.
Church Doors Cove is one of the unique Welsh beaches that reward a little extra effort with adorable scenery and a genuine escape. If you visit correctly at tide conditions, you will almost have a wild, dramatic coastline on your own.