Coetan Arthur Burial Chamber
A remarkable Neolithic burial chamber with a massive capstone, set against breathtaking Pembrokeshire coastal views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clearer skies, fewer crowds
Coetan Arthur Burial Chamber
Best Time
Clearer skies, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A remarkable Neolithic burial chamber with a massive capstone, set against breathtaking Pembrokeshire coastal views.
"A fabulous Neolithic site that should be visited if you are in the area."
🚗 Parking at Whitesands Bay
Park at Whitesands Beach (£6 all day, cash/card). Follow coastal paths for stunning views.
👟 Sturdy Walking Shoes
Essential for the undulating, uneven terrain. Don't wear sandals!
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.7 · 19 reviews
Type
Historical Landmark
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Massive Capstone
Main burial chamber
Marvel at the immense capstone, a testament to Neolithic engineering, balanced precariously on orthostats.
Panoramic Coastal Views
Hillside near St Davids Head
Enjoy breathtaking vistas of the Pembrokeshire coastline and St Davids Head from this elevated position.
Neolithic Passage Grave
The entire site
Explore the remains of a 5,000-year-old burial chamber, offering a glimpse into ancient rituals and life.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing the Ancient Site
Best Footwear and Weather Prep
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking at Whitesands Bay
Park at Whitesands Beach (£6 all day, cash/card). Follow coastal paths for stunning views.
👟 Sturdy Walking Shoes
Essential for the undulating, uneven terrain. Don't wear sandals!
Visiting Pembrokeshire for an archaeology dig - what’s there to do?
Hey all, American here. Couple weeks ago I posted a thread asking for transport tips from Cardiff to St. David’s in Pembrokeshire and I appreciate the tips I got. I’m planning to be doing some archaeological excavation at Caerfai near St. David’s and will be staying for a…
Neolithic Cromlech on St Davids Head, Wales - Coetan Arthur
Coetan Arthur - St Davids Head - Wales While exploring this neolithic cromlech, we had a beautiful moment with a curious wild mountain pony. It seemed to spot us in the distance and promptly came straight over to give Zeb a big full body sniff examination! We were currently…
🗺️ Stick to the Path
The site can be missed if you go off-piste. Follow guide descriptions carefully.
📸 Capture the Views
The surrounding landscape is as impressive as the burial chamber itself.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking at Whitesands Bay
Park at Whitesands Beach (£6 all day, cash/card). Follow coastal paths for stunning views.
👟 Sturdy Walking Shoes
Essential for the undulating, uneven terrain. Don't wear sandals!
🗺️ Stick to the Path
The site can be missed if you go off-piste. Follow guide descriptions carefully.
📸 Capture the Views
The surrounding landscape is as impressive as the burial chamber itself.
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
There are no facilities on the walk to the site. Stay hydrated and fueled.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Coetan Arthur Burial Chamber for its impressive Neolithic structure and stunning coastal location. The walk to the site is considered rewarding, offering beautiful views. However, some find the path unmarked and challenging, and note the lack of facilities.
"Coetan Arthur dolmen, also known as Arthur's Quoit is the remains of a Neolithic burial chamber (also known as a quoit). It dates from around 3000 BCE. The site, situated on the hillside close to St Davids Head in Pembrokeshire, Wales, is the collapsed chamber of what is presumed to be a passage grave which also has a round barrow. The massive capstone measures approximately 6 m (20 ft) by 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) and is supported on one side by an orthostat approximately 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) in height.
The headland is in the care of the National Trust, and the site is a scheduled ancient monument."
Jon Beard
"Neolithic burial site - do not miss it, it is not marked! Some stunning views around…"
Jan Karlach
"Great area for hikes, I highly recommend! Park in Whitesands Beach (£6 all day, cash or card) and then head along the coastal paths. Stunning views, variety of trails, easy to moderate difficulty depending on the trail chosen. Coetan Arthur is worth a detour."
Ariane Ruiz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common access point is via Whitesands Beach car park. From there, it's approximately a 1-mile walk along coastal paths. Be aware the path is undulating and can be unmarked in places.
Yes, there is a car park at Whitesands Beach which charges a fee (around £6 for all day, accepting cash or card). This is the recommended starting point for your visit.
The walk is about a mile from Whitesands Beach car park and is described as undulating, not flat. Some parts can be steep, especially if you take a more direct route.
While public transport can get you to St. Davids, reaching Whitesands Beach directly might require a local bus service or taxi. It's best to check local Pembrokeshire bus routes for current availability.
Reviews suggest the site is not well-marked and can be easily missed. It's crucial to follow specific directions from guides or maps to find it.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee for Coetan Arthur Burial Chamber itself, as it is a scheduled ancient monument. However, you will need to pay for parking at Whitesands Beach.
As an outdoor ancient monument, Coetan Arthur Burial Chamber is accessible at any time. However, consider daylight hours and weather conditions for your visit.
The walk to the site involves uneven and undulating terrain, making it challenging for visitors with mobility issues. It is not considered easily accessible.
Dogs are generally welcome on the coastal paths in the area, but always check local National Trust guidelines and ensure your dog is kept under control.
No, there is no visitor center. This is a remote archaeological site with no facilities on-site.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
It's the remains of a Neolithic burial chamber, also known as Arthur's Quoit, dating back to around 3000 BCE. It's a passage grave with a large capstone supported by orthostats.
The massive capstone measures approximately 6 meters (20 ft) by 2.5 meters (8 ft 2 in), supported by an orthostat about 1.5 meters (4 ft 11 in) high.
Capture the impressive scale of the capstone and the surrounding dramatic coastal scenery. The interplay of ancient stones with the landscape is very photogenic.
Allow at least 1-2 hours, factoring in the walk to and from the site, and time to explore and appreciate the surroundings.
The site is close to St Davids Head and Whitesands Beach, offering opportunities for hiking and enjoying the Pembrokeshire coast. St Davids Cathedral is also a short drive away.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon light can create dramatic shadows and highlight the textures of the stones and the landscape. Golden hour is particularly beautiful.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the capstone and the expansive views. A tripod can be useful for low-light conditions or long exposures.
There are no specific restrictions on personal photography. However, commercial photography may require permission from the National Trust.
Experiment with different angles, including low shots to emphasize the capstone's size, and wider shots to incorporate the stunning coastal backdrop.
Try photographing from slightly below to make the capstone appear even larger, or from a distance to frame it within the dramatic Pembrokeshire landscape.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit