Barafundle Bay

Barafundle Beach, nestled between the cliffs near Bosherston and Stackpole, is the jewel in the crown of Pembrokeshire with its golden sands and sparkling blue waters. Backed by sand dunes and trees, it is a truly spectacular setting often compared to that of a Mediterranean location. 

As the beach is east-facing, it is well sheltered from any winds making it an ideal hideaway spot proving very popular with walkers and families who adore spending the day in this idyllic location.

Activities

This idyllic sandy bay is perfect for sunbathing and of course, no visit is complete without a photo opportunity from all angles. Take one at the top of the steps, halfway down and whilst you're on the beach. 

Picnics are the order of the day here as it is a fair trek back to the café, so it’s best to bring a packed lunch or buy something from the café on the way over. Please remember to take all your rubbish with you from this remote and beautiful location.

Stackpole Quay is popular with watersports enthusiasts and it is a great place to launch a kayak which you can then paddle around to Barafundle Bay or explore the surrounding cliffs and inlets.

Facilities

As Barafundle Bay is reached only via the coastal path, the nearest parking is at the National Trust car park at Stackpole Quay just a ten-minute walk along the headland. The car park charges £5 per day between March and October but is free to park here after 5.30 pm if you fancy an evening stroll. 

Alongside the car park at Stackpole Quay, you'll find The Boathouse Tea Room offering light lunches, cakes and refreshments. Enjoy a delicious homemade scone with cream and jam or pick up ice cream on a hot sunny day when you need cooling down. This is also where you will find the public toilets, bear in mind there are no such facilities at Barafundle Bay.

Access

On leaving the car park at Stackpole Quay, head up over the headland taking in the stunning vista until you reach the famous archway where the steps lead down to the beach (approximately 0.5 miles). The steep steps which descend from the cliff path down to the beach need to be respected, however, the prize at the end is completely worth it as you reach the soft sandy beach. The beach can also be reached from Broadhaven South Beach 1.3 miles away via the coastal path. Please note that both approaches are unsuitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs due to the uneven terrain.

 This is the Welsh wilderness so you may find sheep and cattle roaming free on the headland here. Make sure to “watch your step” and be respectful of the wildlife.

Is Barafundle Bay Dog Friendly?

Barafundle Bay is dog friendly all year round but do be respectful of other visitors when accessing the beach from the car park. It is best to keep your pooch on a lead if possible due to the roaming livestock in the area. 

Award-Winning

Barafundle Bay has won a number of awards through the years and was included in the top 12 beaches in the world in 2004, beating locations such as Bondi Beach in Australia and Copacabana in Brazil to the top spot. In 2006, The Good Holiday Guide voted in Best Beach in Britain and in the 2019 Wales Coast Awards, it was awarded both the Seaside and Green Coast awards.

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