Barafundle Bay
A remote, unspoiled sandy beach in Pembrokeshire, accessible by a scenic coastal walk, often called a hidden gem.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peace
Barafundle Bay
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peace
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A remote, unspoiled sandy beach in Pembrokeshire, accessible by a scenic coastal walk, often called a hidden gem.
"Often ranked among the best beaches in Wales and even the world, this little coastal gem is pretty special."
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The walk from Stackpole Quay involves some steep steps. Sturdy footwear is essential for the trek.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
While there's a cafe at Stackpole Quay, bringing your own snacks and drinks is wise for a day at the beach.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Golden Sands and Crystal Waters
Barafundle Bay
Often likened to a Caribbean paradise, this secluded beach boasts soft golden sand and clear, inviting waters.
Scenic Coastal Path Walk
From Stackpole Quay
The journey to Barafundle Bay is as beautiful as the destination, with breathtaking cliff views and coastal scenery.
Secluded and Unspoiled Ambiance
Barafundle Bay
Its remote location and limited access contribute to a peaceful, unspoiled atmosphere, perfect for relaxation.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
The Walk is Part of the Adventure
Timing is Key for Serenity
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The walk from Stackpole Quay involves some steep steps. Sturdy footwear is essential for the trek.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
While there's a cafe at Stackpole Quay, bringing your own snacks and drinks is wise for a day at the beach.
🐶 Dogs Welcome (with caveats)
Dogs are allowed on the beach, but be mindful of sheep grazing in the fields leading to it.
📸 Capture the Views
The coastal path offers incredible photo opportunities. Don't forget your camera or phone!
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The walk from Stackpole Quay involves some steep steps. Sturdy footwear is essential for the trek.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
While there's a cafe at Stackpole Quay, bringing your own snacks and drinks is wise for a day at the beach.
🐶 Dogs Welcome (with caveats)
Dogs are allowed on the beach, but be mindful of sheep grazing in the fields leading to it.
📸 Capture the Views
The coastal path offers incredible photo opportunities. Don't forget your camera or phone!
🌊 Check Tide Times
Tides can affect beach access and swimming conditions. Plan your visit accordingly.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Barafundle Bay is widely praised for its stunning natural beauty, often compared to tropical paradises. Visitors love the secluded atmosphere and the rewarding coastal walk to reach it. Some mention occasional noise from a nearby training camp and the steepness of the steps, but these are generally outweighed by the beach's exceptional charm.
"Beautiful sandy beach only reachable by walk from Stackpole quay half a mile across cliff. Flattish cliff top but steep steps each end"
Michael Daley
"Beautiful beach, easy walk across fields to get there, not too exposed to any big cliff drops so family friendly."
Sarah Woodland
"Highly recommended. Not too busy in March so could enjoy beach almost to ourselves. Stunning views and soft sand. Lovely cafe, with cawl, cream scones etc for lunch. Very regular sounds of gunfire and tanks coming from near by training camp and firing range. Steep ish walk down and up but worth it 👍"
L HC
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Barafundle Bay is only accessible by foot. The most common route is a scenic 0.5-mile walk from the National Trust Stackpole Quay car park, taking about 10-15 minutes along a coastal path.
Yes, there is paid parking available at Stackpole Quay. The National Trust car park is a good starting point for the walk to the bay.
The walk is generally considered easy to moderate. It involves a relatively flat cliff-top path with some steep steps at either end of the bay.
No, Barafundle Bay is a remote beach with no direct road access. The walk is an integral part of the experience.
Toilets are available at Stackpole Quay, near the car park and the start of the walk to Barafundle Bay.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are no entrance fees for Barafundle Bay itself. However, you will need to pay for parking at Stackpole Quay.
Barafundle Bay is a natural beach and is accessible at all times. However, the car park at Stackpole Quay will have operating hours.
The beach itself is free to visit. Parking fees apply at Stackpole Quay.
Yes, Barafundle Bay can be visited year-round. It's often less crowded in the winter months, offering a peaceful escape.
The main restriction is the need to walk to access the bay. Dogs are permitted on the beach.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful light for photography. Weekday mornings also provide fewer people for unobstructed shots.
You can capture stunning landscape shots of the bay, coastal cliffs, and the sea. Drone footage offers a unique aerial perspective.
The coastal path leading to the bay offers numerous viewpoints. The cliffs above the bay provide excellent vantage points for panoramic shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive scenery. A polarizing filter can enhance the colors of the sea and sky.
Yes, drone footage can provide spectacular aerial views of Barafundle Bay, showcasing its beauty from above.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is a cafe at Stackpole Quay, near the car park, offering refreshments and light meals.
Absolutely! Barafundle Bay is a perfect spot for a picnic. It's recommended to bring your own food and drinks as options are limited.
The cafe at Stackpole Quay typically offers items like cawl (Welsh stew) and cream scones, along with other light refreshments.
No, Barafundle Bay is a natural, unspoiled beach and does not have any restaurants or cafes directly on the sand.
Tenby, a short drive away, offers a wide range of restaurants, pubs, and cafes catering to various tastes and budgets.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers
Consider incorporating it into a longer coastal walk, such as the loop from Bosherston, to experience more of the region's dramatic landscapes. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including seals and seabirds, which are often spotted in the area. 📸 Photographers
Golden hour is particularly magical, casting a warm glow over the landscape. Drone photography can offer unique perspectives, showcasing the bay's isolation and beauty from above. Remember to bring a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive views and a polarizing filter to enhance the colors of the water and sky.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Barafundle Bay: A Natural Gem
Its remote location, accessible only by a walk from Stackpole Quay, ensures it remains a peaceful and secluded paradise. The bay features soft golden sands and clear, inviting waters, making it ideal for swimming, sunbathing, or simply enjoying the tranquility. +1 The surrounding cliffs and coastal path add to its dramatic scenery, offering breathtaking views for visitors. Despite its remote feel, Barafundle Bay is surprisingly family-friendly, with a relatively easy walk and no sheer cliff drops directly on the beach itself.
Visitors often report having the beach almost to themselves, especially outside of peak season, enhancing the feeling of discovery and exclusivity. +1While the bay itself is natural, amenities like toilets and a cafe are available at Stackpole Quay, providing convenience for visitors.
The Pembrokeshire Coast Path offers further exploration opportunities, with longer circular walks incorporating Barafundle Bay, St. Govan's Chapel, and other scenic spots. The area is also known for its wildlife, with chances to spot seals and various sea birds. Navigating the Pembrokeshire Coast Path to Barafundle
From here, it's a roughly 0.5-mile walk, taking about 10-15 minutes, along a well-maintained coastal path. This route offers spectacular views of the coastline, with dramatic cliffs and the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. +1While the walk is generally considered easy to moderate, it's important to be prepared. There are some steep steps leading down to and up from the beach itself, which can be challenging for those with mobility issues or carrying heavy loads.
It's worth noting that while the walk is rewarding, it can become busy during peak times. Visiting on a weekday or during the shoulder seasons (spring or autumn) can provide a more tranquil experience.
Remember to check weather conditions before you set off, as coastal paths can be exposed. 
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