
Pembrokeshire Coast Path Stackpole to Barafundle
A breathtaking, secluded cove often called the UK's paradise beach, accessible via a scenic coastal walk.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, best light for photos

Pembrokeshire Coast Path Stackpole to Barafundle
Best Time
Fewer crowds, best light for photos

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking, secluded cove often called the UK's paradise beach, accessible via a scenic coastal walk.
"This beach is in Wales but looks like it belongs in Thailand."

🥾 Wear sturdy walking shoes
The walk to Barafundle involves steps and uneven terrain. Comfortable footwear is essential for enjoying the coastal path.
🎒 Pack a picnic & water
No facilities on the beach! Bring all your essentials. Toilets are at Stackpole Quay cafe.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Barafundle Bay
Pembrokeshire Coast
Often hailed as one of the UK's best beaches, this secluded cove boasts golden sands and turquoise waters, resembling a tropical paradise.

Pembrokeshire Coast Path
Stackpole Quay to Barafundle Bay
Trek along dramatic cliffs with breathtaking sea views. The path offers stunning vistas and leads you to the hidden gem of Barafundle.

Stackpole Quay
Near Barafundle Bay
A charming small harbour serving as a gateway to Barafundle. It's a good spot for facilities and offers lovely coastal scenery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for the Walk
Pack Smart for the Beach
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Wear sturdy walking shoes
The walk to Barafundle involves steps and uneven terrain. Comfortable footwear is essential for enjoying the coastal path.
🎒 Pack a picnic & water
No facilities on the beach! Bring all your essentials. Toilets are at Stackpole Quay cafe.
🚗 Arrive early for parking
The car park at Stackpole Quay gets busy. Aim for an early start, especially on weekends and holidays.
🐶 Dogs welcome (on lead)
Dogs are allowed off-lead on the beach, but keep them on a lead on the cliff path due to steep drops.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Wear sturdy walking shoes
The walk to Barafundle involves steps and uneven terrain. Comfortable footwear is essential for enjoying the coastal path.
🎒 Pack a picnic & water
No facilities on the beach! Bring all your essentials. Toilets are at Stackpole Quay cafe.
🚗 Arrive early for parking
The car park at Stackpole Quay gets busy. Aim for an early start, especially on weekends and holidays.
🐶 Dogs welcome (on lead)
Dogs are allowed off-lead on the beach, but keep them on a lead on the cliff path due to steep drops.
📸 Capture the views
The scenery is stunning! Don't forget your camera or phone for incredible photos.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently rave about Barafundle Bay, calling it a stunning, paradise-like beach with beautiful sand and peaceful surroundings. Many are amazed to find such a tropical feel in the UK. The walk to access it is considered worthwhile, offering outstanding views. However, the lack of facilities directly on the beach and the need for a walk from parking are noted.
"Wow wow wow! This place is just stunning. Beautiful sand, peaceful surroundings. The beach has no toilets so will need to use toilets at the cafe before you arrive. My children loved it and couldn't believe this beach can be found in the UK! The carpark and cafe are a 15 minute walk up steps but the view at the top of the cliffs is outstanding! Definitely a must visit for beach lovers!"
Laurence Bragard
"Ample parking, not overly expensive, and near to toilets and food place. The signposted walk is about 20 mins across the top of the cliff so it is exposed if windy, and while the walk and beach are off lead dog friendly, you may want them on lead for this part as it’s a big drop off the side. There are plenty of steps down to the beach so it is a bit of a workout - the beach is enclosed, not huge, but there’s still plenty of space and the fog absolutely loved digging and running in the sand. A very good find, well worth a visit. You can walk on from here to Stackpole etc. as per the route map added here."
Oliver Durose
"Often lands up in lists of best beaches in the UK and it’s well-deserved on a beautiful autumn day with few people there and the azure sea lapping on the perfect sand. The car park is a bit of a walk, there are steep steps down and there are no facilities at all which is good or bad depending on your viewpoint."
Paul Williams
What People Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From the Stackpole Quay car park, follow the well-signposted Pembrokeshire Coast Path. It's a scenic walk of about 15-20 minutes, involving some steps and cliff-top sections, leading you directly to Barafundle Bay.
The recommended postcode for parking is SA71 5DE, which leads to the Stackpole National Trust car park. From there, it's a walk to the bay.
The walk is generally considered moderate. It involves some uphill sections and steps, and the cliff path can be exposed if windy. It's manageable for most with good footwear.
No, you cannot drive directly to Barafundle Bay. Access is via a walk along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path from the nearest car park at Stackpole Quay.
While direct public transport to the bay is limited, you can reach Stackpole Quay via local bus services, though schedules may vary. It's often best accessed by car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no direct entrance fee for Barafundle Bay itself. However, you will need to pay for parking at the National Trust car park at Stackpole Quay.
Parking at Stackpole Quay typically costs around £3.50 for 3 hours or £7 for the full day. Both cash and card payments are usually accepted.
Barafundle Bay is a natural beach and is accessible at all times. However, the car park and nearby cafe have operating hours, so check these if you plan to visit late.
No, tickets are not required for Barafundle Bay. It's a public beach. Booking is only relevant for parking if you wish to secure a spot during busy periods, though it's usually pay-and-display.
Yes, Barafundle Bay and the surrounding land are managed by the National Trust. This ensures its preservation and accessibility.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
There are no facilities directly on Barafundle Bay itself. Toilets and a cafe are available at Stackpole Quay, a short walk away.
Yes, Barafundle Bay is a beautiful spot for swimming, especially on calm days. The clear waters are inviting, but always be mindful of sea conditions.
Yes, children often love Barafundle Bay for its soft sand and shallow waters. However, supervise them closely, especially near the water and on the cliff path.
Dogs are welcome at Barafundle Bay and are allowed off-lead on the beach. However, they should be kept on a lead when walking along the cliff path due to the steep drops.
The path offers stunning views. You can walk from Stackpole Quay to Barafundle and back, or extend your walk along the coast for more dramatic scenery and hidden coves.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and golden hues. Sunrise and sunset can be spectacular.
Capture wide-angle shots of the bay, close-ups of the sand and waves, and panoramic views from the cliff path. Drone footage can also be stunning.
The cliff path leading to Barafundle Bay offers numerous viewpoints with dramatic coastal vistas. The approach to the bay itself provides iconic shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes. Consider a polarizing filter to enhance the sea and sky. A tripod can be useful for low-light conditions.
Focus on the clear blue water, golden sand, and the secluded nature of the bay. Shots from a higher vantage point can emphasize its hidden gem quality.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
🐶 Dog Owners
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Barafundle Bay
Visitors often express surprise and delight at finding such a stunning beach within the United Kingdom, with some comparing it to tropical destinations. The journey itself, along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, is part of the experience, offering breathtaking views that build anticipation for the bay's reveal. Whether you're seeking a peaceful spot to relax, a beautiful location for a picnic, or a picturesque setting for photography, Barafundle Bay delivers an unforgettable coastal experience.
Navigating the Pembrokeshire Coast Path
When walking this path, it's crucial to wear appropriate footwear, as the terrain can be uneven and slippery, especially after rain. The path is well-maintained and signposted, often with acorn symbols indicating the National Trail. Be prepared for exposed sections where wind can be a factor. The views along the way are spectacular, showcasing dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. It's an integral part of the Barafundle Bay experience, providing a sense of adventure and discovery.
Practicalities: Parking, Facilities, and Dogs
It's important to note that Barafundle Bay itself has no facilities. Visitors must bring all their own provisions, including water, food, and any necessary beach gear. Dogs are a welcome addition to the Barafundle experience, permitted off-lead on the beach itself. However, for safety reasons due to the steep cliff edges, they must be kept on a lead while traversing the coastal path.






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