How do you get to Barafundle Bay?

On foot only. Walk about half a mile along the coast path from Stackpole Quay car park, or 1.3 miles from Broad Haven South.

Are dogs allowed on Barafundle Bay?

Yes, under close control and on a lead where needed, as there is livestock and wildlife on the estate.

Are there toilets at Barafundle Bay?

Not on the beach. The nearest toilets are at Stackpole Quay and the Stackpole Centre.

Is Barafundle Bay accessible for pushchairs?

No. The routes include steps, sand and rough ground.

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Barafundle Bay

Barafundle Bay is a sandy cove on the Stackpole Estate in south Pembrokeshire, backed by dunes and woodland and reached only on foot. The shortest route is a half-mile walk along the coast path from the National Trust car park at Stackpole Quay.

Photo: Dylan Moore · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Display cropped to fit

What it is and why it matters

The beach was once the private beach of the Cawdor family of Stackpole Court, who built the steps and wall on the northern approach. It is now cared for by the National Trust as part of the Stackpole Estate, a Grade I listed historic landscape of about 3,000 acres. With no road to it, the bay has kept a quiet, open feel and has regularly featured in lists of Britain's best beaches. It received Seaside and Green Coast awards in 2019.

Visiting practicalities

Park at Stackpole Quay, which has pay-and-display parking and Blue Badge spaces, and follow the coast path for about half a mile. Alternatively, walk 1.3 miles from Broad Haven South. Both routes have steps, sand and rough ground and are unsuitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. There are no facilities on the beach; the nearest toilets and the Boathouse tea-room are back at Stackpole Quay. Dogs are welcome under close control. The Coastal Cruiser bus serves the area from Pembroke Dock.

Nearby and combining your visit

The coast path continues west to Broad Haven South, so you can walk between the two beaches. The National Trust's Stackpole wildlife walk explores more of the estate, where otters and ground-nesting birds live, and in spring the woods behind the beach fill with wild garlic and bluebells. EV charging points are at Stackpole Quay and the Stackpole Centre.

Highlights

Sandy beach with no road access
Half-mile walk from Stackpole Quay
Former private beach of the Cawdor family
Part of the National Trust's Stackpole Estate

Good to know

Steps and uneven ground; not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs
No facilities on the beach; toilets and tea-room at Stackpole Quay
Dogs allowed under close control
Coastal Cruiser bus 387/388 from Pembroke Dock

Frequently asked questions

Sources: nationaltrust.org.uk · en.wikipedia.org