Barafundle Bay

The small but perfectly formed Barafundle Bay was once a relatively little known gem of the Pembroke coast. Then all of a sudden everybody wanted to give it an award and the secret was out. Blue Flag awards, features in Country Life and a place on numerous best of web features have all helped make Barafundle Bay one of Wales’ best known beaches.

Of course it is all true and this is indeed a quite stunning beach. A broad stretch of golden sand flanked by pine covered Carboniferous limestone headlands help add to the bay’s secluded feel. To the rear are gently sloping sand dunes whilst the sea here is crystal clear and generally calm.

The word pristine is often bandied around when describing beaches, but here at Barafundle Bay it is the real deal. Owned by the Stackpole Estate and managed by the National Trust hopefully the beach will long retain its unspoilt charms.

The beach at Barafundle was once the privately domain of the Cawdor family of Stackpole Court. It was they who built the castellated wall and steps down to the beach at the northern end.

Despite all the acclaim Barafundle remains somewhat off the beaten track.The nearest car park is in Stackpole over half a mile away and it isn’t particularly cheap (although we would argue worth every penny!).