Barafundle Bay — Place photograph (1 of 3)

Barafundle Bay — Place photograph (2 of 3)

Stackpole, Pembrokeshire, Wales

Barafundle Bay

Beach

Place photograph

6.5

Wildland

1–2 hours

Time

Check

Cost

Secluded

Feel

CoastalDunesWoodlandCouplesPhotographersWalkers

Why it's Wildland

6.5

A sheltered, east-facing sweep of golden sand, reached by a walk over the cliffs from Stackpole Quay.

Barafundle earns its Wildland place through the contrast between fine golden sand, limestone cliffs and the dunes and woodland behind the bay. Reaching it on foot adds a rewarding coastal walk, though the steps and exposed path make this more than a simple roadside stop.

Secluded · Dramatic · Wild

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Stackpole, Pembrokeshire, Wales

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The experience

Walk from Stackpole Quay over the cliff path and steps to the beach. Take time to enjoy the sand, coastal setting and views, then return the same way.

Things to do

Walk in from Stackpole Quay

Take the cliff-top path and steps from Stackpole Quay to reach the bay on foot. Expect climbs and descents.

About 1–2 hours return

Explore the beach and its setting

Take in the golden sand, limestone cliffs, and dunes and woodland behind the beach.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · About 1–2 hours

The beach walk

01
Start at Stackpole Quay.
02
Follow the path up the steps and along the cliff top.
03
Descend the steps to Barafundle Bay and spend time on the beach.
04
Return to Stackpole Quay the same way.

Half day · Half day

Make a half day of the coast

01
Begin at Stackpole Quay and take the cliff-top route to Barafundle Bay.
02
Allow time to explore the beach and take in its cliffs, sand and dunes.
03
Return to Stackpole Quay, where a café or tea-room and visitor facilities are reported; check what is open before visiting.

Verified history

Barafundle was originally part of the Stackpole Estate. The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park describes an 18th-century wall built by the estate’s owners to enclose their deer park; the steps were once lined with ornamental columns and trees. Stackpole Quay was built at the end of the 18th century to ship limestone from a local quarry.

Hidden details

The old deer-park wall — Look for the estate wall associated with the 18th-century deer park. The National Park source notes that the steps were once lined with ornamental columns and trees.

When to go

· No specific time of day is established by the supplied sources.

The supplied sources do not identify a best season.

Check the forecast and coastal path conditions before setting out. The route includes cliff-top walking and steps.

The route

surface: Path and steps; detailed surface information is not supplied.
distance: A supplied route account describes a 1.4-mile return walk from Stackpole Quay to the far end of the beach.
duration: About 1–2 hours, allowing time at the beach.
difficulty: Includes climbs and steep steps.
route shape: Out and back
start point: Stackpole Quay
parking start: Stackpole Quay is described as the closest car park. Check current arrangements and charges.

Cliff-top approach
Steps down to the beach
Golden sand, limestone cliffs, dunes and woodland

Worth pairing with

Stackpole Quay

The approach point for the beach walk. A café or tea-room and visitor facilities are reported there; check current availability.

What to look for

Notice the east-facing curve of the bay, the limestone cliffs and the dunes and woodland behind the sand. The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park source also describes the historic wall and former deer park around the estate.

The story

Industry

Best time to go

Check conditions before travelling; the supplied sources do not establish a best season.

No particular month or time of day is established by the supplied sources. Check weather and route conditions before travelling.

How long to spend

1–2 hours

Perfect for

Couples · Photographers · Walkers

Before you go

Website Google Maps

Address

Pembrokeshire Coast Path, Stackpole, Pembroke SA71 5LS

Phone

+44 1437 764551

Website

visitpembrokeshire.com

Google rating

4.8 · 1,820 reviews

Practical information

Opening & access

Reached on foot from Stackpole Quay via a cliff-top path and steps. The route includes climbs and descents; check current access and conditions before setting out. Access arrangements are unconfirmed. Check before visiting; do not enter private land or restricted structures.

Check before visiting

Parking

Stackpole Quay is described as the closest car park. Check current parking arrangements and charges before visiting.

Check before visiting

Toilets

No facilities are reported on the beach. Public toilets are reported at Stackpole Quay; check before visiting.

Check before visiting

Food & drink

A café or tea-room is reported at Stackpole Quay; check current opening arrangements.

Check before visiting

Dogs

Check current local dog rules before visiting.

Check before visiting

Accessibility

The approach includes steps, a cliff-top walk and steep sections. It may not be suitable for visitors who cannot manage steps or uneven terrain; check current route conditions.

Check before visiting

Cost

Check before visiting

Water

Sea