The beaches of Pembrokeshire are so stunning that selecting one for a day trip during your holiday in the west can be quite the task. However, there’s one beach that consistently stands out, not only for its golden sands but also for its iconic status within Welsh music circles.
Barafundle Bay may lack certain practical amenities or a trendy café serving oat milk flat whites, but what it does possess is an enchanting beauty that makes you forget about such trivialities, even if just for a day. Located on Pembrokeshire’s south coast, this semi-secluded beach is an east-facing golden sandy cove, nestled amidst sand dunes and flanked by cliffs. This tranquil haven is situated between Stackpole Quay, a small pebbled inlet, and Stackpole Head, a breezy outcrop.
Following the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path around will lead you to Broadhaven South, another top-rated beach worth visiting, though it doesn’t quite match its more compact neighbour.
While the seclusion of the beach itself is a major draw for those seeking serene beauty, its position in the southern part of the county means it’s merely a short drive away from Wales’ premier restaurant, Paternoster Farm, reports Wales Online.
Imagine this: a late afternoon spent frolicking in the waves at the beach, followed by an evening meal at Wales’ Best Local Restaurant 2025, as recognised by The Good Food Guide.
A swift change out of your sandy beach attire and you’ll be savouring everything from locally sourced oysters to home-reared beef and pork belly, with a menu that evolves daily based on seasonal produce.
Now, let’s return to the beach, which served as inspiration for Carmarthenshire’s psychedelic folk band, Gorky’s Zygotic Mynci, for their third album released in 1997.
Barafundle is only accessible on foot, but it’s a brief stroll from Stackpole Quay, where you can park your car and grab a flat white before embarking on the path across the often windswept cliffs leading to the beach.
As part of the Stackpole Estate, the bay’s seclusion means it requires a bit of effort to reach, ensuring it remains less crowded than other beaches in Pembrokeshire.
If you’re prepared to carry your beach essentials (which we highly recommend – you won’t want to leave in a hurry and you’ll need a packed lunch, water, and something to sit on), it will be well worth the effort.
Most of the time, the golden sands are occupied by families and friends seeking the crystal blue sea or avid walkers on the coastal path pausing to soak up the view.
If you choose to park and walk, it’s approximately a 15-minute journey.
The descent isn’t particularly steep, but it may pose a slight challenge for those with mobility issues. Its proximity to Stackpole makes it conveniently close to the Bosherton Lily Ponds, and a visit to the award-winning The Stackpole Inn is highly recommended.
Being part of the aforementioned Stackpole Estate, formerly owned by the Cawdor Family who resided in Stackpole Court, the beach features charming stone steps and walls, perfect for capturing an Instagram-worthy snapshot as a memento of your visit.
But it’s more than just a photo opportunity. The moment you glimpse the expansive sandy beach through the stone archway, your spirits are instantly lifted, and the urge to dash into the sea becomes irresistible.
It’s a view that will stay with you.
How to get to Barafundle and where to park.
Parking is available at the National Trust-owned Stackpole Quay car park, which forms part of the Stackpole Estate.
The postcode for this location is: SA71 5LS.
From there, you’ll need to ascend the steps located on your right as you head towards the shore, then continue over the cliffs to reach the beach.
Alternatively, parking is also available at Broadhaven South, from where you can stroll along the coastal path. The postcode for Broad Haven South car park is SA71 5DR.