The Beach at Barafundle

One of my favourite beaches in Pembrokeshire is at Barafundle; - a true hidden gem. 

Drive into the large car park  (can get pretty busy in the height of the summer), the National trust owns the car park and at the entrance the attendant is there ready to take your £5 fee, a reduced price of £2 is required if you go into the car park after 2pm. (Free if you’re a NT member)

The wooden hut on the entrance to the car park is also where you can enquire about kayaking and coasteering sessions.  These have expert guides who will provide you with all the guidance and reassurance you need.  They will kit you out with the correct equipment to safely take part in these exhilarating activities.  It may be best to contact them before arrival to ensure there are spaces for you as they are very popular.  Coasteering was discovered in Pembrokeshire and is a combination of cliff jumping and swimming – an ideal way to enjoy the coastline and have lots of fun in the process.

 Kayaking

A short walk from the car park leads to The Boathouse Tea Rooms with an inside eating area and an outside courtyard with tables and chairs.  The tearoom is open 10 till 5 and serves up freshly prepared seasonal foods from Pembrokeshire.  It’s a great pit stop for a mouthwatering slice of cake and a refreshing pot of tea, both cash and card accepted.  Bear in mind there are no facilities at Barafundle beach!

A short distance from the tearooms is Stackpole Quay, a small harbour with a couple of picnic tables and chairs with glorious views of the sea.  There may be groups of kayakers paddling out into the surf and huddles of people waiting on the top of the harbour to coasteer nervously watching others jumping off into the sea before them.

From the harbour it’s a right turn and a steep climb up a series of steps to the top of the cliffs, from which the views are simply stunning.  This walk is not really suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs due to the steps and the rugged terrain of the clifftops and dogs must be kept on their leads.  The cliff edges are unprotected so do be careful with both children and dogs.

The beach is about half a mile from the car park and there is a stone arch and steps down to the beach.  As previously mentioned there are no facilities here so if you didn’t have lunch or a bite to eat at the tearooms then having packed a tasty picnic will stave off any hunger pangs.

The beach has golden sand backed by dunes which gently slopes into the sea – ideal for young children to paddle.  This beach has won a green coast award and a seaside award, these awards recognising water quality, natural unspoilt environment and a well-managed beach.  Dogs are allowed on this beach.

Whatever the season Barafundle Bay will not disappoint from the sunshine glistening off the sea to fierce waves in the winter months crashing onto the rocks. 

Take a look at our /pembrokeshire-cottages and book your perfect escape and you could be discovering Barafundle beach very soon.