Often described as the most beautiful beach in Pembrokeshire, Barafundle has an exotic touch, with fine golden sand, and dunes and woodland behind the beach.
It’s east-facing and therefore sheltered from prevailing winds. The land around the beach is owned by the National Trust, with Barafundle originally being part of the Stackpole Estate.
The wall was built by the Estate’s owners in the 18th century to enclose their deer park, and the steps were once lined with ornamental columns and trees.
Stackpole Quay, near the car park, was used to ship out limestone from the nearby quarry and bring in coal and other goods for Stackpole Court.
Facilities
None at the beach. Nearest facilities are located in Stackpole Quay approximately one mile away and include toilets (including disabled facilities and baby changing facilities) and café. Due to the remoteness of the beach please help keep Barafundle beautiful and take your rubbish home.
Dog friendly?
Dogs are allowed year round. There is a responsibility for dog owners to clean up after their dogs on the whole of this site.
Easy Access?
No. Barafundle is only accessible via a half-mile walk from the nearest car park at Stackpole Quay. It is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs as the beach is accessed via a set of steps. The nearest easy access beach is Broad Haven South. Visit the Broad Haven South page for more information.
There are toilets at the Stackpole Quay car park, which include disabled facilities and baby changing facilities.
Getting there
You can get to Stackpole Quay by bike, with the Celtic Trail passing nearby. Visit the Sustrans website for more information on the Celtic Trail.
This beach is part of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail. It is a half-mile walk from Stackpole Quay including some steep steps not suitable for pushchairs. Visit the Coast Path section of this website to find out more.
Stackpole Quay is often busy at peak times. Please consider using the Coastal Cruiser Coastal Bus service, which stops at Stackpole Quay. It’s a great way to lower your carbon footprint while in the National Park. Visit the Pembrokeshire County Council website for bus timetables.
By car, Stackpole Quay is signposted from the road between Stackpole and Freshwater East. There is paid parking in the National Trust car park, charges apply.
Safety advice
- There are no Lifeguards at this beach. Please visit the RNLI website to find your nearest lifeguarded beach.
- Wherever possible, always swim at a lifeguarded beach.
- Always read and obey the safety signs, usually found at the entrance to the beach. These will help you avoid potential hazards on the beach and identify the safest areas for swimming.
- When on a lifeguarded beach, find the red and yellow flags and always swim or bodyboard between them – this area is patrolled by lifeguards.
- Never swim alone. If you get in trouble, stick your hand in the air and shout for help. If you see someone in difficulty, never attempt a rescue. Tell a lifeguard or, if you can’t see a lifeguard, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
Byelaws
- Pembrokeshire County Council Bathing Water Byelaws apply to the whole area off this beach. These include a speed limit.
- Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority byelaws apply to the whole of the foreshore on this beach. Visit our byelaws page to find out more.
- National Trust Byelaws apply to the area surrounding Broad Haven South.
