Barafundle Bay: A Hidden Gem with a Noble Past

Tucked away along the dramatic coastline of South Pembrokeshire lies Barafundle Bay, often described as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. With its soft golden sand, crystal-clear water, and wild, unspoilt surroundings, it feels like a slice of the Caribbean dropped onto the Welsh coast.

But beyond the idyllic setting and Instagram-worthy views, Barafundle has a rich history that many visitors never hear about. This blog post dives into the story behind the sands—from its noble owners to its hidden path through the dunes.

A Beach Once Owned by Lords

Barafundle Bay was once the private beach of the Cawdor family, wealthy aristocrats who lived at the nearby Stackpole Court, a grand estate that dominated the area for centuries. The family used Barafundle as their own private retreat, accessible only by walking through fields and woodland from their estate.

They even built the now-famous stone wall and steps leading down to the beach in the 18th century—so their well-to-do guests could access the bay a little more easily. Those same steps and walls are still used today by modern visitors, although instead of ladies in bonnets and parasols, you’re more likely to see hikers with backpacks and sandy-footed children.

Stackpole Estate and the National Trust

The Cawdor family eventually left Stackpole Court in the early 20th century, and the house was later demolished. In the decades that followed, the surrounding land—including Barafundle—passed into the care of the National Trust, who have preserved its natural beauty and kept it free of development.

Today, Barafundle remains gloriously untouched: no roads lead to the beach, no shops or cafés line the dunes, and no litter mars the sands. It’s exactly this simplicity that makes it so special.

How to Get There

To visit Barafundle Bay, you’ll need to park at Stackpole Quay and walk about half a mile along the clifftop path. It’s a short but scenic route, with sweeping views across the sea and countryside. As you crest the final hill, the stone arch and steps welcome you down into the bay—an entrance every bit as romantic as it sounds.

While the walk is manageable for most, it’s worth noting there are no facilities on the beach—so pack what you need, and be prepared to carry it back with you. That said, the effort is absolutely worth it.

Wildlife and Natural Beauty

Barafundle isn’t just a pretty beach—it’s a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), home to rare coastal flora and a haven for seabirds. The surrounding limestone cliffs are rich with wildflowers in spring and summer, and lucky visitors might spot dolphins or seals offshore.

The beach is also popular with swimmers, paddleboarders, and picnickers, although it’s rarely crowded, even in summer. With no road access, it never gets the volume of visitors seen at bigger beaches, helping preserve its peaceful atmosphere.

A Star in Its Own Right

Barafundle has been listed repeatedly in travel magazines as one of the top beaches in the UK and even the world. It’s featured in Condé Nast Traveller, Lonely Planet, and numerous “best beach” roundups. But somehow, it never loses that sense of being a hidden gem.

Barafundle Bay has won many awards over the years and was even included in the top 12 beaches of the world in 2004, even beating Bondi beach in the listings.

The Good Holiday Guide voted it Best Beach in Britain in 2006 and Wales Coast Awards awarded the Seaside and Green Coast awards in 2019.

Final Thoughts

Barafundle Bay is more than just a beautiful spot for a beach day—it’s a place where history, nature, and solitude come together. Once a secret haven for Pembrokeshire’s landed gentry, it’s now one of the few beaches that still feels like an escape from the modern world.

So bring your picnic, wear sensible shoes, and take the time to soak it all in—from the ancient stone steps to the turquoise sea. Barafundle may be just a short walk from the car park, but it feels a world away.

As beautiful as it is in the summer months I highly recommend a visit out of high season where you can enjoy the bay and its surroundings almost on your own! We popped to Barafundle Bay at the beginning of March and shared this wonderful place with probably 10 other visitors.

The address is – Stackpole, SA71 5LS