Barafundle Bay at a glance
Barafundle Bay lies on the Stackpole Estate in the south of Pembrokeshire. The National Trust owns the land around it. There is no road to the beach. You walk about 0.5 miles from the car park at Stackpole Quay, and the path has steep steps. It is not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs.
The bay has no lifeguards and no facilities on the sand, so bring water and take your rubbish home. Dogs are allowed all year. If you plan to combine the beach with a boat day, see our Pembrokeshire tours.
Barafundle Bay: how to get there
Walk, access and parking in order.
The walk
Leave the car at Stackpole Quay and follow the path to the bay. It is about 0.5 miles with steep steps, so wear shoes with grip. Allow time for the climb back up at the end of the day.
Where to park
The National Trust charges for parking at Stackpole Quay, Broad Haven South, Bosherston Lily Ponds and Stackpole Court. A car pays £4 for up to 3 hours or £8 for the day. The fee applies from dawn to dusk, and you cannot stay overnight. National Trust members and Blue Badge holders park free. Pay by coins or JustPark.
Buses and coaches
The lanes are narrow. Buses, coaches and motorhomes cannot use these car parks. A coach needs to be arranged in advance with the Stackpole Centre.
Our pick: coasteering at Stackpole Quay
The quay is the car park and starting point for the walk to Barafundle Bay, so this session fits a day on that stretch of coast.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in British pounds (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Boat trips and day trips near Barafundle Bay
Coast trips, island visits and guided days around south Pembrokeshire, with live prices and availability.
Safety and the sea at the bay
Barafundle has no lifeguards, and the sea here is open water. Do not treat it as a guaranteed safe swimming beach. Check conditions, watch the tide and keep children close. If you get into trouble in the sea, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard. Do not go into the water to rescue someone without help.
Dogs are welcome all year, which makes the bay popular with walkers. Take your rubbish with you when you leave.
Bosherston Lily Ponds
Close to Barafundle, the Bosherston Lily Ponds are lakes created in the 18th century by damming valleys on the Stackpole Estate. Today they are a National Nature Reserve with water lilies and wetland wildlife. The ponds drain towards Broad Haven South.
Swimming and kayaking are not allowed on the ponds, so do not mix them up with the sea beach. A walk of about a mile through the ponds from Bosherston leads to Broad Haven South, a separate sandy beach with Church Rock. It has a steep path from the southern car park, and dogs are welcome all year.
Planning your visit to Barafundle Bay
Small points that make the day easier.
What to bring
Bring water, food, sun protection and a bag for your rubbish, because there are no facilities on the sand. Coins or the JustPark app cover the car park. Shoes with grip help on the steep steps.
When to go
Pick a day with settled weather, since the walk and the open sea both feel very different in wind. Our weather and best time page shows monthly averages. Car park fees apply from dawn to dusk.
Who the walk suits
The path is short but steep. It is not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs, so families with small children should plan to carry what they need.
Combine it with other stops
Stackpole Quay, Broad Haven South and the Bosherston Lily Ponds all have their own car parks on the estate. The same fee applies at each, so choose the one closest to your first walk.
Plan the rest of your trip
More beaches and walks.
Barafundle Bay: frequently asked questions
How far is the walk to Barafundle Bay?
About 0.5 miles from the car park at Stackpole Quay, with steep steps along the way.
Can you drive to Barafundle Bay?
No. There is no car access to the beach. You park at Stackpole Quay and walk.
How much is parking?
£4 for up to 3 hours or £8 for the day for a car. National Trust members and Blue Badge holders park free.
Is Barafundle Bay safe for swimming?
There are no lifeguards and no facilities on the beach. Treat the sea as open water and check the conditions before you go in.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, all year.
Can I swim in the Bosherston Lily Ponds?
No. Swimming and kayaking are not allowed there.