A Welsh beach is a world-renowned, not-so hidden gem, that's been voted many times as one of the best coastal spots in Britain and the world. And you can see why, with unspoiled coastline, beautiful golden sands, turquoise and blue waters.
Barafundle Bay has even received the Green Coast Award, which recognises beaches of high environmental quality. And to add to its already glowing reputation, a study from Leonardo Hotels just found this gorgeous spot is one of the UK's best-rated beaches, with 1,566 Google reviews and an average rating of 4.9 out of five.
One person on TripAdvisor recently compared Barafundle to something "like what you would find in Barbados" with lots of others writing that it was a place that they keep going back to. The beach is on the south coast of Pembrokeshire between equally stunning Broad Haven and Freshwater East beaches, and is known for its remote location that draws visitors in who are looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
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People can't drive to the beach itself, but the nearest car park is located at Stackpole Quay, with access only being on foot for 0.5 miles via the Coast Path from Stackpole or Broad Haven South, which is 1.3 miles away. When you arrive, you can venture down to the beach via the cliff-side staircase. But if you are thinking of visiting, be sure to bring everything you need with you, as there are no facilities at this isolated spot, reports WalesOnline.
The beach is perfect for swimming, and walking along the coastal path. The sand dunes provide playgrounds for children, so it's a dreamy family day out as well (although you may not want to try and get a pushchair or wheelchair down the coastal steps).
The lengthy stretch of golden sand flanked by pine-covered carboniferous limestone headlands add to the bay's private feel. And the sand dunes are a perfect way to reconnect with a natural landscape at the untouched beach that remains a peaceful place where you can truly feel immersed in your surroundings.
Because the beach is east-facing and incaved by limestone cliffs, strong wind around here is rare, so you can exist briefly in a bubble of sand and sea without worrying too much about facing the elements.
The beach is so popular that back in 2018, The National Trust, which owns the beach encouraged people to explore the "second hidden gem" of Broad Haven South in a bid to stop Barafundle being a victim of its own success after a huge increase in the number of people visiting the area.
But Barafundle's undeniable popularity has not stopped people raving about the beach online. One enthusiastic visitor wrote in their TripAdvisor review of the location: "I have travelled the world and have been lucky enough to see some heavenly beaches. This is up there. Absolutely stunning. To visit West Wales and not see this beach is nothing short of a crime."
Someone else wrote: "The views here are amazing, although there is a bit of climbing to do getting there and back. The beach, like the rest of Pembrokeshire, is like what you would find in Barbados. Highly recommended."
While you're in the area, it's also worth paying a visit to Stackpole, which serves as the starting place for reaching the bay. This village is a bit like going back in time, and has a charming feel of simplicity, with some adorable cottages and even an pub called the Stackpole Inn.
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