beginner
Stackpole, Wales, United Kingdom

Barafundle Bay

Barafundle is a sheltered, east-facing bay of fine golden sand backed by dunes and woodland, part of the National Trust's Stackpole Estate. There is no road to it: the walk in is about half a mile along the coast path from Stackpole Quay, ending in steep steps, and there are no facilities or lifeguards on the beach. Toilets and a café are back at the quay.

Barafundle Bay

Photo: Mel hartshorn · CC BY-SA 2.0

Get your personalized SwimScore

Sign up to see conditions tailored to your experience level

Latest reading · SwimScore 74/100 (Good swim) for a typical swimmer: air 11°C, wind 10 km/h, waves 1.0 m, UV 0. Updated .

Know before you go

Best conditions
The bay faces east, so it is sheltered from the prevailing winds.
Getting in
No road access. Half a mile along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path from Stackpole Quay, including steep steps (not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs), or about 1.3 miles from Broad Haven South.
Parking & transport
National Trust pay car park at Stackpole Quay (charges apply), signposted from the road between Stackpole and Freshwater East; postcode SA71 5LS. The Coastal Cruiser bus stops at Stackpole Quay.
Lifeguards
No lifeguards at this beach.
Water quality
Designated bathing water 'Barafundle': classified Excellent in 2025 (Welsh Government / Natural Resources Wales).
Watch for
  • Remote beach with no lifeguards
  • Bathing water byelaws, including a boat speed limit, apply offshore
Facilities
None on the beach · Toilets (including accessible and baby-changing) and café at Stackpole Quay, about a mile away

Sources: pembrokeshirecoast.wales, en.wikipedia.org, gov.wales

Hand-checked spots nearby

Community Reports

How was your swim?

How accurate were the predicted conditions?

What were actual conditions like?

What SwimScore would you give it?

Details

Location
Stackpole, Wales, United Kingdom
Type
ocean
Difficulty
beginner
Coordinates
51.6183, -4.9030

Ready to swim smarter?

Get personalized SwimScore ratings, save your favorite spots, and receive alerts when conditions are perfect.