This week, my sister Ceri was back in Pembrokeshire for a weeks holiday. This meant we got to visit our favourite Pembrokeshire haunts, such as Barafundle Bay.
Parking for Barafundle is at Stackpole Quay (postcode SA71 5LS). Parking is £5 for the day (£2 after 2pm) and free for National Trust Members. Close to the carpark are toilets, The Boat House Tea Room and a picnic area. There are steep steps and a cliff top walk on the way to Barafundle. Izzy is three and managed it well, we have also always managed fine with the babies in a carrier, but I wouldn’t recommend bringing a pushchair. The cliff top path is wide and an enjoyable walk which adds to the day.
We try and travel light when we visit Barafundle. There are stunning views along the cliff top walk. The beach is quite secluded and when we visit in the Winter, we are often lucky to have this beautiful beach to ourselves. On this particular day, the sun was shining, the car park was full and Barafundle was the busiest I’ve ever seen it- though thankfully still with plenty of free space for everybody.
As you approach Barafundle there is an arch to go through (a legacy of Stackpole Estate) and then more steps that lead you down to the beach.
To the right of Barafundle, there are more arches, this time of the natural stone kind. There are often birds , such as guillemots, nesting in these during early Summer. Wildlife enthusiasts may wish to pack their binoculars.
Barafundle is one of those beaches with soft, “Mr Whippy style” sand. It is so clean and the water is clear. It’s easy to see how this beach often wins awards and “best beach” accolades.
The girls were straight into the water. Seeing them play together so happily in the sea reminds me of the fun I used to have here when I was younger with my sisters.
More good news- even though the sand is soft it is still possible to make sandcastles- phew! If the sand is too dry, move closer to the tide line or go and collect a bucket of water from the sea and use to wet the sand.
We had a few games of family cricket- it was so tiring running in the soft sand- I’m sure I would have scored more runs if playing on the grass (that’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it!). We then had an hilarious game of football, which unfortunately resulted in quite a few injuries (often involving me kicking the ball directly at my children- oops, sorry kids!). Thankfully, nobody was seriously hurt and we had tears from laughter rather than crying!
Oh, the fun you can have with a bucket and a spade!
After a good few hours on the beach, it was time to make our way home (always remember to save energy for the walk back to the car park.)
After each ascent, there is always a sign or stopping point to catch your breath (phew, I needed the rest!). I was glad of opportunities to stop and take photos! Nothing to do with me being unfit , of course.
We had a lovely day at Barafundle and will definitely be back in the winter months with a flask and a blanket. If you visit Pembrokeshire, it is definitely a beach to visit.
For more photos of our time at Barafundle Bay, see our Google Plus Album here.
For a little video we made, click here:
Stunning views there! After seeing your photos I scrolled up to see the photos again! It is so lovely in there! #countrykids
Thanks. Yes, it's really lovely x
Looks like a lovely beach, and not too busy. Love the little walk down through the arches. #countrykids
Thanks, yes, it's so pretty x
What a beautiful looking day. Such a dear little boat And a stunning approach to the beach, Having just spent the day at the beach myself I know how lucky we both are having beautiful sandy beaches so close. The video is gorgeous I love seeing the children splashing around in the waves they are very brave I always have to have my wetsuit on. Thank you for sharing with me on Country Kids
Lovely photos. We were lucky enough to visit when we stayed at Bluestone in January and you live near there!
So glad you got to visit this beach. 🙂 Yes we are less than half an hour away from Bluestone. We love visiting Cardiff though too. 🙂 x