Amazing UK beach is 20 minutes from superb restaurant and 'looks like Barbados'

Pembrokeshire's beachesare so stunning that it's a task to pick one for a day out while on holiday in the west. However, there's one beach that always stands out, not just for its golden sands but also for its iconic status in Welshmusic. Barafundle Bay may lack practical facilities or a trendy cafe serving oat milk flat whites, but what it does have is an enchanting beauty that makes you forget about such amenities for a day.

The beach, located on Pembrokeshire's south coast, is semi-remote and features an east-facing golden sandy cove surrounded by sand dunes and enclosed by cliffs.

READ MORE: 40p-a-day GP-backed supplement gives 'stressed' shoppers a 'full night's sleep'

This tranquil oasis is nestled between Stackpole Quay, a small pebble inlet, and Stackpole Head, a breezy outcrop which, if you follow the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path around, will lead you to Broadhaven South, another top-rated beach worth visiting, though it doesn't quite match up to its more compact neighbour.

What could be more delightful than a late afternoon spent frolicking in the waves, followed by an evening meal at Wales' Best Local Restaurant 2025?

As The Good Food Guide reported, while the beach's remoteness is a selling point for many seeking quiet beauty, its location in the southern part of the county means it's just a quick drive to Wales' top restaurant, Paternoster Farm.

After a quick change from your beach attire and a brush-off of the sand, you'll be savouring locally caught oysters and home-reared beef and pork belly from a menu that changes every day, based on what's in season, reports Wales Online.

The beach, which inspired Carmarthenshire's psychedelic folk band, Gorky's Zygotic Mynci, for their third album release in 1997, Barafundle, is only accessible on foot. However, it's just a short stroll from Stackpole Quay, where you can park your car and grab a flat white before embarking on your journey.

The path will lead you across the often breezy cliffs before you reach the beach. Part of the Stackpole Estate, the secluded nature of the bay means it requires a bit of effort to reach, ensuring it won't be as crowded as other beaches in Pembrokeshire.

If you're willing to carry your beach gear there (and you absolutely should, as you won't want to leave), it will be well worth it. Most of the time, the sand is occupied by families and friends enjoying the golden sands and crystal blue sea, or keen walkers on the coastal path taking a break to soak up the view.

If you choose to park and walk, it's about a 15-minute journey. The descent isn't steep, but it could pose a slight challenge for those with mobility issues. Its proximity to Stackpole makes it a convenient spot for visiting the nearby Bosherton Lily Ponds and the award-winning Stackpole Inn is definitely worth a visit.

Being part of the renowned Stackpole Estate, formerly owned by the Cawdor Family who resided in Stackpole Court, the beach features charming stone steps and walls that make for an Instagram-worthy shot.

But it's more than just a photo opportunity. The moment you catch sight of the sandy beach stretching out before you through the stone archway, your spirits are instantly lifted and the urge to dash into the sea is irresistible. It's a view you won't easily forget.

How to get to Barafundle and where to park

You'll need to park at the National Trust-owned Stackpole Quay car park, which forms part of the Stackpole Estate. The postcode for this location is: SA71 5LS.

From there, you'll need to climb the steps on your right as you head down towards the shore, and then continue up over the cliffs to reach the beach. Alternatively, you can park at Broadhaven South and follow the coastal path. The postcode for Broad Haven South car park is SA71 5DR.