Barafundle Bay

Barafundle Bay is one of Wales's most celebrated beaches — golden sand enclosed by wooded headlands with water so clear it looks almost tropical on calm days. The beach is only accessible on foot via a 15-minute walk from Stackpole Quay car park, which preserves its secluded character and keeps away the casual crowds. The bay is sheltered by headlands from most wind directions, creating calm conditions in the water, and the sand is fine and clean throughout. The dunes behind the beach are backed by limestone cliffs and coastal woodland, and the Pembrokeshire Coast Path passes directly above. The walk-in access adds anticipation — rounding the final headland to see the bay below is a genuine moment.

Dogs are prohibited from the main beach from 1 April to 30 September under National Trust management, which rules out summer visits to this dog friendly beach. Outside those months, Barafundle is exceptional — the sheltered sand provides running and playing space, the clear water offers safe paddling and swimming with a gentle sandy entry, and the enclosed bay creates a natural boundary for off-lead time. The rock pools at either end appear at lower tides, and the scent of salt spray, seaweed and warm sand is concentrated by the sheltering headlands. Dogs are welcome on the coastal path year-round. The autumn and winter months, when the beach is uncrowded and the light dramatic, are arguably the best time to visit with dogs.