You don’t need to book a flight to experience the pristine shores of the Caribbean, as a stunning beach in Wales has frequently been hailed as a beautiful alternative
A beautiful beach in Wales with turquoise waters and unspoilt golden sand has been dubbed the UK’s answer to the Caribbean.
Pembrokeshire has some of the UK’s most stunning coastlines, with more than 50 beaches of golden sand framed by towering cliffs, secluded coves, and lapping waves. The stretching coast of around 186 miles is a haven for a day out at the beach, particularly ahead of the impending UK heatwave later this month, or for a weekend escape by the coast.
Yet with an abundance of beaches to choose from, it’s hard to know what sun-kissed Pembrokeshire shore to visit. Nevertheless, there’s one pristine sand beach that has frequently been hailed as the best in the UK and dubbed the ‘Welsh Caribbean’ – and it’s just as breathtakingly beautiful as you’d imagine.
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Not far from Stackpole Quay and Bosherston in Pembrokeshire, is the pristine coast of Barafundle Bay. The secluded beach has golden sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and is backed by dunes and pine trees, offering a setting that easily rivals those in the Caribbean, albeit without the tropical climate.
Barafundle Bay is a haven for those looking for an unspoilt oasis to lap up the UK’s balmy rays, or to take a dip in the glistening waters. Its isolated location only adds to its appeal, with the sound of rippling waves and sea air the only necessary background noise, alongside its picture-perfect coastal vistas.
It’s often been named one of the best beaches in the UK, even in the world, and is frequently likened to Caribbean shores. Barafundle Bay has also been deemed one of the cleanest beaches in the UK, thanks to its stripped back setting, free of ice cream shops or eateries.
Despite its more remote location, the beach is accessible by a half-mile walk over cliffs from the nearest car park at Stackpole Quay, which takes around 20 minutes. However, it’s important to note that due to its rugged terrain and steps to reach the beach, it’s not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs.
There are no facilities at the beach, but there’s a café and toilets at Stackpole Quay – perfect for a refreshment break. For those looking to extend their stay, there’s a collection of self-catering accommodations in the local area and a pub in Stackpole village for that classic British dish and pint!
Following a trip to Barafundle Bay, one visitor shared on TripAdvisor: “Stunning beach after a short walk from the National Trust car park. I don’t think I have ever seen a more beautiful beach.”
“In my top 5 beaches in the UK”, another shared. “Great walk to get to and the lack of commercialisation just makes it the place to go. Would recommend.”
One more commented: “Such a beautiful beach. Feels lovely and secluded. The weather wasn’t great but it was still beautiful. The walk there was also enjoyable.”
However, some travellers warned that the beach can get “extremely busy” during school holidays and hot weather days. Some advised getting there early to make the most of the secluded oasis, while others said there was still “plenty of space”.
Visit Pembrokeshire also advises that people should plan their trip to the beach accordingly. “If you’re planning to visit, check out the tide times to make sure you’ve plenty of beach to play on and that you don’t get cut off by the incoming tide”, they said.
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