Located on the coast of Pembrokeshire in southwest Wales, Balahndor Bay is rapidly gaining its reputation as a tropical paradise for the UK itself, and has gained popularity in recent viralticutok videos. The secluded, east-facing sandy beach entrance is sandwiched between cliffs and surrounded by dune-supported pine forests, creating scenes of golden sand and clear, clear turquoise water.
Part of the scenic Stackpole Estate managed by the National Trust, the bay is only reachable on foot, with 30 miles of walks strolling through uneven terrain and down stone stairs from the nearest parking lot of Stackpole Key.
Its remote location adds to the charm and ensures a peaceful experience without the fuss of shops, ice cream vans and lifeguards.
Visitors and reviewers praised the Bala Fundle. The Good Holiday Guide named it among the top 12 beaches in the world, describing it as “the best beach in the UK.”
Tiktok Account Global Getaways said the beach “appears to belong to Thailand.”
In 2006, Country Life even rated it the best picnic spot in the UK.
Most recently, he won both Seaside and Green Coast awards at the 2019 Welsh Coast Awards.
Local efforts and National Trust Stewardship kept the coastline untouched, earning a clean score of 78/100, making it the UK's cleanest beach according to one study.
Barafundle's appeal is not just its Instagram-ready aesthetics. It is also a gateway to wildlife and natural wonders.
The wider Stack Pole Estate features lily pounds rich in otters, dragonflies and wildfalls, with coastal cliff tops occasionally offering sightings of seabirds such as dolphins, sharks and kitty wakes.
However, a visit to Barafundle requires planning. If the facility is on site and does not have a facility, all clauses must be brought in, prepared for a walk, and carefully check the tide time to ensure that you are not left behind.
Parking at Stackpole Quay costs around £6 per day during peak season, but National Trust members can avoid the fees.
With summer travel looking inward-looking for many British inhabitants, Balafundle Bay offers an attractive alternative to all untouched sand, mild water and its coveted “tropical” sense without leaving the UK soil.
