'Heavenly' beach hidden in Pembrokeshire named among the best in Britain
From Cornwall to Fife, and everywhere in between, the travel experts at The Telegraph have scoured the British coastline and come up with a list of Britain's greatest beaches.
Introducing the list, the news outlet said: "Britain's relationship with its beaches might easily be described as 'complicated'.
"There are days when the rain arrows in sideways, and that excursion to the seaside is reduced to huddling in fish-and-chip shops and Victorian bandstands.
"There are days when everyone has the same idea, and you can barely see the sand for damp picnic blankets, grouchy children, yapping dogs and giant beady-eyed seagulls.
"Then there are days when the sun shines at the right temperature and the ideal angle, the shoreline looks like a tropical postcard, and you briefly wonder why, for all the glorious places dotted round the globe, you would ever go anywhere else.
"Right now, with the weather finally starting to play ball, we can focus on that third scenario – and the best that this country and its 7,723 miles of coast can offer.
"For there will be plenty of days during the upcoming months when the perimeters of Wales, Scotland and England – and yes, their surrounding islands – are holiday heaven, and you will not be able to stop yourself unlocking your phone, and clicking the camera."
🏖️ Whether you are after buzzy or serene, a tiny beach shack, or rows of upmarket outlets there's a perfect beach break for you These are 10 of the best family-friendly beaches in Europe 👇https://t.co/5fPL11GG40 pic.twitter.com/C4p0KjAqv0
— Telegraph Travel (@TelegraphTravel) July 3, 2025
Britain's top 20 greatest beaches, according to The Telegraph, are:
Par, Isles of Scilly
Pedn Vounder, Cornwall
Polzeath, Cornwall
East Portlemouth, Devon
Saunton Sands, Devon
Seatown, Dorset
Clevedon, Somerset
Totland Bay, Isle of Wight
Rottingdean, East Sussex
St Margaret's Bay, Kent
Walberswick, Suffolk
Brancaster, Norfolk
Morecambe North, Lancashire
Runswick Bay, North Yorkshire
Cocklawburn and Cheswick, Northumberland
Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire
Penbryn, Ceredigion
Elie Harbour, Fife
Silver Sands of Morar, Highland
Scarista Beach, Isle of Harris
Baradundle Bay is one of just two Welsh beaches to feature among the list of Britain's best, released by The Telegraph.
The "ravishing" beach is only accessible on foot (half-hour walk from the nearest car park), and it's for this reason that it's among the country's best.
The Telegraph said: "You could comb through every pebble and grain of sand on Britain's shores and not find a lovelier beach than this great scoop of blonde sand fizzing into a sea of brilliant turquoise.
"There's a reason Barafundle Bay on Pembrokeshire's south coast always sneaks into the polls of Wales' best beaches, but the good news is it hasn't let fame go to its pretty head.
"Summer holidays and weekends aside, you'll often get this ravishing beach to yourself, particularly if you're an early riser. Why?
"Because you can only reach it on foot: up and over grassy cliffs and dunes on a half-hour walk from Stackpole Quay National Trust car park."
When was the last time you visited Barafundle Bay? (Image: Getty Images) The news outlet doesn't just stop at Barafundle Bay, recommending a visit to nearby Bosherston as well, where there is a trail that takes you through broadleaf woods and past water lily-spattered ponds.
The Telegraph adds: "The path emerges at Broad Haven South, another stunner of a dune-fringed beach, with views to Church Rock."
The Pembrokeshire beach also comes highly recommended by visitors, with Barafundle Bay boasting a near-perfect 4.8 (out of 5) rating on Tripadvisor from 1,189 reviews.
Those who have made the journey to the "hidden" beach have described it as "beautiful", "amazing", and "one of the best beaches in the world".
One visitor, posting on Tripadvisor, said: "I have travelled the world and have been lucky enough to see some heavenly beaches.
"This is up there. Absolutely stunning. To visit West Wales and not see this beach is nothing short of a crime."
Another added: "Be prepared for a walk but what a beautiful beach to find.
"If you have children then it's very safe no traffic and no massive crowds.
"Views on the way over from national trust car park are spectacular.
"There is a cafe near the car park otherwise no shops. Very special place to go to."
RECOMMENDED READING:
Coastal town in Pembrokeshire named the best spot in the UK for beaches
Discover the little Pembrokeshire village described as 'heaven on earth'
'Genteel' seaside town in Pembrokeshire with 'glorious' beaches among UK's best
While a third person commented: "Short walk through wooded steps and across livestock field to Barafundle Bay, definitely worth the walk.
"Just beautiful! Park at the National Trust car park at the quay and it is sign posted from there.
"Dog friendly, beautiful walled beach with steps down to white sand and crystal clear, calm water. Already planning our next trip!"
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