Family Days out at Stackpole Estate

Published:: 03 September 2024

Family group on a trail near the lakes Stackpole, Pembrokeshire — Family group on a trail at the Lakes Stackpole, Pembrokeshire | © Mark Saunders

A visit to the Stackpole Estate is like no other, with beaches, trails, history and 3,000 acres to explore for the whole family. Find out what delights to expect on your visit to this spectacular location.

Planning your family visit.

To help you plan your day in advance, here’s some key information.

Barafundle Bay is only accessible on foot from Stackpole Quay along the coast path or from the Stackpole Centre across the eight-arch bridge and over the Old Deer Park. You can also walk from Broad Haven South beach along the coastal path.
Take part in our events throughout the season.
Dogs are welcome but must be kept under close control due to the enormous amount of wildlife on the estate. Read more about visiting with your four-legged friend here
Toilets can be found in the following locations. Broad Haven South Beach, Stackpole Quay, the Stackpole Centre, the Walled Garden, Bosherston Lily Ponds car park and Stackpole Court car park. There are baby changing facilities as well as accessible toilet facilities at the Stackpole Centre.
For information about accessibility please read more here or ask a member of our friendly team on reception at the Stackpole Centre.

Car Parks

There are 5 car parks on the wider estate listed below in order of size:

Broad Haven South beach car park has space for 750 cars in this cliff car park above the famous golden beach. There are also toilets and a refreshment trailer in the summer months.
With 250 spaces, Stackpole Quay car park is one of our most popular car parks (situated close to) the historic Quay and a 20 minute walk to Barafundle Bay. There are toilet facilities and Boathouse tearooms close by.
Bosherston Lily Ponds car park is in Bosherston village and the closest car park to the lake paths. It has space for 100 cars and has a toilet block.
Stackpole Court car park can be accessed from the road to Stackpole village and is the best place to park for access to Lodge Park Woods, the Walled Garden and Stackpole Court, once the site of a grand house. There are toilets and space for 45 cars.

Children and dog at Bosherston Lake, Stackpole, Pembrokeshire | © National Trust Images/Mark Saunders

As Summer closes and Pembrokeshire readies itself for the quieter and some would say even more beautiful autumn months, visitors and residents can look forward to changing colours, berries in the hedgerows, empty beaches and the gentler dappled sunshine of September. See if you can spot the otters who live around the edges of the lakes, or have a fun family afternoon ticking off 50 things before you’re 11 and ¾.

In later autumn months and winter, Barafundle Bay, Broadhaven South and Freshwater West beaches at the coast are more blustery and wilder with loads of opportunities to discover this remote regions wildlife. If you’re lucky you may spot breeding seals along the coastline and if you do, we ask that you refrain from approaching them, and that you keep dogs on leads. Bring your binoculars and see if you can identify the many wintering birds on the estate as well as at the Castle Martin Corse behind Freshwater West beach and Gupton farm.

Our Stackpole Centre reception and The Boathouse Tea-room at Stackpole Quay remain open all through Autumn and Winter.

Discover the Estate

The Stackpole estate is 3,000 acres and has many miles of walking trails that traverse across the estate through woods and open spaces as well as around the lakes. You can make your walk as long or as short as you feel like. Check out our map here and plan your day.

Explorers at the Ready!

Perfect for energetic children on a visit to the estate are the self- led trails that we have created especially for our young visitors. To pick up a map and find out more information pop over to our Visitor reception adjacent to the Stackpole Centre

Lodge Park Woods Forest trail Self -led

It’s time to dive into the woods for a spot of orienteering. Follow our orienteering map and discover the hidden secrets of Lodge Park Woods, uncovering the old Ice House and Summer House. Along the way marvel at the tall tree, lively birdsong and meander through this mystical woodland.

Remember to clip the number when you find the orienteering post! Pick up the free map from visitor reception

The Walled Garden

This lovely calm walled oasis is a very nice place to enjoy a cup of tea and a home cooked meal at the small café and wander around the historic walled garden. The garden is managed by the trustees of Pembrokeshire Mencap, who produce a range of plants, fresh fruit and vegetables that you can buy at their small garden shop. To find out more about opening times and the impressive work undertaken by the adults supported by Mencap at the garden read more here.

The Beaches

Two world renowned beaches form part of the Estate

Barafundle Bay

A small bay backed by dunes and a cool calm forest, Barafundle Bay is only accessible on foot by a half mile walk either along the cliffs from Stackpole Quay, across the old Deer Park from the Stackpole centre, or along the coast path from Broad haven South. Crystal clear waters and soft golden sand await you after your walk. Barafundle is isolated, pristine and there are no facilities.

Broad Haven South

This is a wide sandy bay backed by dunes that lead to the Stackpole estate Lakes. It’s the perfect place for an active beach day with the family. There is a large car park, toilets and a refreshment trailer in the summer. Please be aware that the sea has strong currents at Broad Haven South

Broad Haven South Seashore Safari self-led

It’s time to go on a safari! Uncover the mystery of Mere Pool Valley and beautiful Broad Haven South. Along the way, conquer our nature challenges… have you got what it takes? Remember your 50 things scrapbook to help you complete your challenges. Pick up the free map from visitor reception.