Stackpole: Coast, Lakes and Historic Trails

The landscape of Stackpole ranges from sandy beaches and dunes to shallow freshwater lakes near Bosherston, as well as limestone cliffs, woodland and a historic estate. When choosing accommodation for your trip, you might first consider whether the coast, the lakes, wildlife watching or the history of the Stackpole Estate matters most to you.

Coast, cliffs and wildlife

The Stackpole Estate on the Pembrokeshire coast covers a 3,000-acre historic landscape of Grade I listed status. Broad Haven South is a large sandy beach with an extensive dune system behind it. Barafundle Bay is nearby. From the nearest car park at Stackpole Quay, an 800-metre footpath leads to the bay; access may vary depending on path conditions. Check conditions before setting off on foot.

Stackpole Head’s cliffs are home to razorbills, guillemots, choughs, peregrine falcons and ravens. A colony of guillemots uses caves there as nesting sites; breeding activity is seasonal. The coastal landscape thus brings together different habitats, from dunes and beaches to cliffs. Visitors with a particular interest in birds will find specific places and species at Stackpole Head to look out for.

Lakes and trails near Bosherston

The Stackpole National Nature Reserve includes shallow freshwater lakes near Bosherston, woodland, dunes, limestone cliffs and beaches. The Bosherston Lily Ponds are part of a National Nature Reserve. The Bosherston Lakes were created in limestone valleys in the 18th and 19th centuries by the Campbells of Cawdor. Today they are rich in wildlife, including otters, waterbirds and dragonflies. The Stackpole Estate is also home to the largest colony of greater horseshoe bats in Wales.

There is a bird hide and information boards at the boathouse by the Bosherston Lily Ponds. Step-free access with a ramp is on the opposite side. The Coastal Cruiser, which is wheelchair accessible, serves the walking route around the Lily Ponds.

A walking route around the Bosherston Lily Ponds starts at Stackpole Outdoor Learning and ends at a viewpoint overlooking Broad Haven South Beach. Another wildlife trail passes limestone cliffs with nesting seabirds, beaches, dunes and freshwater lakes with water lilies. Otters may be spotted along the way. The routes offer different highlights: a viewpoint over the beach, or a trail that links several habitats and the chance to watch wildlife.

Walking, cycling and kayaking

The Pembrokeshire Coastal Path runs through Stackpole between Bosherston and Freshwater East. There are specific route details to help you plan: the Stackpole Head Walk is 4.9 miles (7.9 kilometres) long and takes 2 hours and 30 minutes. Check current path conditions before setting off. The “Secrets of Stackpole Court” walk is one mile long; you should also check the latest route and distance information in advance.

There are also different options for a longer activity on foot or by mountain bike. The mountain bike trail in the Stackpole Estate passes through Castle Dock and Cheriton Bottom Woods and is more than four miles long. Kayaking is possible at Stackpole Quay, as is exploring the local caves and cliffs. Check conditions and providers before your trip. This lets you plan your day around a measured trail length, a beach destination or an activity on the water.

History and refreshments

The origins of the Stackpole Court estate date back at least to the 12th century. The Campbells built the mansion of Stackpole Court in the 1730s in the early Georgian Palladian style. Stackpole Quay was once a limestone quarry. These historical connections add several layers of history to today’s landscape: the story of the estate, the mansion’s architecture and the quay’s former use.

Stackpole has a six-acre walled garden, managed by Pembrokeshire Mencap, with a café. At Stackpole Quay, the Boathouse Tea-room serves simple, hearty food such as sandwiches, cake and cream tea. Alongside the coast, trails and nature reserve, a garden and a specific place to stop for refreshments are also among the aspects of Stackpole described here.

Discover more destinations: Begelly, Letterston, Wisemans Bridge, Abercastle, Boncath, Angle, Goodwick, Llangwm

For the wider travel overview: Pembrokeshire.