Stackpole: Discover the Coast, Nature and Manor House

Stackpole combines an impressive coastal landscape with lakes, dunes, limestone cliffs and a remarkable history. The Stackpole Estate contains a 3,000-acre historic Grade I listed landscape on the Pembrokeshire coast. Those looking for a holiday apartment or holiday cottage in Stackpole can therefore tailor their stay to their own interests: with coastal walks, wildlife watching, historical discoveries or an active day on the water.

Landscape between lakes, dunes and cliffs

The Stackpole National Nature Reserve encompasses shallow freshwater lakes near Bosherston, woodland, dunes, limestone cliffs and beaches. The Bosherston Lakes were created in limestone valleys by the Campbells of Cawdor in the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, they are rich in wildlife, including otters, waterfowl and dragonflies. The Bosherston Lily Ponds are part of a National Nature Reserve and therefore offer a special natural setting for quiet observation and walks.

There is also plenty to discover along the coast. The Pembrokeshire Coastal Path runs through Stackpole between Bosherston and Freshwater East. At the cliffs of Stackpole Head, a colony of razorbills uses caves as nesting sites. The cliffs also provide a habitat for guillemots, razorbills, choughs, peregrine falcons and ravens. The Stackpole Estate is also home to the largest colony of greater horseshoe bats in Wales. The wildlife trail passes limestone cliffs with nesting seabirds, beaches, dunes and freshwater lakes with water lilies; there is also an opportunity to see otters.

Paths for different types of holiday day

The Stackpole Head Walk is suitable for a longer hike. It is 4.9 miles or 7.9 kilometres long and takes 2 hours and 30 minutes. A shorter option is the “Secrets of Stackpole Court” walking route, which is 1 mile long. The walking route at the Bosherston Lily Ponds begins at Stackpole Outdoor Learning and ends at a viewpoint overlooking Broad Haven South beach. The route at the Lily Ponds is served by the wheelchair-accessible Coastal Cruiser. There is a birdwatching hide with information boards at the boathouse; on the opposite side, there is ramp access.

Those who want to experience Stackpole from the water can find a place for kayaking and exploring the local caves and cliffs at Stackpole Quay. For cycling tours, a mountain bike trail is available in the Stackpole Estate, passing through Castle Dock and Cheriton Bottom Woods and extending for more than 4 miles. When choosing your accommodation, you can therefore consider whether you would prefer to focus on peaceful days in nature, longer hikes, cycling tours or activities on the water.

Stackpole Court and the former quay

Stackpole also has a distinctive cultural and historical character. The origins of the Stackpole Court estate date back at least to the 12th century. In the 1730s, the Campbells built the early Georgian manor house Stackpole Court in the Palladian style. Stackpole Quay was formerly a limestone quarry. Stackpole Quay is also home to the Boathouse Tea-room, which serves simple, hearty food such as sandwiches, cakes and cream tea.

Nearby lies Barafundle Bay, with fine golden sand as well as dunes and woodland behind the beach. From the nearest car park at Stackpole Quay, the bay can be reached via an 800-metre footpath. These contrasting landscapes make Stackpole interesting for trips that combine nature, coast and history.

More destinations for trip planning

For further orientation, you can also explore Ludchurch, Abercastle, Rosemarket, Templeton, Mathry, Llandeloy, Cosheston and Begelly.

For the overarching travel overview: Pembrokeshire.