Stackpole brings together a coastal landscape of lakes, beaches and traces of the past. When planning your trip, it is worth keeping different experiences in mind: paths along cliffs and dunes, the landscape around Bosherston and the history of the estate. This lets you shape your days around the things that interest you most.
Lakes, Dunes and Wildlife
Stackpole National Nature Reserve encompasses shallow freshwater lakes near Bosherston, woodland, dunes, limestone cliffs and beaches. 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. Stackpole Estate is also home to the largest colony of greater horseshoe bats in Wales.
The coast is home to a variety of habitats, too. Broad Haven South is a large sandy beach, with an extensive dune system behind it. Guillemots, razorbills, choughs, peregrine falcons and ravens live on the cliffs at Stackpole Head. A colony of razorbills uses caves there as nesting sites; breeding activity is seasonal. The Stackpole Estate on the Pembrokeshire coast encompasses a 3,000-acre historic Grade I listed landscape.
Traces of History
The estate has a long history: its origins date back to at least the 12th century. The Campbells built the early Georgian mansion Stackpole Court in the Palladian style in the 1730s. Stackpole Quay reflects a different historical use: it was once a limestone quarry. Together, these places tell the story of different chapters in local history, from the estate’s beginnings to the shaping of its later landscape.
The lakes are also part of this designed landscape. Created by the Campbells of Cawdor in limestone valleys, they connect the estate’s history with the nature found on their shores today. Those interested in architecture can appreciate Stackpole Court as a Palladian-style mansion; those more drawn to the landscape can find a different way into the area’s history among its lakes and valleys.
Coastal and Bosherston Walks
The Pembrokeshire Coastal Path passes through Stackpole between Bosherston and Freshwater East. The Stackpole Head Walk is 4.9 miles (7.9 km) long and takes 2 hours and 30 minutes. Check current path conditions before setting out. A shorter route is the one-mile “Secrets of Stackpole Court” walk; its route details may also change.
A walking route by the Bosherston Lily Ponds starts at Stackpole Outdoor Learning and ends at a viewpoint overlooking Broad Haven South beach. The walk is served by the wheelchair-accessible Coastal Cruiser. At the Lily Ponds, the boathouse also serves as a bird hide, with information boards available. There is an access ramp on the opposite side.
The wildlife trail in Stackpole Estate passes limestone cliffs where seabirds nest, beaches, dunes and freshwater lakes with water lilies. You may have the chance to spot otters. For another way to experience the landscape, the mountain biking trail runs through Castle Dock and Cheriton Bottom Woods and is more than 4 miles long. Stackpole Quay is also a place to kayak and explore local caves and cliffs; check conditions and providers before your trip.
A Garden and a Break at the Quay
Stackpole has a six-acre walled garden cared for by Pembrokeshire Mencap, with a café. At Stackpole Quay, the Boathouse Tea-room serves simple, hearty food such as sandwiches, cake and cream tea. Both places offer a chance to combine a visit to the landscape with a break.
Barafundle Bay is also nearby, with fine golden sand and dunes and woodland behind the beach. From the nearest car park at Stackpole Quay, an 800-metre footpath leads to the bay. As path conditions can affect access, it is a good idea to check them before setting out.
Discover more destinations: Llangwm, Newgale, Treffnynnon, Solva, Boncath, Roch, Treffgarne, Rosemarket.
For the main travel guide: Pembrokeshire.
