Stackpole Tourist Information

Stackpole is a delightful village about 4 miles south of Pembroke on the coast of South Wales.

The site of Stackpole village was originally closer to Bosherston but was relocated in 1735 from its medieval site in order to make way for the Stackpole Estate, now owned by the National Trust.

The magnificent Stackpole Court once entertained Edward VII but the family fell on hard times and the house was demolished in 1963, leaving just the fish ponds and grounds.

Stackpole Estate is part of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and consists of four and a half square miles (12 sq. km) of woodland, lily ponds, cliffs and beaches. Barafundle Beach has been listed as one of the Top 12 beaches in the world as well as the “best beach in Britain” so it is worth checking out!

Stackpole church dates back to the 13th century and is well-preserved and typical of the church architecture used in South Wales during that era. It is situated at the bottom of a wooded valley with just the rectory and three local cottages around it.

The church is in cruciform shape and has a tall narrow spire which is one of the original parts of this ancient structure. Records show that the church underwent extensive restoration around 1851.

The work was commissioned by the 1st Earl Cawdor who brought in Sir George Gilbert Scott, better known for his work on Westminster Abbey. The work cost £1,804 7s 2˝d which is the equivalent today of over £105,000.

Present Day Stackpole

Stackpole village is made up of older cottages and some more modern homes built during the 1950s around the school and on the edge of Deer Park. The village is surrounded by green countryside and rolling hills and is a delightful place to relax and enjoy the area's natural beauty.

The village has just over 200 residents but it has a primary school, which dates back to the 19th century, and a 13th century church dedicated to St James and St Elidy. Visitors to the church should look for the colourful Minton floor tiles and the lovely tracery in the windows. The vaulting dates back to the 14th century.

Stackpole has a delightful 16th century pub, the Stackpole Inn, which was voted “Best Food Experience in Pembrokeshire” in 2011.

Things to do in Stackpole

Stackpole is within walking distance of some of the best beaches in Pembrokeshire, including the long sands of Broad Haven South Beach and Barafundle Beach. Together they offer plenty of beach activities for families and great cliff walks.

Fishing, sailing, boating, walking, cycling and nature watching are just some of the things to do around Stackpole, with its tiny quay and nature reserve.

Just outside the village is the leisure venue known as the Stackpole Centre. It has an indoor swimming pool, sauna, Jacuzzi, bar, theatre and conference facilities.

It is part of the Stackpole Lily Ponds attraction which, together with the eight-span bridge, can be found on the Home Farm estate.

Further afield the coast is littered with castles to visit including Pembroke Castle, one of the largest in Wales.