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Spring is finally around the corner. Soon, Brits will once again be flocking to the coast to make the most of warmer weather. We’ll be frolicking in the sea, laying out a spread of picky bits and lukewarm beers on the sand and lathering on the factor 50 – life will be good.
In the UK, you’re never more than a couple of hours drive from the sea, so it would be easy to simply head to your nearest sandy stretch and be content. But at Time Out, we’re only happy with the absolute best. And for one of the best bays in not just the UK, but all of Europe, you need to take a trip to Wales.
In Time Out’s roundup of the best beaches across Europe, we crowned Barafundle Bay in Pembrokeshire the fifth best beach on the continent. It ranked above beaches in the likes of Italy, Croatia and Greece.
Part of what makes the Welsh bay so special is that it’s well hidden. It’s only reachable via a half-mile walk through woodland, along the Wales Coastal Path and down a steep set of steps. From the top of those steps you get a magnificent view of Barafundle’s golden, unspoiled curve of sand and its gleaming clear blue water.
RECOMMENDED: Two British beaches are the best in Europe, according to TripAdvisor.
What’s more, the beach faces east and is wrapped by cliffs on either side, meaning that it’s largely protected from the wind, and the water stays pretty calm and safe for bathing (which is particularly ideal for younger families).
The only other British beach to make the list was Kynance Cove on Cornwall’s Lizard Peninsula. It featured thanks to its sweeping sands, hidden caves and the beautiful glassy green Mermaid’s Pool.
🏖️ Time Out’s full list of the best beaches in Europe.
Did you see that England is set to get 13 new officially designated wild swimming spots for summer 2026?
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