Camping and glamping on the Pembrokeshire coast, with the enchanting grounds of a country estate to explore next door
When the sun has got its hat on, there really are fewer places we'd rather spend the day than the beaches and bays of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, while as dusk descends the rarefied night sky round these parts displays the twinkling stars in utmost clarity. And at Stackpole Under the Stars, a hidden idyll of a spot just outside Pembroke, campers and glampers have an unspoiled setting to relax, rejuvenate and reconnect with nature. After all, how many campsites can boast a National Park location just a stone's throw from a recognised National Nature Reserve?
While the only remaining link to the Stackpole Estate is the pair of Grade-II- listed stone gate pillars you pass through to enter the campsite, the site of the once grand Stackpole Court is just around the corner. Here, the Stackpole Estate’s landscaped grounds, now reclaimed by nature and managed by the National Trust, are abuzz with wildlife and vibrant flora and centred around the picture-perfect (not to mention, otter-residing) Bosherton Lily Ponds. It is within the grounds of the estate’s North Lodge that Stan and Laura Ridgway's welcome new addition to the Pembrokeshire camping landscape was born.
Offering the best of both worlds, Stackpole Under the Stars has space for five tent pitches alongside a smattering of glamping accommodation which includes hand-crafted yurts, bell tents, and a luxury pod. Keeping things small scale in this way ensures the tranquility of the hay meadow setting is not compromised and all plots are a respectful distance apart. It also means the crafty new wash-pod facilities and eco-friendly compost loo are never over-run. With acres of space, mown play areas and meandering grass pathways, kids can let their imaginations run riot here, with yet more adventures awaiting in the nearby Lodge Park Woods.
Stackpole's prime spot on the southern Pembroke peninsula means some of the region's finest beaches like Broadhaven South and the sand dunes and pine trees of Barafundle Bay are easily accessible. With the Pembrokeshire Coast Path a stone's throw away, you can really soak up the dramatic nature of the West Wales coastline. And just when you think you know this pocket of Pembrokeshire, it continues to reveal hidden treasures like the hermit's chapel, built into the side of a cliff at St Govan's Head. To get there, you'll have to traverse the 52 vertigo-inducing steps that lead down the cliff-face. Local lore (or tourist board propaganda as some have suggested) has it that the number is never the same on the way back up. Either way, we're sure you'll settle that argument back at camp over the nightly ritual of marshmallow-toasting over the flickering flames of the campfire.
'Dreamy Days and Starry Nights' runs the Stackpole Under the Stars tagline and we think that sums things up pretty nicely.
The Owner Says
Our family-run campsite is like a little green oasis, tucked away behind woodland in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park , and yet only 10 minutes’ drive from the historic town of Pembroke. It’s the best of both worlds. If you’re seeking a place to unwind, in a quiet rural location but within easy reach of what others may call ‘civilisation’, we think you’ll love it.
We look forward to hosting you for your camping and glamping holidays here in Stackpole. However long you choose to stay, and whether you’re in your own tent, camper or caravan or relaxing in our glamping accommodation, you’ll share experiences that will last a lifetime.
Reader Reviews
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★★★★★
A lovely campsite, simple, back to nature, what camping is all about.
A really warm welcome from Laura and Stan despite the fact that we arrived in shocking rain and wind. We had to park our van on the hard-standing because for 24 hours the site was so wet, this worked well as for one night we had the site to ourselves. To be fair the weather was not normal! The campsite itself is small and intimate, all of the pitches around a large open space for kids to play. Laura and Stan couldn't have been more welcoming and the facilities are clean and warm. Location wise, it's not that easy to walk directly to the Stackpole Estate unless you go on the road, but that's not too far. Otherwise it's a 5 min drive to the most beautiful walks, beaches and pubs etc.... Highly recommended for all. Our only suggestion would be to put a laminated map up in the wash room for people like us who've forgotten theirs! Thanks Stan for the loan of the OS map though. A big help. And the desserts at the Stackpole Inn were particularly good. We hope to be back. Sincere thanks for a lovely welcome.
Response from Stackpole Under the Stars
Thanks both for taking the time to review, it was a pleasure to meet you and snoop in your lovely van! Thank you for mentioning about the map, that's something Stan said ages ago and we'd forgotten! Hope to see you again some time, thanks again.
★★★★★
A beautifully peaceful retreat with great amenities.
We spent 5 nights here on our first proper outing in our new campervan. It is exactly what we wanted. There are only 10 pitches including 2 Yurts 2 Bell tents and a Pod. Perfectly located for exploring all South Pembrokeshire it is a beautiful place to come back to at the end of the day to chill out while the sun sets. The showers and toilet pods were very good and there was never much of a wait. In all honesty we were a bit reluctant to write a glowing review as we wanted to keep this one to ourselves!! We have already booked up for next Easter. Well done Laura Stan and Ossian keep up the good work.
Response from Stackpole Under the Stars
Thank you so much Mike for taking the time to write your 'glowing review'! We appreciate it hugely! Looking forward to some more amazing weather with you in Easter 2020!
★★★★★
Small friendly site
Great small and friendly site in a lovely location. We stayed on a grass pitch but had a look and would recommend the glamping pods and yurts as well. Fire pits and logs available on site and surfboards for hire. The chickens were cute.
Response from Stackpole Under the Stars
Thank you Cath for taking the time to write a review, we're glad you enjoyed it here.
★★★★★
Wonderful.
This is our kind of campsite- simple, small but all you need. Loved the little shower pods and the washing up room with everything there - tea towels etc and easy recycling. So friendly and relaxed. Wonderful position for the coast - 4 miles cycle to St Govans (which we didn’t actually do as it was very windy). Loved it! Thank you, Laura and Stan.
Response from Stackpole Under the Stars
Thank you so much for coming to stay with us and for taking the time to write a review, we do appreciate it. Glad you enjoyed this beautiful area. Laura & Stan
★★★★★
Perfect small site for visiting the Pembrokeshire coast.
Beautiful little site in a stunning part of Wales. Roomy pitches, decent shower and kitchen facilities and super friendly/helpful owners. Its all very laid back, quiet and informal. Great cycling on near empty roads straight from the site (but quite hilly - factor this in if you plan to do a lot).Local pub is decent but takes about 35-40 minutes to walk to. Taxis can be booked to get you back though. Recommended - we loved it.
Response from Stackpole Under the Stars
Thanks Phil for taking the time to leave this review (not sure why I have only just found it!). We're glad our place suited you.. and who wouldn't love this beautiful area?! Thank you again! Laura and Stan
★★★★★
Yurt,scenery,calm.
Thank you Stackpole, thank you Stan, Laura and Osean (unsure of spelling) - our daughter mesmerised by your cart of Gold (and candy). First time camping with whole gang( 2 adults, 1 x 4 and 1 x 1.5) First time in a Yurt too, everything was set up, v welcoming after a long drive, nice touch (to light) ready made fire and comfy Yurt. Slept us well. Immaculate facilities, clean, made prep for all the family a pleasure and started our holiday days well. Great advice too, all recommends taken and enjoyed: Freshwater West, Angle, Safari Park (easy tiger) and slightly further for a day scaling Skomer island, 3-hrs not enough, Trust experts welcome and guide your visit, a joy, do remember cash for car park( 5), Skomer ferry ( 11 each) and landing tax ( 10 plus each) cash available in nearest village post office, on route just past tower, but first come first served for the crossing . Well worth it. A truly wonderful few days - Stan Laura and Osean could not have been more helpful. The fond memory stay sits well and we all easy recollect a camping trip made by such perfect hosts, happy to help, advise and rtn quickly a mobile mislaid during frantic packing. Recommended, we hope to rtn, thank you for sharing Stackpole with us, G S H and Baby B
Response from Stackpole Under the Stars
Thank you so much for taking the time to review, and for your lovely feedback, Gary and co! So glad you enjoyed yourselves. Reading more about your holiday makes me want to go on our own little tour of Pembrokeshire - it's been too long!
★★★★★
Peaceful, small and friendly campsite with modern amenities
We have just returned from 2 nights at Stackpole and had a fantastic time. We booked last minute and the owners managed to squeeze us in with a great pitch for our camper van close to the shower/toilet pods. This is a lovely family run campsite and they have put so much work into building a friendly, small campsite with clean modern amenities. For those that want some glamming there are Yurt’s, Tpees a really cool beautifully decorated camping pod but you can also just pitch up your tent and crack on. The owners are very friendly and helpful and everything you need is here including free range chickens wandering around. We had a dog with us which due to the chickens had to be kept on the lead but the campsite was dog friendly as long as you are a responsible dog owner. Great site would definitely recommend for a quiet, peaceful time close to some great beaches
Response from Stackpole Under the Stars
Thanks so much for taking the time to review! It was lovely to meet you - hope your onward travels are great too!
★★★★★
Campsite as a campsite should be
Every now and then you find the perfect place where you get the real camping feeling. As it was our first year without a tent but with our new old caravan it was hard to find a small nice gem of a campsite on Coolcamping. Anyway it was great. Large spots, big and clean sanitary, large playing field, quiet, nice people and beautiful surroundings. By car there are a lot of things to see and do. Great walks although not really save from the campsite it self. No pub whitin walking distance but enough of them within 10 minutes by car.
Response from Stackpole Under the Stars
Thank you so much Astrid, it was lovely to meet you all and really glad you enjoyed the campsite and this beautiful area. All the best!
★★★★★
A synchronistic chance
After working the greenman festival and needing a short break - I popped online to see what was available (just before the bank holiday weekend!!) and my heart sank when I saw stackpole was full but I thought it was worth a quick call incase of any cancellations. The lovely Laura answered and yep you guessed it one family had had to cut their break short so i snapped it up. i wasnt disappointed when i got there. I got all my laundry washed and dried in their wash room, had a lovely hot shower in the private pod, settled into my corner of the camp for 3 nights, great size pitch, lovely and sheltered, great neighbours, daily visits from the chickens and next doors cats. Stan advised on best parking spot for my wander around Lily ponds/barafundle/broadhaven and answered any other questions i asked and on day 2 I went to visit Laura at the food truck at Freshwater West which is a MUST if its open. They were so lovely and the areas amazing. So many walks! Too many - so I hope to make it back at some point - oh and thankyou Osean for the sweets - very happy to have supported your magical cart of loveliness. Keep the dream alive x thankyou - it was so meant to be xxx
Response from Stackpole Under the Stars
Thanks so much for taking the time to review Lucy, it was lovely to meet you and glad you had a proper little breather. Glad you popped down to Café Mor at Freshwater West too, it's the best food on the best beach!
★★★★★
Fantastic campsite
We all had an amazing time, made all the better by a great campsite and very helpful owners! The facilities were fantastic and Stan was very helpful with suggests for local places to visit. See you again next year.
★★★★★
Friendly campsite, great facilities and close to amazing beaches!
Without question, the best campsite we’ve ever stayed at! The owners Laura & Stan were very helpful, and were always available if required. There are four new shower/toilet pods which were most welcomed. The electric showers always meant a hot shower whatever time you decide to take one. The kitchen facilities were ideal for the small campsite, with two sinks and an electric water heater always providing hot water when needed. There is an ample sized chest freezer too, which was most useful for our freezer blocks which we used every day. We just love to have a real fire, and logs and kindling we available to buy at the campsite for a reasonable charge. We had an electric camping pitch, and all pitches were generous in size with a communal area in the middle which the children loved playing in. We will definitely be staying at this campsite again, and would thoroughly recommend it.
Response from Stackpole Under the Stars
Thank you Neil so much for leaving a review! Look forward to having you all again as I was sorry not to be around during much of your stay this time.
★★★★★
Small, Friendly campsite
We had a great time. Ideal for families. Neat and tidy facilities. Safe for children.
Response from Stackpole Under the Stars
Thank you for taking the time to review, Jan. See you all next year!
★★★★★
Small, friendly, well-equipped site close to lovely beaches
This is a small site, with great amenities, including excellent new toilet/shower pods. The bell tent was really well equipped with everything you could need, including lots of blankets and hot water bottles. The cooking area was also well set up and there was enough cooking stuff to enable you to cook anything you needed to. The washing up facilities are good, too, and there's a washing machine and tumble drier (£2 each). The owners were delightful and friendly, as well as being super helpful. They even asked my son to join in with their family cricket match. The size of the site makes it great for families and it was pretty quiet when we were there. There are fantastic beaches nearby with lots to do. I would highly recommend it.
Response from Stackpole Under the Stars
Thank you Fiona for taking the time to review, we're glad you enjoyed yourselves.
★★★☆☆
The beautiful yurt and comfy bed. Proximity to Stackpoe estate, Bosherston, Barafundle.
Experience would be improved by being able to access basic food items on site - bread, milk, bacon, sausage, eggs, icecream. Thought you could take walks from the site, if so, not obvious or advertised on site. Can't put our finger on it, but just felt unfriendly. In 40 years of camping, never experienced this.
Response from Stackpole Under the Stars
Hi Allison, thanks for taking the time to review us. You're right about the basic essentials - we are planning to open a little shop next year. We're also hoping to add an outdoor cook-out for pizza nights. As we're only just over a year old, it's all little by little. We are really sorry - and surprised - that you found it unfriendly, as so many of our reviews have rated the site for the exact opposite. If there is anything more specific on this aspect you could feed back, we'd appreciate it.
★★★★★
Friendly, cosy campsite with amazing facilities and welcoming hosts
We visited Stackpole under the Stars for our first taste of glamping. The Bell Tents were roomy, pretty and well-supplied with everything we needed for cooking and living. We loved the pretty fairy lights in the tent and on our eating/cooking shelter as well as all the fluffy rugs and blankets. Stan and Laura were very friendly and helpful at all times and made our stay very easy and relaxing. The site is small which made it easy, especially for the children to befriend others and there was always a game of football to be had, which kept our kids happy. The toilets and showers were pristine and different from any other camping experience we have ever had, you actually felt you could remove your flip flops 😊The area around the campsite is beautiful and with a lot to do all close by; Pembroke castle, Barafundle Bay and Broad Haven beaches, Tenby as well as the wickedly Welsh chocolate company in Narberth. Despite two stormy nights the tents remained standing and it was great to have our shelter for eating and playing games. On dry evenings we loved being able to light a fire in the fire pit and barbecue/roast marshmallows. Having a jar of marshmallows provided in the tent as well as the basket of logs was a nice touch. We would definitely recommend Stackpole under the Stars and would choose to stay there again if we return to the area. Thank you!!
Response from Stackpole Under the Stars
Thank you so much for taking the time to review, it was lovely to have you here and hope we'll see you again some time.
★★★★★
My Favourite Campsite!
We stayed the first bank holiday in May in our VW campervan, we had an amazing time, very chilled and restful. We were the first to arrive and had the entire site to ourselves the first night! Stan was setting up all the pods and bell tents and was kind enough to let me have a nose in them, they are spectacular, such attention to detail and thoughtfulness of provisions. The bathrooms are great, there are 4 self contained pods with a wash basin, toilet and shower, perfect!. There is a wash room for dishes which also contains a freezer for you to freeze your ice packs. You can hire firepits and buy logs which makes for toasty evenings watching the stars. Nothing is too much trouble for Laura & Stan. They go out of their way to make sure your stay is perfect. We walked to the nearest pub the food is lovely, I recommend booking. We also walked into Pembroke, had a wander around the Castle and visited the Cake shop which had a huge selection of homemade cakes and cheesecakes! (although both are walkable there are no pavements and in some areas the grass verges disappear) The Lily ponds at Bosherton are amazing, as is the café in the walled garden. Our friends brought Kayaks and went down to the beach spending a lovely few hours exploring the caves along the coastline. We enjoyed our stay so much we are returning in August and have already booked in for next year!
★★★★★
Lush!
The site has the BEST facilities I’ve ever experienced on my many travels around Wales. It is extremely clean and orderly, Laura & Stan are very friendly and extremely helpful. The site is very easy to find and the walks especially around the very near Boaherston Lilly Ponds are stupendous. I camped with my 3 dogs and we had a blast and will most definitely return. Thank you Lauren & Stan
★★★★★
A true glamping experience
My girlfriend and I stayed in the Moon Pod for two nights. It was extremely well finished and clean. The bed was comfy. It's the perfect place to escape modern life. The fire pit gave much enjoyment and the little extras, such as the marshmallows with the tag 'toast me', was a lovely touch. Everyone on the sight was friendly and welcoming and it looked like a great place to bring children. For a place that has only been open a year they are doing fantastically well!
★★★★★
Beautiful and idyllic campsite
Stackpole under the Stars is a fantastic campsite for couples and families. It has great facilities (best camping facilities I've come across - 4 clean wet rooms with power showers and toilets, washing machine, tumble dryer, 2 sinks for washing up etc.). The campsite is beautifully set out with large pitches for everyone and a communal tent in the centre of the field for anyone to sit in or for children to play in. Loved how the centre of the field was not mown so wild flowers and grasses could grow. Definitely recommend staying at this site if you're heading to Pembrokeshire National Park!
★★★★★
Cracking campsite
Couldn’t have asked for a better campsite. The couple that ran the site were so friendly and helpful giving us amazing walks and beaches to visit. The campsite itself is lovely and the fire pits were a great addition, meaning we could sit out until late enjoying the evening. Wouldn’t hesitate to come back again!
★★★★★
Fantastic Couple of Nights at Stackpole Under the Stars
Just spent a couple of nights in one of yurts at Stockpole Under The Stars and had a wonderful time. Stan and Laura were very welcoming and made sure we had everything we needed for our short stay. The yurt easily took a family of four and was very comfy. Along with each yurt/tent/pod there is your own dining area including fire pit, gas hob..and "your" space is roomy enough so as not to feel that you are not stepping into someone else's. The showroom/toilet pods are very modern and clean...and better than a lot of hotels in the UK. SUTS is also a great place for families and kids to socialise...and very near some of Wales' best beaches incl. Barafundle. Lovely!
★★★★★
Wonderful weekend
Had an amazing stay here. This was our first time and will definately be returning. The camp was peaceful and relaxing, set in beautiful surroundings. The owners, Stan & Laura were on hand for info etc and were friendly and welcoming. Beautiful & clean shower/toilet pods and washing up room with everything provided. Even a freezer if needed. Washer & Dryer available at a cheap rate too. This was a great base to explore the beautiful area and coast line of the stackpole estate which i must say was very impressive and owned by the national trust, bonus, we are members so no parking fees. Also great to venture further out too. Loved every minute being here and looking forward to returning
★★★★★
Great camping trip
My husband, Digbeth the Irish Terrier and I had a lovely stay at Stackpole under the stars. The campsite is well run, clean, not too large, good location and Stan and Laura were really friendly offering help/guidance as required. We enjoyed eating our dinner and drinking wine with our fire pit under the stars! The coastline and area is stunning. We strongly recommend Barafundle beach and the local pub in Stackpole. We would really recommend this campsite to others.
★★★★★
Fabulous
This is a superbly run, impeccable little site with exceptionally helpful owners who are always around when you need them. It's ideally located and we spent a couple of days just exploring the Stackpole estate on our doorstep. The vast nearby beaches are clean and almost empty, the walks through the woods and along the lakes were a delight. It's also within easy reach of Tenby and St. Davids, and the wonderful woodland gardens at Colby. Our yurt was well-equipped and full of charm, and although the clear nights were chilly we were kept cosy by the roaring log stove. And clear nights means stars...
★★★★★
An absolute gem
This was the first time we chose to stay in a small site with our motorhome. From booking right through to moving on, everything was superb. Laura, Stan and Ossian couldn't have been more pleasant and helpful and the facilities were top class. The site is close to some of the best beaches in Britain and a great pub! The weather was great and we really did sit under a star filled sky. We will be back next year.
★★★★★
Breath taking
This was our first time we have ever been glamping & it didn’t disappoint. To start of we got lost so when we rang the owners of stackpole under the stars they came out in our car to find us and guided us to the camp site. They where both lovely & helpful with whatever we needed. The facilities on the site were also up to standards with washing machine, tumble dryer, plugs, places to wash up and also lovely shower/toilet pods. The yurt we stayed in was decorated beautifully with all the little details covered including everything you would need to cook. ( not forgetting the large marshmallows! ) We had a comfy night sleep with the warmth from the logfire. Would defiantly visit again! Thanks from vicki & derek
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