Gorgeous 'Caribbean of Wales' beach named as UK's most-loved spot

If you want a Caribbean holiday at staycation prices, then a trip to Wales might be the answer. There are plenty of spectacular seaside destinations in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland - but one beach in Wales has been dubbed a "Jewel in the Crown". The holiday rental portal, Holidu, analysed thousands of coastal destinations in the country and earmarked the top 25, based on user review data on Google Maps.

According to the results, the most-loved beach is Barafundle Bay in Pembrokeshire, Wales. Barafundle Bay is defined by lush green surroundings, turquoise waters and a stretch of golden sand. That said, it’s no great wonder by the bay is described as having 'views reminiscent of the Caribbean'.

READ MORE: Pretty UK beach near seaside town among the quietest to visit in Britain

According to Holidu's research, Barafundle Bay earned an impressive average rating of 4.9/5 on Google Maps based on 1668 reviews. Visitors described the Caribbean dupe as a “breath-taking gem” and described it as a destination “straight out of a fairy-tale”.

Despite its undeniable popularity, users clarified that it maintains a “calm” atmosphere and is “not overcrowded. Part of the reason for this might be the somewhat daunting climb down to reachBarafundle Bay.

Getting to the beach is a bit of a trek and includes a number of steps down the nearby cliff top. It’s an approximately 20-minute walk, according to one Google reviewer, but offers “stunning views”.

The reviewer continued: “The beach is hidden in a bay, lovely. Beautiful forest walk on the other side of the beach to more cliffs with magnificent views. There is also a small harbour to explore.” They also noted the presence of some “interesting rock formations”.

It should be noted that the beach’s untouched appeal also means that there are no facilities on hand. However, it is only a short walk away from Stackpole Quay which houses toilets and a café.

But Barafundle Bay wasn’t the only Welsh beach to claim a top spot on Holidu’s ranking. Mwnt in Ceredigion came in second place on the list of the most-beloved UK beaches.

The sheltered bay earned an average Google Maps rating of 4.9, though with notably fewer reviews than Barafundle Bay - only 722. Woolacombe Beach in North Devon secured the third place ranking - a destination beloved by both young families and avid surfers - with an average rating of 4.8 based on 32,006 reviews.

You can find a full list of Holidu's top-rated beaches across the UK below.

Top 25 most-loved beaches in the UK

Barafundle Bay Beach

Traeth Mwnt

Woolacombe Beach

Dunraven Bay

Trebarwith Beach

Cuckmere Haven

Man O'War Beach

Bigbury Beach

Gullane Beach

Benone Beach

Newburgh Seal Beach

Freshwater West

Horsey Beach

Mudeford Sandbank

Yellowcraig Beach

Traeth Llanddwyn

Porth Dafarch

Tenby North Beach

Hengistbury Head Beach

Traeth Porthor

Traeth Abermaw Beach

Weymouth Beach

Summerleaze Beach

Brancaster Beach

Old Hunstanton Beach