Freshwater West may be one of the top surfing spots on the Pembrokeshire coast, and indeed one of the best surfing spots in the entire country, but for most the miles of coastline that front Gupton Farm and its new National Trust campsite are better know simply for the spectacular sea views. This is a place where the Atlantic makes landfall in a marriage of cliffs, rocks and some of the UK’s best beaches. How nice it is to be able to camp just a short walk from it all.
Newly opened in 2017 and with fresh new facilities to boot – showers, toilets, a wet-weather barn and more – Gupton Farm Campsite is a fantastic spot for family tent camping that’s been built, despite it’s modernity, with a sympathy for the old farm surroundings. There’s nothing too flashy here and facilities have been tastefully constructed within the old farm barns. Likewise, restricting the meadow to tents and small campervans only ensures the site has a traditional and laid-back ambience, with space for kite flying and kids to play ball games. You won’t find a static caravan spoiling your view.
It’s a short walk down to the beach, following a grassy farm track that leads you first into the expansive dune system that backs the mile-long sands. Even as you approach you can hear the waves crashing along the bay. It’s no surprise that the Welsh National Surfing Championships have been held here several times. There are strong currents at work, though, so it pays to be very careful when you swim, with a lifeguard service provided during the busier summer months.
Elsewhere, the pamphlets and tourist information provided in the wet weather barn are quick to point you, unsurprisingly, to other National Trust-owned sites, including their Stackpole Estate, 5 miles to the east. Woods, walled gardens and ancient stone circles are waiting to be discovered there, along with a pleasant walk to Barafundle Bay. And if it all becomes too much you can take shelter in the ivy-clad Olde Worlde Café in Bosherston, a simple place but with everything you need – including monster sandwiches and a good old cup of tea.