Lily Ponds
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Bosherston Lily Ponds

4.8
·600 reviews·, United Kingdom

Serene lily ponds and picturesque coastal walks in Pembrokeshire, offering abundant wildlife and stunning natural beauty.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring mornings

Lambs and blooming nature

CrowdLow
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Lily Ponds

Bosherston Lily Ponds

Best Time

Spring mornings

Lambs and blooming nature

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Serene lily ponds and picturesque coastal walks in Pembrokeshire, offering abundant wildlife and stunning natural beauty.

4.8
(600 reviews)

"A lakeside stroll that ends with your toes in the sand? Only in Wales."

Vertical photo
TIP

🐾 Dog-Friendly Paradise

Leashed dogs are welcome on the trails and at Broad Haven South Beach.

🥾 Trail Variety

Choose routes based on fitness: some have bridges with single handrails, others are easier.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Lily Ponds

The Lily Ponds

Bosherston Lily Ponds

Vast, tranquil lakes adorned with vibrant lily pads, a haven for wildlife and stunning photography.

TikTok
Broad Haven South Beach

Broad Haven South Beach

Adjacent to Lily Ponds

A beautiful, unspoiled sandy beach perfect for a post-walk stroll or a dip.

Instagram
Scenic Walking Trails

Scenic Walking Trails

Surrounding the ponds and coast

Explore well-maintained paths offering diverse routes, from short strolls to longer coastal walks.

InstagramReddit
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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Beat the crowds by visiting early morning or late afternoon. Weekends and holidays can get busy, especially during peak season. Consider visiting outside of summer for a more tranquil experience. Instagram

Parking & Access

The National Trust car park at Bosherston can fill up quickly. Arrive early or be prepared to wait. Parking fees apply, so check current rates. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Spring mornings
Why
Lambs and blooming nature
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Medium
When
Autumn
Why
Vibrant foliage
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

You Still Touching Lily Pads After This? 😳
@conciousmb
657.6K likes • 41.9M views

🐾 Dog-Friendly Paradise

Leashed dogs are welcome on the trails and at Broad Haven South Beach. Instagram+1

🥾 Trail Variety

Choose routes based on fitness: some have bridges with single handrails, others are easier. Reddit

my brother in law's project to restore the lily ponds! @knoxsouthy #fyp #pond #restore #water #restoration
@noodlesadventures
43.4K likes • 550.1K views
What an absolutely stunning walk, taking in the incredible Bosherston Lily Ponds and then to Broad haven south beach to take in the amazing church rock 🪨
roseannegarcia0
8.7K likes • 366.2K views

📸 Capture the Wildlife

Be patient to spot otters, herons, and other local fauna. Bring binoculars! InstagramReddit

🚗 Parking Patience

The car park is small; arrive early or be prepared for a wait, especially during peak times. Reddit

Bosherston Lily Ponds with #jasperthecocker and Percy
aroundtenby
40 likes • 4.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🐾 Dog-Friendly Paradise

Leashed dogs are welcome on the trails and at Broad Haven South Beach. Instagram+1

🥾 Trail Variety

Choose routes based on fitness: some have bridges with single handrails, others are easier. Reddit

📸 Capture the Wildlife

Be patient to spot otters, herons, and other local fauna. Bring binoculars! InstagramReddit

🚗 Parking Patience

The car park is small; arrive early or be prepared for a wait, especially during peak times. Reddit

☕ Refuel Nearby

Pubs in Bosherston and a tea shop at Stackpole Quay offer refreshments. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(600 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the stunning beauty of Bosherston Lily Ponds, describing them as a tranquil gem with abundant wildlife. The connected walks to Broad Haven South Beach are a major highlight, offering a perfect blend of serene nature and coastal charm. While parking can be a challenge, the overall experience is highly recommended for its picturesque scenery and peaceful atmosphere.

"A remarkable and beautiful set of big lakes artificially created with various dams. Tranquil and full of wildlife (be patient and you might see the otters). Close to Broad Haven and Barafundle beaches with pubs at Stackpole and Bosherston and an NT tea shop at Stackpole Quay. Various NT car parks which are fairly expensive if you’re not a member"

Paul Williams

"This place was amazing! We took the left path that has all the cool bridges. Which I wouldn’t recommend for small children as there’s only one handrail. The right trail is much easier and safer for little ones. Dog friendly on trail and at the beach. Beautiful lilies everywhere. Met some really nice people along the way too! Would highly recommend and anxious to do it again."

S Moon

"A day out for the family with trails of different distances. Well maintained footpaths and foot bridges over the lily ponds. A lovely clean beach with a water in let that is dog friendly. There are some steps and gradients so do not be fooled into thinking this is just a walk around the lily ponds as there is much more to offer. Be warned the car park is too small for the amount of visitors so you may have to wait for a space. The parking charge at the time I visited was £7 for the day which helps with the costs of the park and there is free toilets at the car park."

Darren Lloyd

What People Like

Stunning lily ponds
Beautiful coastal walks
Abundant wildlife

What People Dislike

Limited parking
Parking fees

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most common way to reach Bosherston Lily Ponds is by car, with a National Trust car park available at Bosherston (postcode SA71 5DH). Instagram Public transport options are limited, so driving is recommended for ease of access. Reddit

Yes, there is a National Trust car park. However, it's known to be small and can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Arriving early is advised. Parking fees apply. InstagramReddit

While public transport is not ideal, some visitors have used local bus services to reach nearby villages like Bosherston and then walked to the ponds. It's best to check local bus timetables in advance. Reddit

The postcode for the National Trust car park at Bosherston is SA71 5DH. Instagram

Yes, there are free toilets located at the National Trust car park. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the Bosherston Lily Ponds themselves is free. However, parking at the National Trust car park incurs a fee. InstagramReddit

Parking at the National Trust car park costs £7 for a full day, as of recent information. Instagram National Trust members can park for free. Reddit

The Bosherston Lily Ponds are accessible year-round during daylight hours. The car park opening times may vary, so it's best to check with the National Trust. Reddit

Some paths are well-maintained and suitable for pushchairs, but others can be uneven or have steps. The right-hand trail is generally easier for pushchairs than the left. Reddit

Yes, you can easily walk from the Lily Ponds to Broad Haven South Beach, which is a popular and rewarding extension to the walk. Instagram

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The main attraction is the series of large, tranquil lakes filled with lily pads. You can also spot diverse wildlife, including otters and herons. TikTokReddit The area also connects to beautiful coastal walks and Broad Haven South Beach. Instagram

Absolutely! There are various circular walking routes of different lengths, from short strolls around the ponds to longer 8-mile loops that include coastal paths and nearby beaches. Instagram+1

Yes, the lily ponds offer stunning natural beauty, especially during spring and autumn. The bridges, reflections, and wildlife provide excellent photographic opportunities. Instagram+1

Visitors often report seeing grey herons, various waterfowl, and if you're patient and lucky, otters. InstagramReddit+1

You can spend anywhere from 1-2 hours for a short walk around the ponds to a full day if you combine it with a walk to the beach and explore the surrounding coastline. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there are pubs in the village of Bosherston and a National Trust tea shop at Stackpole Quay, which is a short walk or drive away. Reddit

Picnics are a great option, especially with the beautiful scenery. There are many spots along the walking trails where you can stop and enjoy your food. Reddit

There are no restaurants directly on the ponds themselves, but the nearby village of Bosherston and Stackpole Quay offer dining options. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, creating beautiful reflections and softer tones. Instagram Autumn also provides stunning colours. Instagram

Popular subjects include the lily pads themselves, the charming bridges over the water, reflections, and any wildlife you might spot, such as herons or otters. TikTokInstagram

The various bridges offer unique perspectives. Walking the trails will naturally lead you to picturesque spots. The connection to Broad Haven South Beach also provides dramatic coastal shots. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscape, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. A polarizing filter can enhance the colours of the water and foliage. Instagram

Drone usage is generally restricted in National Trust properties to protect wildlife and visitor experience. It's best to check the specific National Trust guidelines for the area before flying a drone. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Bosherston Lily Ponds offers a wonderful family outing. The well-maintained paths make for enjoyable walks, though some bridges have only one handrail, so keep a close eye on younger children. Reddit The walk to Broad Haven South Beach is a big hit with kids, offering space to run and play. Instagram Remember to pack snacks and drinks, and consider the dog-friendly nature of the area if you have a furry family member. Instagram

Look for the easier, safer trails mentioned by visitors, which are more suitable for little ones. Reddit The chance to spot wildlife like ducks and potentially otters can also be a great source of excitement for children. TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Walkers and Hikers

For avid walkers, Bosherston Lily Ponds is a dream. You can embark on a variety of circular routes, from gentle strolls around the ponds to more challenging 8-mile loops that incorporate the stunning Pembrokeshire coastal path. Instagram Popular extensions include walks to Barafundle Bay and Stackpole Quay. Instagram+1 The well-maintained footpaths and bridges make for a pleasant hiking experience, with breathtaking scenery at every turn. InstagramReddit

📸 Photographers

The photographic potential at Bosherston Lily Ponds is immense. The tranquil water, vibrant lily pads, and charming bridges create picturesque scenes, especially during the soft light of early mornings and late afternoons. Instagram Keep an eye out for wildlife, as herons and otters provide unique subjects. TikTokInstagram The adjacent Broad Haven South Beach offers dramatic coastal landscapes for a change of scenery. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Creation and Restoration of the Lily Ponds

The Bosherston Lily Ponds are not entirely natural; they were artificially created through a series of dams and channels, likely dating back centuries. TikTok This intricate system transformed the landscape into the serene water features we see today. The ponds have a long history, with some records suggesting they were established well before 1933. TikTok

Recent efforts have focused on the restoration and maintenance of these beautiful ponds. This involves managing water levels, clearing invasive species, and ensuring the health of the aquatic ecosystem. TikTok These conservation efforts are crucial for preserving the ponds' beauty and supporting the diverse wildlife that calls them home. Visitors can appreciate the ongoing work that keeps this area so special. TikTok

Wildlife Spotting at the Ponds

Bosherston Lily Ponds are a haven for a variety of wildlife, making it a rewarding destination for nature enthusiasts. While the lily pads themselves are a prominent feature, the surrounding waters and woodlands teem with life. Visitors often report sightings of grey herons, various species of waterfowl, and if you're patient and quiet, you might even spot elusive otters playing in the water. TikTokInstagramReddit

To enhance your wildlife viewing experience, consider bringing binoculars. Early mornings and late afternoons are often the best times to see animals as they are more active. Instagram Remember to observe wildlife from a respectful distance and avoid disturbing their natural habitat. The presence of these creatures adds an extra layer of magic to the tranquil atmosphere of the ponds. Reddit

Connecting to the Coast: Beaches and Bays

One of the most appealing aspects of visiting Bosherston Lily Ponds is their proximity to the stunning Pembrokeshire coastline. A short walk from the ponds leads you directly to Broad Haven South Beach, a beautiful, unspoiled sandy cove perfect for a relaxing end to your walk. InstagramReddit

For those seeking more extensive coastal exploration, the Lily Ponds serve as a fantastic starting point for longer coastal path walks. Popular routes include journeys to Stackpole Quay, Barafundle Bay, and St. Govan's Chapel. Instagram+1 These walks offer breathtaking sea views, dramatic cliffs, and the chance to discover hidden coves. The combination of serene inland ponds and rugged coastline makes this area incredibly diverse and captivating. Instagram

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