“Underrated” village with a huge beach that is just as good as its famous neighbor

Located on the picturesque Pembrokeshire coast, Saundersfoot is a delightful seaside village that rivals the popular Tenby.

The beautiful destination offers a range of leisure activities for all ages, golden beaches, pubs and restaurants for those who know where to find them. And it’s so popular that the Sunday Times recently named the picturesque seaside resort as one of the ‘Best Places to Live by the Sea in Britain 2024’.

Sunday Times journalist Tim Palmer noted: “Saundersfoot may not have the Instagrammable looks of the seaside town of Tenby, but in most respects it is more than a match for its colourful Georgia neighbour.”

Here’s our guide to why the often overlooked Saundersfoot is one of our top picks, as reported by Wales Online.

READ MORE: Stunning Blue Flag beaches within reach of Somerset

Saundersfoot Beaches

The village’s crowning glory is Saundersfoot Beach, famous for its expansive golden sands. This extensive, family-friendly beach is ideal for sunbathing and beachcombing, and hosts events such as the World Cawl Cooking Championships.

The Blue Flag beach was also praised for its sustainability by Tripadvisor in 2024. Tripadvisor praised Saundersfoot, saying: “A sandy beach with clear blue waters. It’s a great place for paddling or exploring rock pools, and there’s also a promenade with shops and cafes.”

Just a stone’s throw from Saundersfoot Beach, Coppet Hall Beach offers a tranquil retreat. This sandy oasis is also the starting point for the walk from Saundersfoot to Wiseman’s Bridge, which features scenic coastal paths and historic tunnels.

Things to do in Saundersfoot

Foraging on the coast

Collector Craig Evans runs sea collecting courses in hidden locations around Saundersfoot and Pembrokeshire. His classic courses provide an excellent introduction to coastal sea collecting. Participants can go on a safari to rock pools to collect shellfish, seaweed and sea vegetables, which are then cooked and eaten on the beach.

Its extreme low tides offer the opportunity to find crustaceans such as edible crabs and shrimp, and if you’re really lucky, maybe even a lobster. Lucky collectors may also come across a variety of marine life to photograph, including soft corals, sponges, anemones, sea squirts, kelp, and possibly even squid.

Port of Saundersfoot

Completed in 1834, Saundersfoot Harbour was built primarily to support Pembrokeshire’s growing coal industry. The port played a crucial role in coal exports and significantly boosted the local economy.

Saundersfoot Harbour has recently undergone extensive redevelopment to modernise facilities and improve the visitor experience, including improved marine facilities, the creation of new business ventures and the promotion of local heritage through the Welcome and Heritage Centre.

Today, Saundersfoot Harbour is a vibrant part of the town, full of colourful boats and charming cafes. It’s the perfect place to enjoy an ice cream by the water, watch the sunset or take a boat trip to explore the stunning coastline and spot wildlife.

Enjoy a spa day at St Bride’s Hotel and Spa

Perched on a cliff top, the award-winning St Bride’s Hotel and Spa offers unrivalled views of Saundersfoot Bay from its stunning swimming pool and elevated rooms. This privately owned hotel is just a short stroll from the beach, allowing guests to enjoy the sea air before indulging in a range of spa treatments.

Rooms are bright, airy and tastefully decorated in a chic coastal style, with high-quality linens and furnishings.

The on-site restaurant serves dishes using local Pembrokeshire produce and freshly caught fish. The hotel’s highlight is undoubtedly the infinity pool and marine spa, with a full thermal suite that includes a stone sauna, ice fountain, steam room and marine hydro pool.

Out into nature

For walking enthusiasts, the Tenby to Saundersfoot route along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path is a must, offering stunning coastal views, the soothing sound of waves crashing on the shore and plenty of fresh sea air.

This is a fantastic way to enjoy the natural beauty of the area and there are numerous restaurants at either end of the walk.

The nearby Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo is an excellent choice for a family day out. Just a short drive from Saundersfoot, this diverse attraction combines a zoo, historic fairground, indoor and outdoor play areas and a variety of accommodation options.

This natural paradise is home to over 100 species of animals, including the only giraffes in Wales, African lions, black rhinos and many more. Major attractions include the Pride of Pembrokeshire Lion Sanctuary, the Penguin Coast and the Kifaru Rhino Sanctuary.

The park also has several play areas for different age groups, such as The Big Dig and Follystone Racetrack.

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