Ready for your next West Wales adventure? Add Saundersfoot to your itinerary for breathtaking coastal walks, a characterful harbour and plenty of family-friendly fun. Our destination guide takes you through all the need-to-knows!
Where is Saundersfoot?
Saundersfoot is a charming coastal village located between the popular seaside resorts of Tenby and Amroth in Pembrokeshire, West Wales. A beloved holiday destination in its own right, the picturesque village lies within the Pembrokeshire Coastal National Park and is a key location along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.
How Far is Saundersfoot From Tenby?
Saundersfoot is 3.3 miles from Tenby, so the journey only takes around eight minutes by car. This proximity means you can enjoy the buzz of Tenby while staying in the slightly quieter, more relaxed Saundersfoot – or vice-versa.
If you fancy enjoying the coastal path, the route between the two is 4.23 miles and will take around 3 hours, depending on your pace and level of fitness.
There is also a bus between Tenby and Saundersfoot that usually runs hourly. The Tenby Coaster open-top bus service, which runs during the summer, also connects the two locations and provides a great opportunity to take in the glorious coastal views.
What to Do in Saundersfoot
Saundersfoot boasts natural beauty in abundance, along with various nearby attractions and activities that’ll make your trip one to remember.
Saundersfoot Beach
The beach is one of Saundersfoot’s main attractions. With expansive golden sands and Blue Flag status, the beach here is ideal for meandering walks and beachy fun for the whole family. The shallow waters are great for swimming and watersports while the sandy shores are perfect for building sandcastles.
Saundersfoot beach is backed by the harbour, meaning you’re never too far from the local facilities, various shops and plenty of places to grab a bite. Ice cream vans park up on the beach during the summer, providing the ultimate beach-side experience! The beach itself can be accessed easily via a slipway.
Is Saundersfoot Beach Dog Friendly?
Dogs are permitted on certain areas of the beach year-round, but there is a seasonal ban on the main section of the beach (excluding the eastern end) from May 1st to September 30th. There are signs displayed by the beach that direct when and where dogs are allowed.
Saundersfoot Harbour & Boat Tours
The quaint harbour is a lovely spot to explore, perfect for getting a sense of the village’s character and heritage. Take a stroll here and stop for a moment of tranquillity. Watch the boats coming and going or charter your own boat trip to learn more about the local history and wildlife.
Pembrokeshire Coast Path
Another one of the major draws of Saundersfoot is its position along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. This 186-mile trail traces along Pembrokeshire’s coast, treating walkers to rugged cliff top views, sandy beach stretches and unbeatable ocean panoramas.
The route between Tenby and Saundersfoot is particularly popular. Or, for a slightly shorter walk you can head out in the other direction and enjoy the well-trodden route from Saundersfoot to Wisemans Bridge. Find out more about all the fantastic routes you can explore with our Pembrokeshire Coast Path guide.
Tramway Tunnels
Saundersfoot is also connected to some great walks on the Wales Coast Path, including three 19th-century tramway tunnels-turned-footpaths that cut through the cliffs. The flat paths here are wheelchair accessible and are great for cycling or peaceful family walks.
The historic tunnels and old tramway lines connect Saundersfoot, Wiseman’s Bridge and Coppet Hall, combining a brilliant window in the area’s past while encouraging you to celebrate its natural beauty.
Coppet Hall Beach
Just along from Saundersfoot Beach you’ll find Coppet Hall Beach, which is generally considered a slightly quieter option with the same stunning sea views and sandy shores. It can be easily accessed from Saundersfoot via the old tramway and tunnel. The beachside Lan y Môr Restaurant provides a spectacular dining experience for anyone visiting Coppet Hall Beach.
Wisemans Bridge
The small hamlet of Wisemans Bridge itself is also worth visiting. The beach, which was used as a practice location for the WWII Normandy landings, is a mix of sand, pebbles and rocks, creating a varied landscape and an ideal spot for rockpooling. The beach here is also dog-friendly all year.
The Wisemans Bridge Inn pub sits directly above the beach, providing a superb place to rest and recharge after an amble along the coast.
Saundersfoot Welcome & Heritage Centre
Located by the harbour, the heritage centre offers a great opportunity to learn more about the village’s coal mining and maritime heritage. Discover exhibits that trace the history of the coal industry in the area and the people behind Saundersfoot’s historical prominence.
Pottery Painting at Periwinkle Pottery
For those days where you want to escape the rain, head to this pottery painting studio in the heart of Saundersfoot. Periwinkle Pottery invites you to relax and get creative, with the opportunity to paint your own ceramics which you’ll get to take home. Whether you’re a painting pro or want to try something new, this is a great family activity!
Stand Up Paddle Boarding With Good Trails
To enjoy the coastal views from a whole new vantage point, take to the water and have a go at paddleboarding. Good Trails is an activity centre and equipment hire company based in Saundersfoot that offers guided sessions in paddleboarding, ideal if you’re a newbie. These paddle boarding adventures take you out towards Monkstone Point – a gorgeous spot for exploring the Pembrokeshire coast.
Colby Woodland Garden
Just outside of Saundersfoot, near Amroth, is Colby Woodland Garden, a magnificent wooded valley managed by the National Trust. Escape to the dazzling woodland garden, wild flower meadows and walled garden for an immersive outdoor adventure. There’s so much to discover here, whether you’re a wildlife fan, want to delve into the area’s rich history or just love a wander in the fresh air.
Make sure to stop by the Bothy tea-room, second-hand bookshop and craft gallery to complete your visit.
Manor Wildlife Park
Slightly outside of Saundersfoot and Tenby, near St Florence, you’ll find this fantastic family-friendly attraction, with endless animal-centred fun to keep everyone entertained. You’ll have the chance to see all sorts of animals housed in multi-species enclosures for a diverse wildlife experience. From meerkats and monkeys to tigers and rhinos, there are loads of animals to spot. The indoor play zones, climbing wall and bouncing castle are also great for little ones ready to burn some energy!
Where to Eat in Saundersfoot
With marvellous harbourside views and seaside spots, Saundersfoot has lots of lovely spots to grab a bite:
- The Stone Crab: A laid-back seafood restaurant located right on the harbour, specialising in simple flavours done well.
- HARBWR Bar & Kitchen: Classic pub grub & a good range of locally-caught fish complete with waterside views.
- The Boathouse: Family-friendly dining with locally sourced ingredients and restaurant classics like burgers and pasta.
- Sip N Sea: A relaxing cafe and bar serving all-day breakfast, light lunches, snacks and drinks, perfect for a casual afternoon.
- Lan y Mor: Seafood and modern British cuisine served overlooking the beach, with great views out to sea.
- The Tramway Cafe: Tasty treats and classic cafe fare with a welcoming atmosphere, located in the heart of the village.
- Memoire Saigon: Delicious authentic Vietnamese dishes made with premium Welsh ingredients, including pho, summer rolls and crispy chilli beef.
- Kookaba: An Australian-themed restaurant offering great vibes and fan favourite dishes including a great selection of burgers, pizza and seafood.
This really only scratches the surface of the fabulous places to eat in Saundersfoot. Have a wander along the harbour and throughout the rest of the village, and you’ll come across even more amazing spots we’ve not mentioned here. For even more nearby options, check out our guide to the best places to eat in Tenby.
Where to Park in Saundersfoot
There is easily accessible parking around Saundersfoot, including the 24/7 Harbour Car Park located right by the beachfront. Parking charges are payable via cash, card or contactless.
There is also a car park managed by the National Park authority behind the shops on Brooklands Close, which also gives easy access to the beach and coastal path. Coppet Hall Beach has its own car park too.
There are also several electric vehicle charging stations, one located at Coppet Hall Beach and another by The Regency Hall.
Places to Stay in Saundersfoot
Ready to begin your Pembrokeshire adventure? Our holiday cottages in Saundersfoot and the surrounding areas provide the perfect base for your break. Whether you’re after those unbeatable sea views or are just seeking a cosy spot to relax, our diverse Saundersfoot stays include something for everyone!
Saundersfoot Holiday Cottages
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