A Spotlight on Saundersfoot
This popular seaside village is a great alternative to Tenby
This beautiful harbour village which is a popular place for families, couples or even the solo traveller to visit. With wide sweeping views of the Pembrokeshire coast and beautiful sandy beaches, this really is a place you’ll want to keep coming back to.
The history of Saundersfoot between 14th -19th Century is fascinating; starting out with just a small number of tiny cottages situated near the forestry in Coedrath. Years later Saundersfoot was transformed into a thriving coal port which saw thousands of tons of coal being exported from the harbour. If you follow the tunnels along the old train lines to Wisemans Bridge you'll find the gated caves where the coal was mined from, these caves are now inhabited by bats.
Saundersfoot Harbour
Where to eat in Saundersfoot
This friendly little seaside village has plenty to offer you if you're feeling hungry with a good selection of quality restaurants perfect for those looking to experience new dishes or dine on seaside favourites. As with many places in Pembrokeshire, restaurants in Saundersfoot use locally sourced produce wherever possible, ensuring you're always enjoying the true taste of Pembrokeshire.
Enjoy a fish and chip supper on the beach watching the sun go down from Marina Fish and more; they offer a delightful range of traditional fish shop dishes which are locally sourced and also have dine in options in their family-friendly restaurant.
Treat yourself to some traditional fish and chips by the seaside
If you fancy trying something a little different book a table at Kookaba - the restaurant with an Australian twist. Situated on the high street it offers burgers, ribs, pizza and steak dishes, plus a rare opportunity to try kangaroo, ostrich and barramundi (a northern Australian Sea Bass). Unwind with a glass of wine from their extensive Australian selection.
At Coppet Hall you have Coast Restaurant where you can take in uninterrupted views of the beach whilst dining on some of the best food available in Pembrokeshire.
Head Chef Thomas Hine, who has extensive culinary experience working under some of the most influential Michelin Star Chefs will deliver a unique tasting experience to each and every dish prepared. Offering a mainly fish-focused menu with a small selection of meat dishes, indulge in three courses with a range of wines, hot drinks and soft drinks to choose from. Coast is only a short walk from the town through the tunnel or a stroll across the beach if the tide is out.
For a refreshing drink after a day on the sand, try one of the friendly local pubs. The Hean Castle Inn, The Royal Oak and The Old Chemist Inn are all in walking distance of the beach.
Dog Friendly Saundersfoot
If you are bringing your dog with you to Saundersfoot you'll be happy to know most places are dog-friendly. With a collection of dog-friendly cafes, pubs and restaurants along with a generous sandy beach, this harbour village is the perfect location to stay with your dog.
Dog restrictions do apply to Saundersfoot Beach during the summer (1st May – 30th September) but you can still enjoy the beach with your dogs if you head to the half of the beach furthest away from the local amenities and facilities.
Wisemans Bridge is a small hamlet between Amroth and Saundersfoot, accessible via the red-lit tunnels along the old railway line. It has a warm welcoming Inn, that serves food daily, positioned right above the beach for you to enjoy the views. Have a drink in their snug bar, perfect for families, as you can bring the dog and even bring out your competitive side over a game of pool.
Walk along the beach to Amroth
Stock up on refreshments from the local stores to take with you on an adventure along the coastal path which is a 10-minute walk from the village. Follow the coastal path to the nearby town of Tenby, you will not be disappointed by the breath-taking views on this walk of Saundersfoot, Tenby and even The Gower Peninsula on the clearest day.
What to Do in Saundersfoot
Park the car in one of the 3 pay and display car parks and head over to Coppet Hall Beach where you can try Paddleboarding. Saundersfoot is nestled in between a dramatic bay, making it easy for first-timers to try watersports as it’s protected slightly from the elements. Paddleboarding is enjoyable for all and can reveal places only accessible by water to give one of their taster sessions a go - you won’t be disappointed!
For an action-packed day, visit Battlefield Live, a laser combat experience just a short 10-minute drive from Saundersfoot. Equipped with camouflage combat kit, you’ll begin your laser shooting quest through their jungle-themed woodland.
Heatherton World of Activities is a 15-minute drive away and is a great day out for all of the family – it’s hard to leave this place without a smile on your face! Relive your childhood and have a go at some of the classic activities on offer like Archery, Shooting, Baseball, Paintballing and Go-Karting. If you are feeling adventurous, take a leap up to the High Ropes Adventure where you will swing through the Tree Tops. Have you ever wondered how it feels to be able to walk on water? Give Water Zorbing a go and you’ll find out. The list of fun really does go on.
Colby Woodland Gardens is well worth a visit any time of the year. With its peaceful woodland set in a staggeringly beautiful part of Pembrokeshire, you can expect to see wildflowers bloom and a variety of wildlife on their woodland walks. Sit back and relax or join in with the children playing in the natural playground. Discover wooden bridges, stepping stones, streams for jumping in and so much more when you visit Colby Gardens. You can even test what your outdoor cooking skills are like by cooking over a campfire or roasting some tasty marshmallows.
Events in Saundersfoot
Take part in the annual Big Bang Weekend around October time – the whole village gets involved in with best-dressed shop displays for Halloween, Pumpkin Carving Competitions, and Spooky Treasure hunts.
Whether you are returning to Saundersfoot or planning your first visit, you will likely see some of the exciting new development being carried out to improve the harbour. Wales International Coastal Centre is thriving to become one of the best in the area with plans for a Marine Centre of Excellence, National Events Deck, Coastal Schooner Centre and Ocean Square Heritage & Arts Centre. This new development will benefit both local residents and returning visitors.
September sees athletes take on the Saundersfoot Triathlon, a great event to either watch or take part in.