Are you planning a trip to Pembrokeshire and wondering where to stay? Or maybe you’ve already booked your trip and are looking for the best things to do in Saundersfoot? Either way, you’re in for a treat!
Saundersfoot, a picturesque fishing village nestled between Tenby and Amroth, is one of Pembrokeshire’s most charming destinations. Known for its amazing beach, vibrant atmosphere, and an array of family-friendly attractions, Saundersfoot offers something for everyone.
What makes Saundersfoot even more special is its proximity to some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes in the UK. Whether you love sandy beaches, scenic cycling trails, or peaceful coastal walks, you’ll find it all here.
In this ultimate travel guide to Saundersfoot, we’ll explore the top attractions, must-visit spots, and the best activities to make your trip unforgettable. From beachside adventures to delicious local dining and beyond, this is your go-to resource for an amazing Saundersfoot getaway.
Start planning your itinerary today and discover why Saundersfoot is one of the top family destinations in Pembrokeshire.
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Things to do in Saundersfoot
We’ve been many time times to Saundersfoot, and it’s easy to see why—it ticks all the boxes for our family and has become one of our favourite holiday destinations. With its charming atmosphere, wide range of activities, and plenty of nearby attractions, Saundersfoot offers something for everyone.
Whether you’re exploring the town or venturing to the surrounding areas, you’ll find no shortage of fun and exciting things to do.
Here’s our round-up of the best things to do in Saundersfoot, including must-visit spots and activities that keep us coming back year after year:
Saundersfoot Beach
When it comes to family-friendly attractions in Saundersfoot, the kids’ absolute favourite is without a doubt the stunning Saundersfoot Beach. Ask them, and they’ll excitedly tell you it’s the best beach ever—and it’s easy to see why!
Saundersfoot Beach boasts a long stretch of golden sand, making it ideal for families with children. It’s perfect for building sandcastles, and our kids love coming up with creative new designs every time we visit. The wide-open space also makes it great for beach games, paddling, or simply relaxing while the little ones explore.
Located directly in front of the Saundersfoot town centre, the beach is incredibly convenient to access, with nearby parking and facilities. Its Blue Flag status ensures it’s clean and safe, and lifeguards are on duty from June to September, providing extra peace of mind for families.
Thanks to its shallow waters, Saundersfoot Beach is great for swimming, even if the water can be a little chilly! Whether you’re looking to take a dip, enjoy a picnic, or simply soak up the scenic views, this beach offers something for everyone.
Before heading to Saundersfoot Beach, it’s essential to check the tide times. The beach is very tidal, with the sea coming all the way in and retreating far out. Planning your visit around the tides ensures you get the most out of the stunning sandy expanse.
If you’re visiting with your four-legged friend, you’ll be pleased to know that Saundersfoot Beach is dog-friendly. It’s a fantastic spot for dogs to run and play, especially during the off-season. However, there are seasonal restrictions:
- From May to September, dogs are prohibited from the southern half of the beach.
- Around the harbour area, dogs must be kept on a lead year-round.
If you fancy a day trip out of Saundersfoot, Pembrokeshire is home to some of the best sandy beaches in Wales. Nearby highlights include:
- Manorbier Beach: A rugged and scenic spot, perfect for families and surfers alike.
- Freshwater East: A wide, unspoiled beach with plenty of space for relaxation.
- Barafundle Bay: Often named one of the most beautiful beaches in the UK, this secluded gem is well worth the walk to reach it.
Explore the rock pools
One of the best parts about Saundersfoot Beach is when the tide goes out, revealing a network of fascinating rock pools which the kids absolutely love exploring. The rock pools are full of exciting discoveries like crabs, anemones, and shrimps, keeping them entertained for hours.
For a quieter escape, we always head to Glen Beach, located to the right of Saundersfoot’s main beach. This smaller, less crowded spot is perfect for families looking a more peaceful seaside experience.
Our boys could happily spend an entire day here without ever wanting to leave. Asides from rock pooling, one of their favourite activities is damming—building makeshift rivers by redirecting the water flowing down from the cliffs.
Whether it’s exploring marine life, building their own rivers, or just enjoying the golden sand, the beaches of Saundersfoot provide endless entertainment for the whole family.
Explore Saundersfoot Harbour
At the right end of Saundersfoot Beach, you’ll find the charming Saundersfoot Harbour. It’s perfect for a leisurely wander as you admire the boats bobbing in the water or sitting on the seabed if it’s low tide!
In 2018 Saundersfoot received a £4 million investment, as part of a major marine regeneration project. The redevelopment transformed the harbour into a hub of activities, with a new marine centre, a coastal storm centre and a state-of-the-art heritage and arts centre.
They built a new decking area, which is home to a waterfront amphitheatre capable of hosting up to 4,000 spectators. It’s become a focal point for Saundersfoot’s cultural and community events, in a programme which includes food festivals, art exhibitions and live performances.
Enjoy fish and chips with a sea view
No trip to a seaside town is complete without indulging in some delicious fish and chips, and Saundersfoot doesn’t disappoint! The town boasts a good choice of fish and chip restaurants, but our personal favourite is Marina Fish, Chips and more , conveniently located by the harbour.
You can choose to dine in our take out for an authentic taste of the British seaside.
Come face to face with a Welsh dragon
Have you ever considered spending an afternoon with giant snakes, lizards, dragons, and tarantulas? It might not sound like your typical idea of fun, but trust me, The Reptile Experience in Saundersfoot will surprise you! After years of resisting, I finally booked a visit, and I’m so glad I did.
The Reptile Experience is a fully interactive and educational adventure. You’ll learn fascinating facts about these creatures, and, best of all, you get to touch, feed, and even hold them!
I wasn’t sure it would be my thing, but I ended up loving it—even stroking a python turned out to be an amazing experience. It’s an activity that’s sure to leave a lasting impression on kids and adults alike.
If the weather isn’t ideal for the beach, The Reptile Experience is one of the best indoor activities in Saundersfoot. This popular family attraction combines fun and learning, making it an excellent choice for a rainy day.
Walk from Saundersfoot to Wiseman's Bridge
From Saundersfoot town centre, you can follow through the historic railway tunnels, on the Dramway Trail to Wiseman’s Bridge. This scenic walk is packed with charm and a touch of magic—especially for kids!
The disused railway tunnels are a highlight of the trail, illuminated by small red lights which our kids were convinced were dragon eyes when they were younger!
Emerging from the tunnels, you’ll join the iconic Pembrokeshire Coastal Path, one of the UK’s most breathtaking walking routes. The trail offers stunning views and leads you to Wiseman’s Bridge, where you can stop for a pint.
Along the way, you’ll pass Coast, a stylish restaurant with a spectacular location overlooking the beach. Coast offers a menu of high-quality cuisine that makes the most of local ingredients for an unforgettable dining experience.
We usually continue as far as the hamlet of Wiseman’s Bridge. Here, we stop at the Wiseman’s Bridge Inn for a drink and a chance to appreciate the magnificent Pembrokeshire scenery. This pub has outside seating, overlooking the beach. You can drive directly to the pub if you don’t fancy the walk.
Create your own rock stack
As you follow the Dramway Trail from Saundersfoot to Wiseman’s Bridge, you’ll come across a beach that’s quite different from the sandy expanses of Saundersfoot—it’s mostly stony, but that’s all part of its charm!
This stony beach is perfect for kids who love to explore and get creative. Ours enjoy climbing on the rocks, discovering small rock pools, and letting their imaginations run wild. One of their favourite activities is creating rock art, by stacking stones into towers.
Take a trip down memory lane
On the way back from the tunnels to Saundersfoot, you can take a trip down memory lane in the Chobbles Traditional Sweet Shop in The Strand.
Here they have all the old sweetie favourites in jars behind the counter. Who could resist?
Enter cupcake heaven
If sugar is your thing, head across the road to Sue’s Pantry. Here you will be spoilt for choice with the wide array of home-made cakes and beautifully decorated cupcakes. In addition, they have a great selection of sandwiches, which you could take to the beach.
Stroll around Saundersfoot town
Saundersfoot is the quintessential seaside town, with a lively atmosphere, especially during the peak season. Whether you’re strolling along the seafront or wandering through the village, there’s plenty to see and do.
Saundersfoot has an abundance of shops selling beachwear and equipment, perfect for picking up any last-minute essentials. It also has a few great gift shops, jewellery stores, and a pottery café – another good idea for a rainy day in Saundersfoot. For a more tranquil moment, you can also visit the sensory garden, ideal for a peaceful stroll or a stop for an ice cream.
When it comes to places to eat in Saundersfoot, you’ll be spoilt for choice. The town has a range of restaurants, pubs, and cafés catering to different tastes:
- For a traditional meal, head to The Old Chemist Inn or The Captain’s Table, both offering pub gardens with stunning sea views.
- If you’re craving something a little different, Kookaba Restaurant serves generous portions of Australian cuisine that are perfect for a hearty meal.
- For fans of Chinese food, Sao Mai Golden Dragon provides delicious options for a relaxed dining experience.
Take a dip in the sea
As you might expect from a Pembrokeshire beach, the sea at Saundersfoot can be quite cold, even in summer. If you plan on taking a dip, it’s definitely worth bringing a wetsuit to make the experience more enjoyable, especially if you’re not used to chilly waters.
If you happen to be in Saundersfoot around New Year, you could take part in a local tradition – the New Year’s Day Swim. Each year, thousands of people gather for this charity event to dive into the icy waters of Saundersfoot in fancy dress. If this sounds a bit nippy, you could always go and watch.
Follow the coastal path from Saundersfoot to Tenby
One of the best ways to experience the beauty of the Pembrokeshire Coast is by walking the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path from Saundersfoot to Tenby. This scenic route offers a delightful combination of rugged cliff-top paths, lush open countryside, and charming woodland trails, all while providing breathtaking views of the Welsh coastline.
The walk to Tenby is about 3.5 miles and takes you through some of the most picturesque landscapes in Pembrokeshire. However, it’s worth noting that the route can be steep in places, making it a bit challenging for young children or those not used to hill walking. It’s our favourite walk near Saundersfoot, but we usually choose to return by bus after exploring Tenby.
Once in Tenby, you’ll discover a picturesque town full of charm and history. Famous for its colourful Georgian houses lining Bridge Street, Tenby has a vibrant atmosphere with plenty to offer, including Tenby Castle and RNLI lifeboat station.
If you have time, be sure to take a trip across to Caldey Island, a peaceful holy island just a short boat ride away.
Whether you’re hiking the coastal path or exploring Tenby, this combination of nature and history makes for an unforgettable day trip from Saundersfoot.
Things to do near Saundersfoot
Visit a Welsh castle
If you’re looking for things to do near Saundersfoot, a visit to a local castle is always a great idea. Wales is home to a rich history of magnificent castles, and exploring these historical sites is a fun and educational experience for all ages, especially kids!
Just a short drive from Saundersfoot, Pembroke Castle is one of the most impressive and historically significant castles in Wales. Set on a stunning peninsula, the castle boasts dramatic views over the surrounding countryside. Kids will love exploring its medieval walls, winding staircases, and towers, as well as learning about its fascinating history, including its connection to Henry VII.
Another fantastic castle to visit near Saundersfoot is the 13th-century Carew Castle & Tidal Mill, located just a few miles away.
Pembroke Castle
Pembroke Castle is a stunning, medieval castle in the centre of Pembroke. It is an easy drive from Saundersfoot as it is only 12 miles away.
Children can explore inside Pembroke Castle and there are often special events with activities for kids.
Carew Castle & Tidal Mill
Carew Castle is a magnificent castle about 7 miles from Saundersfoot. Built in 1207, it has a history spanning over 2000 years. Originally a Norman castle, it later became home to the de Carew family.
Nowadays, if you visit Carew Castle, you can also see the tidal mill and an 11th Century Celtic monument. Plus, you can enjoy a short circular walk around the perimeter before heading to the Carew Inn for refreshments.
Have fun at Folly Farm Zoo
Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit with kids in Saundersfoot. This popular tourist attraction has a zoo, adventure playground and fairground all in one. Folly Farm is in Kilgetty, just 10-minutes’ drive to the north of Saundersfoot.
Animal lovers will enjoy the Folly Farm Zoo. With over 500 animals, you can enjoy a variety of wildlife from all over the world. These include giraffes, meerkats, lions and lemurs. You can get really close to the enclosures for a close-up view of the animals. Plus, there are regular feeding sessions and keeper talks if you want to find out more about the animals.
In addition to the zoo, Folly Farm has several fantastic outdoor playgrounds. You’ll find two pirate ships, with ropes, slides and tubes to play in. There are also diggers and go karts.
Folly Farm is one of the best places to visit with kids on a rainy day, as they have an enormous indoor play barn. Parents can watch below from the café.
Other indoor attractions at Folly Farm include the vintage fairground and theatre room where you can see magic shows. Parents and kids will love Folly Farm as there is so much to do and enough to entertain children all day.
Explore Manor House Wildlife Park
Another popular animal attraction near Saundersfoot is Manor House Wildlife Park. This 52-acre zoo has exotic and endangered animals from around the world. Manor House Park is just north of St Florence on the way to Tenby.
The Blue Lagoon Waterpark
Another of the best things to do near Saundersfoot on a rainy day is the Blue Lagoon Waterpark at Bluestone.
Located in Narbeth, just 8 miles from Saundersfoot, this subtropical indoor waterpark is perfect for a family day out. It has a wave pool, flumes, a lazy river and outdoor patio with spas.
Oakwood Theme Park
One of the best things to do near Saundersfoot and Tenby is Oakwood, Wales’ biggest theme park.
Just 15 minutes’ drive from Saundersfoot, Oakwood is the perfect day out for families who love rides. For younger children, you’ll find a soft play, a Crocodile Coaster and a Jolly Rodger Pirate Ship. For thrill-seekers, Oakwood offers high-speed roller-coasters, vertical drops and water rides.
Accommodation in Saundersfoot
You’ll find a massive choice of self-catering accommodation and guesthouses in Saundersfoot.
Prices and availability of self-catering accommodation in Saundersfoot can be found here.
If you prefer a hotel, the award-winning St Bride’s Spa Hotel is the best luxury option in town. Alternatively, the Gower Hotel is another good option and is closer to the beach.
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