Fun things to do in Saundersfoot, Wales

Are you planning a trip to Pembrokeshire and not sure where to stay?  Or have you already booked and want to know the best things to do in Saundersfoot?

Saundersfoot is a delightful, fishing village in Pembrokeshire between Tenby and Amroth.  It is full of charm, has lots of facilities and plenty of family attractions.

Even better, Saundersfoot is within walking and cycling distance of some of the most stunning, natural landscapes in the UK.

Use this travel guide to discover the best attractions and most fun things to do in Saundersfoot.

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We keep returning to Saundersfoot, as it ticks all the boxes for our family and it’s now one of our favourite holiday destinations.  You’ll find plenty of things to do in the town and some fantastic places to visit near Saundersfoot.

Here is a round-up of our favourite things to do in Saundersfoot:-

However, you must check the tides if you’re heading to Saundersfoot beach.  It is very tidal, with the sea coming right in and out.  You can check out the tide times here.

Saundersfoot Beach is dog friendly and a great place for your four-legged friend to run about.  However there are restrictions in the summer, when dogs are banned from the Southern half of the beach and must be on a lead around the harbour.

Other fantastic sandy beaches near Saundersfoot include Manorbier, Freshwater East and Barafundle Bay.

If you head to the right end of  the beach you’ll come to Saundersfoot Harbour.   It’s great to wander round this area and look at the boats.  Of course, if it is low tide there might not actually be any water in the harbour.

In 2018 Saundersfoot was awarded £4 million to redevelop the existing harbour, as part of a major marine regeneration project.  The plans are to build a new marine centre, a coastal storm centre and a state-of-the-art heritage and arts centre.

We saw the new 20 000 square foot decking area, which was completed as the first phase of the redevelopment work.  This is now the home to a waterfront amphitheatre which holds 4000 spectators.  This will be the new venue for Saundersfoot community events, in a programme which includes culture, food and arts.

You can also wander along the board walk to look at the boats or use the pontoon for crabbing.

As with any great seaside town, Saundersfoot has a good choice of of fish and chip restaurants.  Our favourite is the one by the harbour, Marina Fish, Chips and more .  You have a choice of inside dining or take-away.

Ever thought of spending an afternoon with giant snakes, lizards, dragons and tarantulas?  It didn’t sound like my idea of fun either.  However, after years of resisting, I took the plunge and booked a visit to the Reptile Experience. And I was so glad that I did.

For a hands-on, interactive, educational experience, The Reptile Experience in Saundersfoot is a must.  Not only do you get to hear about the snakes and reptiles, you get to touch, feed and hold them.

Quite honestly, I didn’t think it would be my thing, but I was wrong.  It’s great – I even enjoyed stroking the python!

This is a fantastic experience, and one of the best things to do in Saundersfoot when it’s raining.  However, it is a popular family attraction and you probably need to pre-book.

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.

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?

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.

Saundersfoot is a typical seaside town and can get lively in the peak season.  As you’d expect, it has plenty of shops selling beachwear and equipment, so don’t worry if you’ve forgotten anything.

Furthermore, Saundersfoot has plenty of quaint gift shops, jewellery shops and a pottery café to keep you amused in the village.  Saundersfoot also has a small sensory garden which you can stroll through or stop for an ice-cream.

If you are looking for places to eat in Saundersfoot, you’ll be spoilt for choice.  There are several pubs serving traditional food, including The Old Chemist Inn and the Captain’s Table, which have pub gardens and views looking over the sea.

Alternatively, the Kookaba Restaurant serves large portions of Australian cuisine and Sao Mai Golden Dragon offers a good option for Chinese food.

As you’d expect, the sea at Saundersfoot can be rather cold and it’s worth taking wet suits.

If you are in Saundersfoot at New Year, you could join the thousands of people who take to the sea in fancy dress as part of the New Year’s Day Swim.

However, if this charity event sounds a bit nippy for your liking, you could always go and watch.

You can enjoy a fantastic coastal walk from Saundersfoot to Tenby on the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path. This scenic route takes you along rugged cliff top paths, open countryside, and woodland trails and gives stunning views of the Welsh coastline.   The walk to Tenby is about 3.5 miles, but is fairly steep in places, so can be quite tough for little children.  We always walk to Tenby, but return to Saundersfoot by bus.

Tenby is a picturesque town, with a great beach and many attractions.  It is known for its iconic colourful Georgian houses, which line Bridge Street.  In Tenby, you can visit the RNLI lifeboat station and Tenby Castle.  If you have time,  take a trip across to the holy Caldey Island.

Don’t be put off a family bike ride in Wales by thinking it would be too hilly.  We have found some fantastic flat family rides near Saundersfoot.

Our favourite cycle ride in Pembrokeshire is on the coastal path ride from Broad Haven South.  This is a fantastic trail, which follows the Wales Coast Path across the Castlemartin firing range.

Follow this Pembrokeshire trail to see the geological wonder, the Green Bridge of Wales and the historic St Govan’s Chapel.  If you’re lucky you may also be able to spot seals and their cubs in the coves below.

A visit to a local castle is always a good idea if you are thinking of things to do near Saundersfoot.  Wales has a wealth of magnificent castles and they always make a good day out for kids.

Two of the closest castles to Saundersfoot are Pembroke Castle and Carew 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 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 11^th Century Celtic monument.  Plus, you can enjoy a short circular walk around the perimeter before heading to the Carew Inn for refreshments.

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.

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.

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.

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.

 

More information for your trip to Pembrokeshire:-

• 12 reasons why you need to visit Pembrokeshire
• A walk from Saundersfoot to Tenby
• A circular walk at West Angle Bay, Pembrokeshire
• 12 great things to do in Tenby, Pembrokeshire

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