Saundersfoot guide: Things to do in Saundersfoot

Book a break in Saundersfoot, Pembrokeshire (one of our top places to stay in West Wales) and discover a popular resort village that boasts traditional seaside charm alongside modern amenities. With its picturesque harbour, golden sands and vibrant community spirit, Saundersfoot offers something for everyone, making it an ideal holiday destination year-round. 

Stroll along the harbour and watch the colourful boats bobbing in the water, spend warm summer days on the picturesque beach, or explore the Pembrokeshire Coast Path with its dramatic cliffs and hidden coves; there’s something for everyone here. 

Our guide has been created to ensure you can enjoy the very best of Saundersfoot, by highlighting things to do, walks to enjoy and restaurants to visit during your break. And if you’re on the hunt for places to stay, look no further, as we offer a vast collection of holiday cottages in Saundersfoot to suit any type of party; from big houses for the whole family to romantic boltholes with scenic views.  

Skip to:

• Things to do in Saundersfoot 
• Saundersfoot restaurants and pubs 
• Saundersfoot walks 
• Dog-friendly Saundersfoot 
• Saundersfoot shops
• Events in Saundersfoot

Things to do in Saundersfoot

You won’t be short of activities during your stay in Saundersfoot; if the weather is in your favour, spend it on the beach, building sandcastles and enjoying the waves. Afterwards, explore the bustling harbour, browsing the local gift shops. 

Or perhaps you want to experience the town’s café culture? There are a number of independent cafes, the perfect pit stop before a coastal walk.

Saundersfoot Beach

The main beach at Saundersfoot is a fantastic place to spend the day and it is incredibly family friendly, as well as dog friendly too (with seasonal restrictions). Its stretch of golden sand is ideal for traditional beach fun, a place kids can build sandcastles, or adults can sunbathe, before exploring the clean, shallow water. It's one of the best West Wales beaches for family fun.

Being backed by the pretty harbour means you can easily take a short walk off the beach to grab a cuppa or an ice cream. Or set yourselves there for the day and take advantage of the cafes and restaurants, to fill up on your way home.  

Saundersfoot Welcome Centre

The Saundersfoot Welcome Centre is a must-visit for any visitor to the town. Located in the heart of the harbour, it offers a wealth of information about the local area. Here, you can discover the fascinating history of Saundersfoot, from its coal mining past to its crucial role in the D-Day landings.  

Explore a number of interactive exhibits, including a simulated mine shaft and learn about the town's maritime heritage. Browse the gift shop for souvenirs and local crafts, or pick up brochures, maps and flyers for more information about local activities. 

Head towards the harbour to the National Events Deck to see a life-size replica of a Coastal Schooner which would have sailed into Saundersfoot and taken away the coal that was mined. The Coastal Schooner is packed with fascinating information on local maritime history including tales of the high seas and pirates! There's a calendar of fun events including sunset cinema with the Torch Theatre, lively live music and vintage motorbike shows. 

Saundersfoot Sea Safari

Explore the coast from the sea and enjoy a boat ride with the Saundersfoot Sea Safari; where you'll find a few types of trip to choose from. Families are sure to enjoy the Wildlife Safari which takes you on a search for marine life and gives you the chance to spot playful dolphins, seals basking on the rocks and a variety of seabirds including puffins, guillemots and razorbills. 

Or, for a romantic expedition, enjoy a magical evening on the water as you watch the sun dip below the horizon. This Sunset Safari offers breathtaking views of the coastline bathed in golden light. Many have witnessed seals and dolphins basking in the golden hue of the sunset too.

Saundersfoot restaurants and pubs

The town boasts a vibrant pub and restaurant scene, offering something to suit every taste and budget. From traditional Welsh pubs serving hearty meals and local ales to stylish restaurants offering fresh seafood with stunning harbour views. 

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the many harbourside cafes against a backdrop of picturesque boats, or for a more formal dining experience, there are several fine dining restaurants with menus featuring locally sourced ingredients. Some Saundersfoot pubs also offer live music evenings, so you can soak up the jovial atmosphere with a pint in hand. 

Lan y Mor

© Hawlfraint y Goron / © Crown copyright (2022) Cymru Wales

If you’re on the hunt for a spectacular beachside location for your meal, book a table at Lan Y Mor, which is situated on the edge of Coppet Hall Beach. Offering the finest in Welsh dining, the atmosphere is sophisticated yet relaxed, with a focus on showcasing the freshest local ingredients.  

The interior boasts a contemporary design, blending warm wood tones with coastal accents; you’ll find the restaurant is lauded for its inviting ambience and stylish setting. Discover a menu that’s a celebration of the sea, with an emphasis on locally sourced seafood and choose from dishes such as oysters, grilled fish and seafood platters. 

Harbwr Bar & Kitchen

A popular spot in Saundersfoot for families and groups, Harbwr Bar & Kitchen offers a relaxed and friendly atmosphere with delicious food and drink. The menu features a range of classic pub dishes, including hearty burgers, succulent steaks and fresh seafood.  

The bar boasts an impressive selection of craft beers, including their own locally brewed ales and you’ll probably find that the friendly staff will be happy to recommend the perfect pint to accompany your meal too. Whether you're looking for a dog-friendly casual lunch, a relaxed dinner, or simply a few drinks with friends, Harbwr Bar & Kitchen is a great choice. 

The Stone Crab

Set along Saundersfoot Harbour, The Stone Crab showcases a spectacular setting for a relaxed meal overlooking the picturesque marina. Inside, you’ll find a modern interior with floor-to-ceiling windows, offering beautiful sea views. The outdoor terrace is a popular spot for enjoying the fresh air and sunshine, weather permitting.  

With a focus on seafood and fresh, seasonal ingredients, you’ll find a variety of dishes on the menu, including oysters, grilled fish, seafood platters and pasta dishes with shellfish. The restaurant also offers a selection of vegetarian and vegan options. Popular for both lunch and dinner, it’s family friendly and a great location for a relaxed meal.  

Saundersfoot walks

Visitors to the area will soon discover that Saundersfoot is a fantastic base from which to explore the stunning Pembrokeshire Coast Path. This iconic trail offers breathtaking seascapes and panoramic views. 

Aside from the renowned coast path, Saundersfoot also offers other delightful walking opportunities; a leisurely stroll along the harbour itself is a great way to spend an afternoon, with its bustling atmosphere and picturesque scenery.  

If you want to explore this beautiful area on foot, make sure you check out our guide on the best Saundersfoot walks.

Saundersfoot to Tenby

The walk begins by following the main road that lines the back of the beach, before picking up the path that takes you down a wooded track. You’ll initially head through ancient cliffside woods (this terrain can be a challenge) which offer glimpses of the ocean throughout, passing Wiseman's Bridge en route. 

As you hit a big, open field, you’ll see colourful Tenby in the distance – keep going – eventually, you’ll pick up the path that takes you into Tenby with its large, sandy beach below. Here, you’ll find a range of cafes and pubs where you can reward yourself with a tasty treat before making your way back along the same route to Saundersfoot. 

Dog-friendly Saundersfoot

If you’re planning on bringing a canine companion with you on holiday to Saundersfoot, you’ll find it a wonderfully dog-friendly destination, with many businesses and attractions welcoming four-legged friends. 

The pretty harbour is a dog walker's paradise, with plenty of opportunities to socialise with other bow-wows. You’ll find the surrounding coastal paths offer breathtaking scenery and endless opportunities for walkies, ensuring plenty of exercise for your family pet. 

There are several shops in Saundersfoot that are dog friendly too, including Charlie's Toys, Saltrock and The Salty Spaniel. And, when it comes to dining, many establishments have inclusive dog policies, including the popular Harbwr Bar & Kitchen (mentioned above), where you can enjoy a meal with your canine companion by your side. 

Have a browse of our dog-friendly Saundersfoot guide for more information. 

Saundersfoot shops

If you find yourself at a loose end one morning then perhaps you’d like to check out the shopping scene in Saundersfoot, where you can slowly and peacefully peruse the independent boutiques. Some shops are dog friendly too, so you can make it a family affair if there’s a group of you visiting.  

You'll find a range of boutiques, art galleries and speciality stores lining the harbour and surrounding streets with locally made homewares, crafts and edible goods being a highlight of the local boutiques. 

Boho Beach House

If you’re on the hunt for a bohemian memento of your trip to Saundersfoot, then take a turn at this pretty independent boutique. Beautifully presented, Boho Beach House is a tranquil place to browse for both accessories and household items. 

The shop features a carefully curated collection of boho-inspired clothing, jewellery and home decor; you'll find unique pieces that you won't find on the high street. Choose from a range of delicate necklaces, or if you’re gifting for your home, the collection of soya-based candles smells simply divine.   

Chobbles Traditional Sweet Shop

For a taste of nostalgia, visit Chobbles Traditional Sweet Shop, a unique olde-worlde store that will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Inside, it offers a classic sweet shop atmosphere with its vintage displays and charming decor. 

Chobbles is filled with jars overflowing with classic sweets, from penny chews and liquorice allsorts to sherbet lemons and rhubarb and custard, so whether you're looking for a nostalgic treat for yourself or a unique gift for a loved one, this delightful shop has something for everyone. 

3 Beaches

3 Beaches, a fabulous family-run shop, sells an array of handmade gifts, crafts and homewares. From pretty pebble pictures and sparkly embellished letters to gorgeous sea glass pictures and personalised wooden plaques. 

The unique offerings are inspired by local themes such as nearby locations and of course the beautiful coastline. Personally designed to your requirements, there’s no limit to what they can’t create. 

Events in Saundersfoot

This lively resort town hosts a variety of popular events throughout the year, further adding to its vibrant atmosphere. From thrilling sporting events to family-friendly festivals, there's always something happening to suit a wide range of tastes. 

Saundersfoot regularly plays host to outdoor cinema screenings, a unique and memorable experience for film lovers. For the more adventurous, the town attracts athletes from far and wide with its challenging triathlons and exciting races; events that showcase its stunning scenery and thriving community spirit. 

Saundersfoot NYDS

The Saundersfoot New Year's Day Swim (NYDS) is a well-known community event that has grown significantly since its humble beginnings in 1984 and is marketed as the UK’s biggest NYDS. This popular event attracts thousands of spectators and hundreds of brave swimmers annually. Many are locals, but visitors are also welcome to take part. 

Participants, usually wearing fancy dress – the more imaginative, the better – plunge into the bracing waters of the Irish Sea on 1 January. Many do so with the aim of raising money for their chosen local charity, giving back to their beloved local area. 

Saundersfoot Triathlon

Attracting athletes from across the country, the Saundersfoot Triathlon is a challenging race combining swimming, cycling and running. It also beautifully showcases the stunning scenery of the Pembrokeshire coast. 

The event typically features a swim of Saundersfoot Bay, followed by a scenic bike ride through the picturesque countryside and ends with a challenging run along the coast. Well supported by the local community who enjoy cheering on, athletes can test their limits whilst also being within the inspiring beauty of the Welsh coastline. 

Coppet Dinghy Week  

An annual sailing regatta held in Saundersfoot, Coppet Dinghy Week is a popular event that attracts sailors from across the region, bringing a vibrant, celebratory feel to the area during late spring. It’s a week-long event and features a series of exciting races for various dinghy classes, with competitors going head-to-head to win top honours.  

Beyond the racing, Coppet Dinghy Week offers a fantastic social scene with lively evenings along Saundersfoot Harbour at the many local pubs and restaurants. The regatta is seen as the highlight of the Saundersfoot spring/summer calendar, providing a brilliant atmosphere for both participants and spectators alike. 

Stay in Saundersfoot  

With miles of stunning coastline, a charming harbour and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, Saundersfoot offers a truly memorable holiday experience for all ages. Whether you're seeking relaxation on the beach or adventure along the coast, this picturesque town has something for everyone. 

And if you’re on the hunt for the perfect base, we have a fabulous range of self-catered stays. Select a sprawling family-friendly cottage by the sea, a dog-friendly retreat, or a romantic bolthole for two; whatever your preference, you’ll find plenty of cottages to choose from.