29 October 2024
Saundersfoot has enjoyed a bit of a boom time in recent years, thanks in part to its special village atmosphere, its beautiful golden beach and a busy and thriving harbour. Smaller and quieter than its more well-known neighbour Tenby, Saundersfoot is the perfect base to explore south Pembrokeshire.
Most things are within walking distance and with buses and trains running to surrounding towns, it’s accessible for all. The stunning Blue Flag beach is popular with families and is an ideal place for sea swimming, canoeing, sailing and fishing. It’s a top choice for a seaside retreat, whatever the season, and with our proposed itinerary below, you’ll be left wondering if four days is enough!.
Day one
Wake up to a stunning sunrise. With its east-facing beach, Saundersfoot enjoys some of the best sunrise views in the county and there really isn’t a better way to start the day. If you’re feeling brave, try a dip in the sea. Early mornings are a tranquil time at the beach, with that golden light and only the sound of birds calling and waves lapping the shore. If you need some encouragement, look up the Coppet Hall Bluetits - a swim group who welcome anyone to dip with them. There’s a regular 7am gang. Or try the Numb Nuts - a group of men who swim in the sea every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9am from Saundersfoot Harbour. After that exertion, you’ll need a hearty breakfast - on The Strand, you’ll spot Shoreline Cafe and The Tramway Cafe, both fantastic eateries serving delicious breakfast and lunches. The crepes at The Tramway Cafe are a firm favourite with visitors. For beautiful panoramic sea views from Monkstone Point to Pendine, head to Mamgu Welsh Cakes, a dog-friendly cafe by the harbour. Take your pick from the different flavours of Welsh cakes or take a seat to taste their full Welsh breakfast (it comes with a delicious cheese and leek Welsh cake).
By now it’s time to get a feel for Saundersfoot - head to the harbour complete with working fishing boats. The main beach unfurls towards Coppet Hall and if the tide is right you can walk along the sand to Wiseman’s Bridge and on to Amroth, the start of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. On the other side of the harbour, there’s a ramp down to Glen beach which at low tide takes you all the way to Monkstone Point. This stretch of beach is popular with dog walkers and cockle pickers but be aware of the tide, it can easily cut you off.
There are bluebell woods to walk through at the Hean Castle Estate, or if you’re arriving later in the year, pop over to Colby Woodland Gardens for walks among established rhododendrons, azaleas and specimen trees. The onsite restaurant is well worth a visit, especially for a cream tea!
For a flat walk easily accessible for prams, pushchairs and wheelchairs, walk through the tunnels towards Wisemans Bridge and enjoy a drink and lunch sat outside the Wisemans Bridge Inn, where the beer garden is right on the beachfront.
Unwind after your first day in Saundersfoot with a sauna session at Sea & Steam, a traditional Scandinavian wood-fired sauna right on the harbour. Bookable for half hour and hour sessions, enjoy the invigorating experience of deep healing using the heat of the sauna and the cold of the sea - the perfect way to relax and feel amazing.
Day two
By now, you’ll be familiar with Saundersfoot so time to explore a bit further afield. Take the short trip to Tenby - there are regular buses and trains - and soak up the traditional seaside vibe of this colourful town. Start the day right with coffee and freshly baked goods from Loafley or enjoy breakfast at Cafe Vista which has arguably the best view in all of Pembrokeshire right over the beach. If you don’t want to stop for long, or perhaps you want to pick up some snacks for a picnic later in the day, pop into the Stowaway in the arches down on the harbour.
Today is the day for a boat trip and an opportunity to see Pembrokeshire’s stunning coastline from a different angle. Leaving from the harbour you can either take a wildlife trip to see the seal colony off Caldey Island or try your hand at fishing – mackerel fishing trips are perfect for novices and families of all ages and you never know, you could bring back dinner!
For landlubbers why not head out on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path with a picnic and marvel at our stunning coastline? The path is easy to find and follow if you want a short walk. Or if you are up to something slightly more challenging, grab a map before you begin so you can plan your own adventure. You can walk all the way back to Saundersfoot if you’re up for it, or another favourite of ours is to head towards Lydstep and up onto the headland. The path here is usually quite dry and easy walking and takes you all the way to Bubbleton Farm Shop for a hearty lunch stop and great coffee and homemade cakes. Keep an eye out for porpoise and seals! And if you don’t fancy walking all the way back, catch the train from Penally back to Saundersfoot!
After a day by the sea, you’ll need a fish supper - there are plenty of options for fish and chips in both Tenby and Saundersfoot, or book a table at the Stone Crab on Saundersfoot harbour - a popular eatery that does amazing fresh fish dishes.
Day three
Time for some R&R! Try the open-air infinity pool at St Brides Spa Hotel, which looks out over Saundersfoot Bay and which feels as if you are part of the landscape itself. If you need a massage after yesterday’s strenuous activities, there are lots of treatments on offer.
Or if you want to add some fun to your water activities try paddleboarding from Good Trails right on Coppet Hall beach. You can hire a Stand Up Paddleboard by the hour or book yourself into a lesson. They also hire out bikes, and there are some great family friendly trails to try. Try the route from Coppet through the tunnels and up Pleasant Valley past the old ironworks. For those feeling particularly energetic, pedal on to Sian O’Doherty at Ash Farm for a well-deserved coffee stop at the cafe (check opening times - open on Thursdays only through Autumn and Winter). Sian - an award-winning textile artist and designer - lives at Ash Farm with a herd of alpacas and runs workshops throughout the year. Check out the website for details on alpaca walks and the various weekend workshops.
In the afternoon, it’s time to make like a local - grab an ice-cream and head to the beach- whatever the weather! The rock pools between Saundersfoot beach itself and neighbouring Coppet Hall are always good to have a sneak peek at, just watch out for the incoming tide and the local fishing boats!
Finish your day with supper at Lan y Mor at Coppet Hall, the restaurant with stunning views right across the bay towards the Gower peninsula beyond.
Day four
On your final day, look beyond Saundersfoot and plan a mini adventure. With the train station on the doorstep, why not catch a train to Manorbier and explore the castle and beach? A popular surfing spot, you can even hire surfboards from Outer Reef surf school in the village and try catching a few waves.
For keen walkers, you can walk from Manorbier and pick up the coast path to Skrinkle beach and Church Doors cove - two beautiful beaches separated by a tall cliff with a secret natural tunnel between them. Or head in the opposite direction and take a picnic to Swanlake beach, a stunning secluded and quiet beach with views towards Barafundle and Stackpole.
Or, take the train or short drive to nearby Narberth, a stunning market town with a bustling high street packed full of independent shops and regularly voted one of the best places to live in Wales. Some highlights include a tasty breakfast at Stopio cafe, croissants at Rock & Dough, and browsing the multitude of hidden treasures in the Malthouse Antiques. Check out our Narberth guide for more ideas on what to do.
After that action-packed break, it sounds like you’ll need..erm.. a holiday to recover!
