Holiday rentals in Saundersfoot

Three miles up the coast from the bustling resort of Tenby, Saundersfoot is its much smaller sibling, although it’s still very popular in the summer. Its bay curves north from a headland through woodlands you can walk through on the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path, before you drop down from the hills to the village’s small, lively harbour. Then come long, golden sands and craggy inlets, perfect for rockpool exploring, before the coast winds on to quieter beaches at Coppet Hall and Wiseman’s Bridge. Saundersfoot’s brightly painted cafes, restaurants, and shops sit above the bay on narrow streets, both along the Strand, a quiet road following the coast, and uphill towards St Issell’s, the beautiful medieval church that gives the village its Welsh name of Llanusyllt. Ice cream parlours, pink rock, fudge, and sweet shops also provide old-fashioned fun. Lots of local tourist spots are within a short drive too, including theme parks for the kids and pretty market towns.

Summer is gorgeous here, but a busy time to book one of the area’s cottages. Get here early for the car parks and good sunbathing spots, or travel up the coast towards Amroth or Manorbier if you’re after quieter times. Summers also often bring sailing and swimming events to the village, while autumn brings motorbike rallies and triathlons. The beach fun doesn’t stop for winter either: the New Year’s Day Swim is hugely popular, often raising tens of thousands for charity. Late winter also sees local pubs coming together to warm hearts and stomachs with the Saundersfoot Cawl by the Sea Festival (cawl being Wales’ traditional stew of meat, leeks, and root vegetables). The weather here is typical for Wales: often warm in the summer and mild in spring and autumn, but with a good chance of rainfall, so always bring your raincoat and umbrella.

The Coppet Hall tunnels

A four-mile walk from Saundersfoot to Wiseman’s Bridge takes you through the Coppet Hall tunnels, following the route of the old coastal coal trains. The first leads to pretty Coppet Hall beach with its kiosk and visitor centre, while the second, longer stretch is cut dramatically through the cliffs. The route is flat and accessible, perfect for people of all abilities.

Dinosaur Park

The Dinosaur Park is a roaring attraction only ten minutes from the village, with a brilliant dinosaur trail through the woods (kids have to spot thirty lurking beasts, including a T. rex, a speedy Deinonychus, and a Stegosaurus with her baby). There are also indoor playgrounds if the weather turns, plus lively rides and an activity centre.

Monkstone Beach

If you’re after a wilder, more secluded bay, go south of Saundersfoot towards the headland separating the village from Tenby. Here you’ll find the stunning Monkstone Beach, accessible by a steep, permissive footpath through a local farm. Consult the tide tables first, though, so you know when to get here, and when to head home.