All eyes are on the UK's coastline this summer, as Brits look for more affordable holidays and the opening of the King Charles III Coastal Path has made the entire coast walkable and easily explorable. With this in mind, holidaymakers are searching for hotspots to uncover, with beautiful beaches for sunbathing and hidden gem activities, cafes, shops, and landmarks to add to their explorer lists.
Saundersfoot Named Top Seaside Town
Ranking at number one on Time Out's list of the best UK seaside towns to visit in 2026 is the underrated Welsh location in Pembrokeshire known as Saundersfoot. Beating the likes of St Ives, Folkestone, and Brighton, this seaside destination is having a real moment in the spotlight this summer.
Nestled between the beloved neighbouring towns of Tenby and Amroth, Saundersfoot is loved for its huge stretch of sand and bustling harbour, offering an ideal escape from city life. Around a two-hour drive from Cardiff and even closer to Swansea, it does not require a long journey for those wanting a break from urban chaos and a state of calm.
Beach
Saundersfoot has what Time Out described as "one of the most gorgeous beaches of any British seaside resort". This stunning stretch of sand, with Blue Flag status, sits directly in front of the village and acts as the real hub and meeting spot for visitors and tourists alike. What most people do not know, however, is that a short stroll east reveals a more peaceful spot, framed by rock pools and lush green headlands. The old tramway runs along the top of the beach and offers a series of tunnels towards Saundersfoot.
Writing about Saundersfoot beach, a visitor shared on TripAdvisor: "Lovely beach to walk on, very clean and close to the town with shops and cafes literally just a street over. It's also very close to the harbour, so it's nice to see the boats." Another added: "When the tide is out, this is dog heaven! I've seen sea cucumbers, muscles, jelly fish and razor clams on the beach, loads of walking space, really quiet and a massive area to walk in."
Harbour
The harbour was first granted permission to be built in 1829, allowing for the export of coal from mines across Wales, and it has only grown from there. Now it acts as the real heart of the town and a venue hosting outdoor events such as concerts and markets, as well as a site where numerous businesses operate. Visitors can expect to see the harbour accommodating private moorings, pleasure boats for seasonal tourism, and small fishing charters. Visitors have dubbed it "the best location in Saundersfoot", and some have opted to stay in rooms on the water available through Harbour Stays. A review claimed: "On the way from Swansea to Tenby we made a short stopover at Saundersfoot Harbour. The small port is quite beautiful and worth seeing."
Food and Drink
With a number of traditional pubs, the town buzzes in the summer months, alongside bistros, restaurants, and cafes adding to the atmosphere. Along the harbour is Mamgu's Welshcakes, which received a shout-out from Time Out, offering traditional bakes that are a fan favourite, enjoyed with panoramic sea views. Although ranked as the number one restaurant on TripAdvisor, The Royal Oak is the perfect place to relax with a beer and live music on a weekend. Established in 1837, this traditional pub is steeped in Welsh history and serves an array of tasty pub grub and fresh seafood by the sea. As for seafood, The Stone Crab is a firm stronghold with hundreds of rave reviews. One states: "To be brief: this is the best restaurant in Saundersfoot, the best fish restaurant in Wales (probably) and the one restaurant which I would like to pick up and move a lot closer to home. You can order anything and know it will be perfectly cooked and served."
