Saundersfoot, a Welsh seaside town in Pembrokeshire, has been ranked number one on Time Out's list of the best UK seaside towns to visit in 2026, surpassing popular destinations like St Ives, Folkestone, and Brighton. The accolade comes as Brits increasingly seek affordable holidays and explore the newly opened King Charles III Coastal Path, which makes the entire UK coastline walkable.
Nestled between Tenby and Armoth, Saundersfoot boasts a huge stretch of Blue Flag beach and a bustling harbour. Time Out described its beach as 'one of the most gorgeous of any British seaside resort'. Visitors praise its cleanliness and proximity to shops, cafes, and the harbour, with one TripAdvisor reviewer noting it is 'lovely to walk on' and 'very clean'. Another highlighted the beach's appeal to dogs when the tide is out, with sightings of sea life such as sea cucumbers and jellyfish.
The harbour, first granted permission in 1829 for coal export, now serves as the town's heart, hosting outdoor events, concerts, markets, and accommodating private moorings, pleasure boats, and fishing charters. One visitor called it 'the best location in Saundersfoot', while another described it as 'quite beautiful and worth seeing' during a stopover from Swansea to Tenby.
The town offers a range of dining options, from traditional pubs like The Royal Oak, established in 1837, to seafood restaurants such as The Stone Crab, which a reviewer claimed is 'the best restaurant in Saundersfoot' and 'the best fish restaurant in Wales'. Mamgu’s Welshcakes, located along the harbour, also received a mention from Time Out for its traditional bakes enjoyed with sea views.
