Saundersfoot in short
Saundersfoot sits on the east side of Pembrokeshire, a short way along the coast from Tenby. The main draw is Saundersfoot Beach, a flat sandy beach beside the harbour. The harbour was built in connection with coal exports and was finished in 1834. Today it is a place for boats, a walk along the front and a base for the coast path.
Most visitors come for a day at the beach or stay a few nights and use the village as a base for Tenby, Caldey Island and the coast path. If you want a boat trip, the nearest large departure points are covered on our Pembrokeshire boat trips page.
Our pick: coasteering near Tenby
Tenby is the next town along from Saundersfoot, and this session starts a few minutes beyond it at Lydstep.
Hand-picked tours, booked through Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in British pounds (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Boat trips and tours near Saundersfoot
Island and wildlife boat trips, coasteering and day tours in south Pembrokeshire, with current prices and availability.
Saundersfoot beach
What to expect on the sand.
The main beach
Saundersfoot Beach is flat and sandy. The tide changes the width of the sand a lot, so check the tide before you set out a picnic. Shallow water does not mean safe water, so keep children within reach and follow any lifeguard flags.
Dogs on the beach
Dogs are partly banned on the main beach from 1 May to 30 September. Glen Beach and Swallowtree Cove are open to dogs all year. Check the signs at the access points when you arrive.
Glen Beach and Swallowtree Cove
These smaller beaches are the choice for a summer walk with a dog. Tides cover parts of the shore, so leave time to walk back.
The coast path from Saundersfoot to Tenby
A hilly walk with several climbs.
The Pembrokeshire Coast Path links Saundersfoot with Tenby. Plan on 3.5 miles or more and allow generous time. The route has many ups and downs and is not a flat promenade. Wear shoes with grip and bring water.
Some coastal sections can disappear at high tide, so do not rely on a beach shortcut that depends on the tide. Further along the path, the village of Amroth is on a diversion because of a landslide. Check the current diversion list before you walk towards Amroth. For the whole route, see the Pembrokeshire Coast Path page.
| Plan | What it involves | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Beach day | Flat sand beside the harbour | Families and short stays |
| Walk to Tenby | 3.5 miles or more on a hilly path | Walkers with a half day |
| Boat from Tenby | About 20 minutes to Caldey Island, April to September | A day out in summer |
| Skomer Island | Longer drive west, booked landing ticket | Puffins from May to July |
For most visitors, a beach morning in Saundersfoot and a walk to Tenby in the afternoon is the easiest plan.
The New Year's Day swim
A winter event on the main beach.
Each year Saundersfoot hosts a charity New Year's Day swim. The next one is announced for 1 January 2027 at 2 p.m. on Saundersfoot Beach, and it will be the 41st. The organiser counted 3,323 registered swimmers in 2026. Entry rules and dates can change, so check the organiser before you plan around it.
Combining Saundersfoot with Tenby
Tenby is the larger town, with a walled old town, a harbour and the Caldey boat. Our Tenby page has the 2026 Caldey boat prices and seasons. Many visitors stay in one of the two towns and use both.
Saundersfoot: common questions
Are dogs allowed on Saundersfoot beach?
Partly. From 1 May to 30 September a restriction applies on the main beach. Glen Beach and Swallowtree Cove allow dogs all year.
How far is it from Saundersfoot to Tenby on foot?
Plan on 3.5 miles or more. The path is hilly, so allow more time than a flat walk of the same length.
When is the New Year's Day swim?
The next one is on 1 January 2027 at 2 p.m. on Saundersfoot Beach.
Is Saundersfoot beach safe for swimming?
No beach can be called safe in advance. Tides, currents and weather change daily, and shallow water is not a safety guarantee. Follow flags and local signs.
Can I walk from Saundersfoot towards Amroth?
A landslide has put the path at Amroth on a diversion. Check the current diversion list before you set out.