A day out in Saundersfoot

DETAILS
Saundersfoot

5.3 miles form the cottage

A tranquil seaside resort

Next for your itinerary - Saundersfoot. A smaller town than Tenby but no less beautiful! More tranquil and less crowded, Saundersfoot is by no means boring. In fact there’s plenty to do and the list is only growing due to a huge redevelopment in the town. Not to mention the very beautiful Coppet Hall Beach around the headland.

Saundersfoot is one of those places that makes us feel very blessed to have a cottage near by and always features on a stay in Pembrokeshire.

To be completely honest, this is our preferred destination for fish and chip suppers and the Coppet Hall Beach for a whole day beach trip. Avoiding the crowds with no compromise on the beach, Saundersfoot does not disappoint.

What you need to know

The town has plenty of gift shops, cafes and restaurants on offer, including a brand new development Ocean Square. It’s an events plaza with snazzy umbrellas for wet weather protection. Over looking the beach, Ocean Square hosts shops, a Welcome and Heritage centre with information for visitors and short stay accommodation. I have to say we’ve been watching this gradually take shape and have been so intrigued about what it will be. It looks amazing and I can’t wait for our next visit to see how its all progressing.

The harbour at one end is a beautiful backdrop to sit and watch the world go by. If of course you can resist going on the huge stretch of golden sand. Saundersfoot is one of Pembrokeshire’s many Blue Flag beaches for good reason.

Saundersfoot is perfect for a stroll along the beach or for a family day trip to build sand castles. There are lifeguards in peak season making this very safe for children. Stand Up Paddle boarding is very popular here with lessons available from Outer Reef Surf SUP Centre.

Other activities include:

• Sea safari boat trips around Caldey Island from the Harbour 

• Crabbing is possible here. You will find advice at the Crabbing Centre in the National Events Deck and crabbing equipment can be purchased from Fairwinds Chandlery in the Marine Centre of Excellence on the far side of the Marina.

• Rock-pooling. You are very likely to find jellyfish and other sea life in the water around Saundersfoot. When the tide is out it’s possible to walk to Copppet Hall Beach from the main Suandersfoot Beach. Also revealing some beautiful rocks to explore.

• There’s a Coastal Schooner Experience coming in 2022 and will include the Maritime history of Wales, an exhibition on local Pembrokeshire Pirates of years gone by, a high ropes ‘climb the rigging’ experience and cafe below deck. Our boys would have loved this when they were younger! We’ve also heard rumours of an outdoor cinema too.

If it could even get any better, Coppet Hall beach is even more stunning. It’s the first beach we discovered in Pembrokeshire (read more about that here) and will forever have a huge place in our hearts. This beach is fantastic for SUP and whole day adventures on the beach.

Read on for some finer details about the beaches.

Beaches . . .

As you can see form the photos the golden main beach is just beautiful. There is plenty of space for crowds (not that we’ve ever experienced a full beach here) and is perfect for beach sports, especially when the tide is out.

If you’re in need of ice cream, hot ring doughnuts or other seafood be sure to check out what’s on offer in Ocean Square. We particularly enjoy Saundersfoot Beach for a fish and chip supper from Marina Fish and chip shop. You will likely have to queue it’s so popular. We think it’s the best in the area so definitely worth the wait or getting there ahead of the crowds.

Coppet Hall Beach

Just around the headland is the smaller Coppet Hall Beach. This is one of our go to beaches for a whole day beach trip and paddle boarding. Owned and maintained by the Hean Castle Estate this beach is a tad smaller than the main Saundersfoot Beach.

The views from Coppet Hall are stunning and not unlike those on a beach abroad. There is a very well maintained car park and toilet block with cafe and gift shop. You can book paddle board hire and lessons from Good Trails. We’ve had first hand experience with Good Trails and they absolutely instilled confidence in those that paddle board in our family. We highly recommend them.

You can buy drinks, cakes and Ice creams from The Kiosk in the Coppet Hall Beach Centre. The Coast restaurant offers fine dining and has very good reviews with stunning views out to sea. 

Should you wish to stretch your legs, or escape for a moment from the blazing heat there is a cool long tunnel beneath the headland which leads to Wiseman’s Bridge. Once through the tunnel there’s a promenade which leads to the Wiseman’s Bridge Inn which offers both food and drink overlooking Carmarthen Bay. When the tide is out there are some cute little patches of beach edged by rocks that make almost private mini beaches.

Getting there and car parks . . .

Saundersfoot is a mere 14 minute drive from the cottage. We like to take the very scenic cross country route where the hill suddenly drops away to reveal sea views over the harbour. I always know I’m on holiday when I see that view.

There is very easy parking at the Harbour car park or at Coppet Hall. We’ve never been stuck for a space.

I hope I’ve shared enough to convince you that Saundersfoot is more than worthy of a place on your itinerary!