Saundersfoot is a village in the south-eastern stretch of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, on the south coast of Wales. The village is one of the most visited tourist destinations in this part of Wales, along with the nearby coastal town of Tenby, and both can be found on the route of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path looping around the county. Saundersfoot provides everything from fine beaches to excellent walking routes and is a superb choice of destination if you’re keen to experience the very best of south Wales.

The history of Saundersfoot

Known in medieval Wales as first Llanussyllt and then St Issels, after the parish church dedicated to the Welsh Saint Issel. The name we know the village as today may have originated with a local landowner, Walter Elisaunder, who built a ford in the area in 1332.

The settlement began as a few simple cottages in a forest clearing in Coedrath, a hunting ground of the Norman Earls of Pembroke. Thanks to the discovery of anthracite coal in the area, Saundersfoot became a thriving port, with a harbour originally built in 1829 eventually growing to export around 30,000 tons of anthracite each year.

Things to do and see

Activities in the waters of Saundersfoot Bay are a popular part of the tourist experience. Kayaks, pedalos and pleasure boats are available from various outlets along the coastline. The waters are fine for swimming, with the beach having been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag. Renowned locally for a charitable New Year’s Day Swim sponsored by local businesses, though tourists may prefer to leave that rather nippy event to locals with a little more practice.

There are plenty of small shops to browse, centered mainly on the village’s High Street and the roads leading off it. From local rock and fudge to arts, crafts and jewellery, there are plenty of things to pick up and enjoy on the day or life long souvenir.

One of the most popular walks in the area takes you along the coastal path to the nearby village of Amroth. From the village's beach front there are fantastic views of Monkstone Point to the south, the path northwards winds along the pebbles and sand to the tunnels carved out of the rock in the 19th century to help transport coal from inland to the harbour.

When it’s time to reward yourself after a day of exploring, head over to the Royal Oak, situated on the hill that faces the slipway to the beach. This popular pub serves excellent food, hearty lunches and a good selection of wines and real ales. Another option is the Captain’s Table, a pub in the centre of the village whose outside area is especially busy during the warmer months, sitting between the harbour on one side and the bustling village on the other.