One of my favourite beaches to visit in autumn has coastpath access, a lovely sea-view cafe, and a wood-fired sauna, perfect for warming up after a bracing stroll by the sea.This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Saundersfoot is perfect for an autumn break (Image: Charles Hawes)
Just because summer is over doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy Wales’ sandy shores in the months ahead. Our craggy coastline is amongst the most beautiful in the world and can be enjoyed year-round, especially in autumn when you can traverse the coast path and have hot chocolates in cosy beach cafes.
One of my favourite beaches to visit in autumn has coastpath access, a lovely sea-view cafe, and a wood-fired sauna, perfect for warming up after a bracing stroll by the sea.
Saundersfoot might sit in the shadow of flashy neighbour Tenby, but don’t let that fool you; this compact coastal spot has a unique charm of its own. It has a proper sandy blue flag beach with a cutesy pancake shack, a harbour packed with places to eat, and cracking coastal walks leading to secluded coves and smugglers’ tunnels.
The swish seaside town is best known for its expanse of golden sands and events such as the World Cawl Cooking Championships. It also has plenty of activities, sandy beaches, pubs, and restaurants for those in the know.
After playing second fiddle to Tenby for years, Saunderfoot’s popularity is rapidly growing. The Sunday Times has previously named the small seaside resort one of the ‘best places to live by the sea in the UK 2024’.
I love Saundersfoot(Image: Portia Jones)
While Saunderfoor is a popular spot in summer, autumn is a lovely time to visit for fewer crowds, cheaper hotel deals, and cold-water swimming in the sea.
Start your day the Saundersfoot way, with a colourful sunrise over the sea as you dip in bracing waters. The east-facing beach delivers some of the best early-morning views in Pembrokeshire, all golden skies and rolling waves.
If you’re feeling bold, join the Coppet Hall Bluetits for a chilly dip with a fun gang. They’re a welcoming bunch that regularly meets to plunge into the sea before most people have coffee.
Post-swim, head to Shoreline or The Tramway Café on The Strand (don’t miss the crepes), or grab a seat at MamGu by the harbour for epic sea views and freshly griddled Welsh cakes.
The Blue Flag Beach was also voted amongst the best for sustainability by TripAdvisor in 2024. TripAdvisor described Saundersfood as “a sandy beach with clear blue waters. It’s a great spot for paddle boarding or exploring rockpools, and there’s also a promenade with shops and cafes.”
Saundersfoot Harbour(Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service)
Adjacent to the beach is Saundersfoot Harbour, which was completed in 1834. The harbour primarily served Pembrokeshire’s burgeoning coal industry, facilitating coal exports and significantly contributing to the local economy.
In recent years, Saundersfoot Harbour has undergone significant redevelopment to modernise its facilities and enhance visitor experiences. This includes improved marine facilities, the establishment of new business ventures, and the promotion of local heritage through the Welcome and Heritage Centre.
Today, Saundersfoot Harbour is a lively part of the town with colourful boats and charming cafes. It’s a great place to enjoy an ice cream by the water, watch the sunset, or join a boat trip to explore the beautiful coastline and spot some wildlife.
One of the best ways to soak up Saundersfoot’s seaside and harbour views is to lace up your boots and hit the coast path. The main beach unfurls eastward towards Coppet Hall, and if the tide’s in your favour, you can stroll along the sand to Wiseman’s Bridge and to Amroth, the official start of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.
There’s lots to explore here(Image: Seren Collection)
It’s an easygoing route with impressive views and a few tunnels thrown in for good measure. For a flatter, pram-friendly wander, stick to the tunnel path and reward your effort with a pint and a sea view at the Wiseman’s Bridge Inn.
On the flip side of the harbour, a ramp leads down to Glen Beach. Time it right, and you can walk to Monkstone Point, a quieter stretch popular with dog walkers and cockle pickers. Don’t push your luck; the tide here is known for catching out daydreamers.
Feeling floral? Head inland to the Hean Castle Estate for a bluebell-strewn woodland walk in spring, or swing by Colby Woodland Gardens for bursts of colour from rhododendrons and azaleas.
On Saundersfoot’s golden sands, you’ll find Crêp Da, a cutesy pop-up pancake van run by Courtney and Anouk. This compact green van sells a delectable selection of freshly made pancakes and waffles, along with iced coffee, hot chocolate, and hot drinks.
On Saundersfoot’s golden sands, you’ll find Crêp Da(Image: Portia Jones )
Their fresh-off-the-griddle crepes and golden waffles come piled high with your pick of sweet gooey goodness. Expect melty Nutella and strawberries, maple syrup with sliced banana, or simple sugar and lemon. Craving something extra?
There are also plenty of drool-worthy specials like Smarties-studded waffles, Twix-packed crepes, and Bounty-topped beauties. Each one is as outrageously delicious as it is Instagrammable. For the latest restaurant news and reviews, sign up to our food and drink newsletter here.
If you need a moment to unwind after feasting on pancakes and hiking, why not book a sauna session with a sea view?
You can enjoy wellness by the water at Hwyl Outdoor Sauna – a mobile wood-fired sauna overlooking the award-winning blue-flagged beach.
This sustainability-focused sauna sources its wood locally and has the cleanest-burning sauna fire available, keeping its carbon footprint low. Who doesn’t love a steamy sesh with eco credentials?
Bookable for 25-minute and 50-minute sessions, enjoy the invigorating experience of deep healing and mindfulness using the heat of the sauna and the bracing cold of the sea.
If you need a moment to unwind after hiking and feasting on pancakes, why not book a sauna session with a sea view?(Image: @sillbillsocial )
You can book slots for a shared sauna or a private session to rent the whole six-person sauna just for yourself and your friends and family for a steam and epic sea view.
Round off your day with a lovely pint and a view. Pull up a chair at Harbwr Bar & Kitchen, perfectly perched on Saundersfoot Harbour, and settle in for a laid-back pub sesh with some lovely Welsh brews.
This stylish seaside spot is the swish sister venue of Tenby’s award-winning Harbwr Brewery, which is pouring the good stuff straight from the source.
If you’re more into your spirits, don’t miss the Harbwr Dry Gin, crafted in west Wales and distilled with actual beer. It’s crisp, coastal, and perfect with tonic and a slice of citrus.
Extend your stay with an autumn break at the best hotel in Wales, according to the prestigious AA Hospitality Awards. The St Bride’s Hotel and Spa is a worthy winner, where you can gaze over Saundersfoot Bay from their amazing swimming pool and elevated rooms.
The infinity pool at St Brides Spa Hotel, Saundersfoot(Image: DAILY EXPRESS)
This privately owned hotel is a few minutes from the beach, allowing guests to enjoy ocean therapy before indulging in the many spa treatments.
Bright and airy rooms are thoughtfully styled with hints of coastal chic and feature quality bedding and furnishings.
Guests can also enjoy a flavour of Pembrokeshire produce and locally landed fish at their cliff restaurant, which serves seasonally informed dishes.
The main attractions are the dreamy infinity pool and marine spa. Unwind in a full thermal suite with a rock sauna, ice fountain, steam room, and marine hydro pool.
Individual treatments featuring marine-sourced products and spa packages can be booked. Choose from massages, facials, and holistic therapies expertly delivered by excellent therapists.
View rates for St Bride’s Spa Hotel at Booking.com