Saundersfoot Tops TimeOut's UK Seaside Towns for 2026
Saundersfoot, a harbour resort in Pembrokeshire, has been recognised as the greatest UK seaside town to visit in 2026. The town is described as "energetic" and boasts one of Wales' most attractive beaches.
According to TimeOut's list of the UK's best seaside destinations, Saundersfoot features "one of the most gorgeous beaches of any British seaside resort." The town is also commended for its fresh seafood, homemade Welsh cakes, and picturesque views reminiscent of postcards.
Other Welsh Coastal Towns Featured
Alongside Saundersfoot, two additional Welsh seaside towns were included in TimeOut's list of 16 top UK seaside locations: Cardigan in Ceredigion and Porthmadog in Gwynedd.
Cardigan secured fifth place and is characterised as an historic centre with a vibrant cultural and culinary scene. Situated on the estuary of the River Teifi and home to Cardigan Castle, the town offers a variety of independent venues, including an art centre, bakeries, and pubs.
Porthmadog ranked 13th, just below Blackpool. It is noted for its "rugged drama" and "alternative spirit." The town lies near the Italianate village of Portmeirion and is backed by Eryri National Park. Nearby beaches include Morfa Bychan, also known as Black Rock Sands, which is distinctive for allowing visitors to legally park their cars on the beach, with a caution to observe tide times.
Comprehensive UK Coastline Coverage
"We've tried to cover as much of the UK coastline as we could and Wales, Scotland, England and Northern Ireland are all accounted for."
Previous Recognitions and Local Amenities
Saundersfoot has received notable recognition prior to this accolade. In 2018, The Times named it one of the best places to live in the UK.
Despite being classified as a large village with approximately 2,500 residents, Saundersfoot offers excellent dining and drinking options. It also hosts various wellness activities, such as the outdoor sauna Hwyl and spa resorts like the well-known St Brides.
The village and its surrounding area have become popular for their combination of short-stay apartments and hotels, attracting visitors seeking a coastal retreat.
Beach Awards and Community Events
Saundersfoot's beach was among Wales' Blue Flag beaches in the most recent Wales Coast Awards. It was described as "much more compact than Tenby," possessing "a charm and character of its own," and being "ideal for swimming."
The beach is also famous for its annual New Year's Day swim, which draws hundreds of participants who take a dip to raise funds for charity.
