UK seaside village overshadowed by flashy neighbour has sandy Blue Flag beach

Forever viewed as Tenby's secondary attraction, the until-now overlooked Saundersfoot is swiftly gaining adoration from holidaymakers. The Sunday Times has gone so far as to acclaim this quaint resort town as one of the 'best places to live by the sea in the UK 2024'. Not to be outdone, The Times has highlighted Saundersfoot in its '20 places in the UK currently on the up' as a prime location for property investment.

While overshadowed by the glitzy Tenby, Saundersfoot is a gem with an allure all of its own, offering a blue flag beach, perfect for swimming and sunning yourself, a bustling harbour bursting with eateries, and superb coastal walks that lead to hidden coves and vintage smugglers' tunnels. Choose your path carefully; whether you head towards Amroth or veer off towards Monkstone Point, tides can come in quickly, reports Wales Online.

Sunday Times journalist Tim Palmer penned a glowing review of Saundersfoot, stating: "While it may not have the Georgian good looks or the historic atmosphere of its Instagrammable Pembrokeshire neighbour Tenby, Saundersfoot is, arguably, a little more fun - especially out of season. It is also cheaper, with bungalows starting at about £300,000.

"The three sandy beaches guarantee a steady flow of holidaymakers who come all year round for swimming, paddleboarding and enjoying the magic of the coast."

A TripAdvisor top pick for sustainability in 2024, the area has been lauded 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."

See below for our perfect day in Saundersfoot.

Kick off your day in true Saundersfoot fashion by witnessing a vibrant sunrise over the sea, followed by an invigorating swim. The east-facing beach offers some of the most stunning early-morning vistas in Pembrokeshire, complete with golden skies and undulating waves.

For those daring enough, join the Coppet Hall Bluetits for a refreshing morning dip alongside a lively group. This friendly crew often gathers for a sea plunge before the rest of the world reaches for their coffee.

After your swim, pop into Shoreline or The Tramway Café on The Strand (the crepes are a must-try), or settle down at MamGu near the harbour for breathtaking sea views paired with sizzling Welsh cakes.

Just a stone's throw from Saundersfoot, Coppet Hall Beach offers tranquillity and is the starting point for the scenic Saundersfoot to Wiseman's Bridge walk, featuring coastal paths and historic tunnels.

Or you might strap on your walking boots and immerse yourself in the coastal charm of Saundersfoot by trekking the coast path. Stretching east from the main beach to Coppet Hall, this route can lead you to Amroth, marking the beginning of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, if the tide permits.

The journey is peppered with stunning vistas and intriguing tunnels, offering an accessible adventure for everyone.

For those seeking a leisurely jaunt, the tunnel path is ideal, culminating in a refreshing pint at the Wiseman's Bridge Inn, complete with sea views.

Alternatively, venture down the harbour ramp to Glen Beach, where, with careful timing, you can reach Monkstone Point. This secluded haven is favoured by dog walkers and cockle pickers alike – but beware the swift tides that can surprise the unwary.

Or you might like to venture inland to the Hean Castle Estate for a woodland walk adorned with bluebells in spring, or visit Colby Woodland Gardens for vibrant displays of rhododendrons and azaleas.

Don't forget to visit the stunning Saundersfoot Harbour, completed in 1834 and today a bustling part of the town, filled with vibrant boats and quaint cafes. It's an ideal spot to savour an ice cream by the water, watch the sunset, or embark on a boat trip to explore the stunning coastline and observe some wildlife.

For those craving more adventure, Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo offers an exhilarating day out with a mix of zoo attractions, a vintage fairground and copious play areas, not too far from Saundersfoot.

As the proud home to over 100 species, some unique animals prowling the park include Walles's only giraffes, majestic African lions, Eastern black rhinos and many others. Highlights awaiting visitors are the Pride of Pembrokeshire lion reserve, Penguin Coast's charming residents, and the Kifaru Reserve dedicated to rhinos.

With play zones galore, catering to youngsters' tastes, tots can dig into adventures at The Big Dig or zoom around at Follystone Racetrack.

For an elegant evening meal, give Lan y Môr a whirl, a Michelin Guide, mentioned dining hotspot that boasts a stellar reputation for its delectable bites and prime seaside setting.

Michelin praises Lan y Môr, calling it a "stunningly located beachside restaurant". It notes: "The menu tempts with variety, whether you fancy 'Sea', 'Pasture' or 'Land', but with such views, it's no wonder the oysters, 'frockles' (fried cockles) and the catch of the day are the talk of the town. Make sure to save some space for dessert, particularly if the splendid chocolate and cherry cake is available."

Nothing better to finish off a beautiful day in Saundersfoot.