Welsh town crowned UK's best seaside town 2026

Couples looking for an autumnal seaside escape or a mini-moon in Wales should head to Saundersfoot in Pembrokeshire which has taken first place in Time Out's 2026 editorial ranking of the UK's 16 best seaside towns.

Travel specialists at Ski Vertigo (https://skivertigo.co.uk/) reviewed current journey, beach and accommodation details for the winning destination. Saundersfoot finished ahead of Hastings and St Leonards, Southsea, Folkestone and Brighton, while Welsh neighbours Cardigan and Porthmadog also made the list. Set between Tenby and Amroth, Saundersfoot combines a broad sandy beach with a busy harbour, independent places to eat and easy access to the Pembrokeshire coast.

Beach
The main beach sits directly in front of the village and has retained Blue Flag status for 2026. Keep Wales Tidy says Saundersfoot is celebrating its 26th year with the award, which recognises high standards for water quality, safety, facilities and environmental management. A short walk east leads to the quieter sands of Coppet Hall, where rock pools and wooded headlands frame the bay. The old tramway runs along the top of the beach, with tunnels connecting walkers towards Saundersfoot and Wiseman's Bridge.

Harbour
An Act passed in 1829 created the Saundersfoot Railway and Harbour Company, with the harbour completed in 1834 to support coal exports from nearby mines. The waterfront is now the centre of village life, used by leisure craft and small boats alongside shops, cafés, parking, visitor facilities and events.

Accommodation
This ranges from harbourside rooms to hotels and self-catering apartments, giving visitors options for a quick overnight trip or a longer coastal stay. Its compact layout means the beach, harbour and village centre can all be explored without building a complicated itinerary.

Food and drink
The harbourfront food scene is part of the appeal. Mamgu's Welshcakes serves traditional bakes, while the Royal Oak has welcomed customers since 1837 and offers seasonal pub dishes, seafood, local drinks and live music close to the water. Seafood remains a major draw, with The Stone Crab continuing as a family-owned restaurant in the village.

The current ranking also points visitors towards Catch Beach Club and Lan Y Mor, where the coastal setting is a large part of the experience. For day-trip and short-break planners, the key test is whether a destination still works once transport, room availability and peak-season demand are taken into account.

Alex Dyer, managing director at Ski Vertigo, said: "Saundersfoot works well because the beach, harbour, food and accommodation are concentrated in a small area, so visitors can fit plenty into a short stay. Check live traffic before leaving, reserve accommodation as early as possible and book popular restaurants in advance."

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