SEASIDE towns are good fun in the summer from swimming to building sandcastles, but some can be just as good in the colder months too.
From cosy pubs to stays in award-winning hotels, chilly beach walks and seal-spotting along the shoreline, this one has plenty to rave about during the autumn and winter.
The pretty seaside town of Saundersfoot sits between Tenby and Amroth in Pembrokeshire.
It’s home to around 3,000 residents and has a Blue Flag sandy beach, a picturesque harbour with cafes and shops, plenty of walking paths – but absolutely no rides.
And according to WalesOnline its “craggy coastline is amongst the most beautiful in the world and can be enjoyed year-round, especially in autumn”.
Someone on Tripadvisor described the village as a “winter wonderland” when the Christmas lights are up.
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It’s a popular place for Atlantic grey seals and you can see them on boat trips – and you can see them all year round.
Saundersfoot has previously been named one of the ‘best places to live by the sea in the UK 2024’ by The Sunday Times.
The Boat House at Saundersfoot is a 2025/26 Good Food Award winner – Gold Seal.
The family-run restaurant serves up meals from curries to pastas, surf and turf, steak, and burgers.
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Meanwhile, St Brides Spa Hotel in was crowned Hotel of the Year for Wales at the AA Hospitality Awards in 2025.
The ‘Best Hotel in Wales‘ offers stays in coastal suites, cosy double rooms to superior king – some of which have impressive sea view balconies.
When it comes to food, the hotel has The Cliff Restaurant, a Gallery Bar & Lounge, Marine Fish & Chips and Lobster Club Outdoor Terrace.
Whether you’re a guest or not, you can book to have a tasty meal in their hotel restaurant, from Afternoon Tea to Sunday Lunch and special events like Christmas and Valentine’s Day.
Last year, research from holidaycottages.co.uk recently revealed the best spots in the UK for a festive staycation.
Destinations across the UK were ranked based on their proximity to a cold plunge or a seaside sauna – and Saundersfoot came out on top.
A team of travel experts at holidaycottages.co.uk wrote: “Topping the list of locations is Saundersfoot in Pembrokeshire, followed by Saunton in North Devon, Sheringham in Norfolk, St Andrews in Fife, and Whitstable in Kent.
“Each selected offers spectacular sea views, a great availability of eateries and pubs, and a communal swim event to make a cold-water dip all the more appealing”.
Speaking of, there’s a popular sauna on Saundersfoot Beach Hwyl Outdoor Sauna which has incredible Pembrokeshire coastal views as well as hot and cold therapy sessions.
In recent years, Saundersfoot Harbour and other parts of the town have undergone a huge revamp.
It has new shops, event spaces, and Marine Centre of Excellence for watersports.
Other attractions for visitors include Saundersfoot Lighthouse, which was built in 1848 to mark the entrance to the harbour.
Nearby are family attractions like Folly Farm and Blue Lagoon Waterpark.
Plus, the sleepy Welsh village which was once a busy port has beautiful coastal paths and cosy pubs.
And the little-known pink beaches and turquoise lagoons that you won’t believe are in Wales.