The underrated destination has been crowned the UK's best seaside town for 2026 by Time Out, beating popular destinations including Brighton, Blackpool and St Ives08:46, 09 Jun 2026All eyes are turning to Britain's coastline this summer, as holidaymakers seek out more budget-friendly breaks closer to home. The opening of the King Charles III Coastal Path has made the entire UK coastline walkable — and ripe for exploration.‌With that in mind, Brits are on the hunt for the finest spots to discover, from sun-drenched beaches to hidden gem eateries, shops and landmarks worth adding to any travel bucket list.‌Topping Time Out's list of the best UK seaside towns to visit in 2026 is an underrated Welsh gem in Pembrokshire — Saundersfoot. Pipping the likes of St Ives, Folkestone and Brighton to the top spot, it's plain to see that this charming coastal destination is well and truly having its moment in the sun.‌Tucked between the much-loved neighbouring towns of Tenby and Armoth, Saundersfoot is celebrated for its sweeping sandy beach and lively harbour, making it the perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.Roughly a two-hour drive from Cardiff and even closer to Swansea, it's a wonderfully accessible escape for those looking to swap urban chaos for a little coastal tranquillity.‌BeachSaundersfoot boasts what Time Out described as "one of the most gorgeous beaches of any British seaside resort". This breathtaking stretch of Blue Flag sand sits right at the heart of the village, serving as the natural gathering point for visitors and locals alike.What many visitors don't realise, however, is that just a short walk east of the bustling main area lies a far more tranquil spot, nestled amongst rock pools and sweeping green headlands. The town's historic tramway runs along the top of the beach, offering a series of charming tunnels leading towards Saundersfoot.Reviewing Saundersfoot beach on TripAdvisor, one visitor wrote: "Lovely beach to walk on, very clean and close to the town with shops and cafes literally just a street over. It's also very close to the harbour, so it's nice to see the boats."‌Another shared: "When the tide is out, this is dog heaven! I've seen sea cucumbers, muscles, jelly fish and razor clams on the beach, loads of walking space, really quiet and a massive area to walk in."HarbourFirst granted permission to be constructed in 1829 to facilitate the export of coal from mines across Wales, the harbour has grown considerably since its early days.‌Today it serves as the beating heart of the town, hosting a variety of outdoor events including concerts and markets, while also providing a base for numerous local businesses. Visitors can expect to find the harbour bustling with private moorings, pleasure boats catering to seasonal tourists, and small fishing charters.Guests have hailed it as "The best location in Saundersfoot", with some even choosing to stay in one of the waterfront rooms available through Harbour Stays. A review said: "On the way from Swansea to Tenby we made a short stopover at Saundersfoot Harbour. The small port is quite beautiful and worth seeing."Food and drinkBoasting a handful of traditional pubs, the town takes on a lively energy during the summer months, complemented by a wealth of bistros, restaurants and cafés that add to the vibrant atmosphere.‌Nestled along the harbour is Mamgu's Welshcakes, which earned its own mention from TimeOut, serving up traditional bakes that have become a firm favourite amongst visitors, best enjoyed with sweeping views of the sea.While it holds the top spot on TripAdvisor, The Royal Oak is an ideal spot to kick back with a pint and catch some live music at the weekend. Founded in 1837, this classic pub is rich in Welsh heritage, dishing up a hearty selection of pub grub and freshly caught seafood right by the water's edge.When it comes to seafood, however, The Stone Crab remains a beloved institution in this coastal gem, boasting hundreds of glowing reviews.Article continues belowOne satisfied diner wrote: "To be brief: this is the best restaurant in Saundersfoot, the best fish restaurant in Wales (probably) and the one restaurant which I would like to pick up and move a lot closer to home. You can order anything and know it will be perfectly cooked and served."