Dog-friendly Saundersfoot, with its golden sandy beach, choice of dog-friendly eateries and fun for families is a popular destination for a seaside escape. Increasingly finding itself on the foodie radar, it’s a village where you can be tucking into a mouthwatering feast of local produce one minute, and walking it all off on the beach the next.
The harbour area is a relaxing spot to while away an hour or so, watching the boats clinking in the turquoise water and listening to the sound of happy families drifting up from the beach. With your faithful friend at your side, wander back to one of our dog-friendly holiday cottages in Saundersfoot for an evening of relaxation before more coastal adventures in the morning.
When you do feel like leaving the sanctuary of the village, characterful Tenby is just over 3 miles south, while Wiseman’s Bridge, Amroth and the National Trust’s Colby Woodland Garden are within 4 miles to the north. Dog-friendly Saundersfoot is a true gem of a destination for a Pembrokeshire holiday.
What have pups got to look forward to in Saundersfoot?
Click to fetch Saundersfoot's...
🐶 Top days out
🐾 Top walkies
🏖️ Top beaches
🍴 Top dining spots
🏡 Top places to stay
Great dog-friendly days out in Saundersfoot
Colby Woodland Garden
Pack a picnic and head off to this gorgeous wooded valley with your pup. A lovely, tranquil spot, it makes a change from all the coastal rambles you’re sure to be enjoying during dog-friendly holidays in Saundersfoot. Awash with colourful carpets of vibrant flowers in spring, beautiful blooms in summer and rich rusty hues in autumn, it puts on a show at any time of year.
While dogs are not allowed in the walled garden or tearoom, the wildflower meadow and leafy woodland paths give you plenty to explore together. The babbling stream is the perfect place for dog and human to cool off on a summer’s day, and great for families looking for an alternative to the traditional day at the beach. Hop across the stepping stones, hunt for the perfect walking stick, spot dragonflies and butterflies, and even embrace your inner hunter-gatherer by whipping up something tasty over one of the campfires. With rope swings strung up in the trees and den building encouraged, there are hours of fun to be had.
Why your dog will love it: Woodland walks are the best for sniffing out exciting scents and fetching sticks…lots of sticks!
Wiseman’s Bridge
A delightful seaside hamlet, just north-east of Saundersfoot, Wiseman’s Bridge is a lovely spot for a relaxing day out with your four-legged friend. Photographers and artists will be in their element here, with the cliffs, beach and Pembrokeshire coastline providing no end of inspiration. You can reach the village on foot or by bus from Saundersfoot and there is limited parking along the road above the beach.
While the little hamlet is now a haven of peace and seaside calm, it was once a busy centre for coal which was shipped out of local mines and carried along by narrow-gauge railway to Saundersfoot Harbour. Nowadays, the most action you and your dog will experience is a run around on the beach! Even that can prove tiring though, so it’s a good job there’s a lovely dog-friendly pub, the Wiseman’s Bridge Inn, right by the beach.
Why your dog will love it: A walk combined with a run on the beach is always a good idea in the eyes of a dog!
Saundersfoot Harbour
If you feel like staying local, one of the best dog-friendly days out in Saundersfoot is simply soaking up the sights of the village itself. The pretty harbour is among the top places to spend a lazy lunchtime. Grab a portion of fish and chips and park up on a bench for a while, enjoying the buzz of harbour life.
When you’ve finished your takeaway and polished off an ice cream to boot, wash it all down with a drink at one of the dog-friendly Saundersfoot cafés close to the harbour. Enjoy a mooch around the shops in the village to find some mementoes of your holiday, or head down to the golden, sandy beach for a stroll.
Why your dog will love it: The sights, sounds and smells of the harbour and village are a feast for the senses, and nothing can compare to a run on that glorious golden beach!
Four Brothers Fishing Trips
If your dog is keen to get their sea legs and they don’t mind a spell on a boat, why not book yourselves on to a Four Brothers Fishing Charter for a 2-hour mackerel fishing trip leaving from the harbour? You’ll have a fun few hours on board and the chances are you’ll return with a good catch to whip up a fishy feast for tea!
Why your dog will love it: Dogs love to share in our excitement, and the thrill of watching you land a haul of shimmering mackerel is sure to set their tails wagging.
Heatherton World of Activities
If you’re on the hunt for dog-friendly attractions in Saundersfoot for a fun family day out, and you’re willing to hop in the car for a short drive, look no further than Heatherton World of Adventures (4.5 miles). Admission is free and activities are paid for individually, with something to suit all tastes. From a sedate round of crazy golf to high-octane go-kart racing, there’s plenty to fill a whole day in the various activity zones.
Try your hand at archery, put your grey cells to the test to find your way out of the escape rooms, bob around in the bumper boats, walk on water in the inflatable zorbs and so much more.
Dog-owners are asked to keep their pups on leads as they accompany you on your adventures around the park. A water bowl is available outside reception to quench their thirst.
Why your dog will love it: Dogs are not only welcome but have their own attraction, a dog agility course with ten fun obstacles to negotiate!
Dog walks in Saundersfoot
Saundersfoot to Wiseman’s Bridge
This half-mile walk is a lovely, sedate route that follows the course of the old railway that used to carry coal from Wiseman’s Bridge to Saundersfoot. It passes through two long tunnels, which are sure to be a hit if you have children with you, and starts from the end of the main shopping street in Saundersfoot.
While it’s not a long walk, little excuse is needed for a refreshment stop, and after the first tunnel, you’ll find a couple of eateries at Coppet Hall. For a coffee-to-go, a slice of cake or a sandwich there’s the Kiosk Café, or if you’re looking to sit and enjoy the scenery with a delicious sit-down meal, try Coast, the restaurant right on the shoreline.
Rested and replete, continue your walk through the second tunnel and on to pretty Wiseman’s Bridge.
Why your dog will love it: A short walk with beaches and café stops en route, this one’s great for dogs who like to take things at a leisurely pace.
Saundersfoot to Tenby
This 7.5-mile circular walk takes in some of the enchanting Pembrokeshire coastline between Saundersfoot and Tenby before turning inland to meander back to your starting point. Part of the route is along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, a trail that stretches 186 miles around this corner of West Wales.
This particular section passes through woodland and takes in fantastic views of Saundersfoot Bay, Tenby and Caldey Island, steering inland just before Tenby to lead down into Waterwynch Valley.
Why your dog will love it: A lovely long walk for able pets, they’ll enjoy getting out and taking in the delights of the coast just as much as you will.
Saundersfoot to Amroth
An extension of the Saundersfoot to Wiseman’s Bridge route mentioned above, this linear walk to Amroth is approximately 2.5 miles long. From Amroth, you can either retrace your steps back to Saundersfoot (refuelling before you leave at one of Amroth’s dog-friendly cafés or pubs), or hop on the bus (check bus times before leaving as they are not very frequent).
If the tide is out, you can walk along the beach and return via the coast path to add more variety to your ramble.
Why your dog will love it: With plenty of beaches en route to stop and have a game of fetch, this is great for energetic dogs with a spring in their step!
Stepaside Ironworks
The circular walk at Stepaside Ironworks, or Kilgetty Ironworks as it is also known, gives you an interesting insight into Pembrokeshire’s industrial past. Once an important industrial hub, only the remains of the ironworks still stand today, but they are striking nonetheless.
The 1.1-mile walk leads past the ruins and takes in some lovely meadow views before rising into woodland and country lanes. It also passes the restored remains of the Grove Colliery, where you can learn more about the coal mining industry in the area from the information board.
Why your dog will love it: It’s a short walk, so not too strenuous, but good to be out in the countryside and the ideal opportunity to find a new stick to play fetch with!
Dog-friendly beaches in Saundersfoot
Saundersfoot Beach
The beautiful expanse of Saundersfoot Beach is undoubtedly its distinguishing feature. Flat and wide, with lots of space at any point of the tide, it’s a wonderful beach for walkies. Bear in mind that on Saundersfoot Beach, dogs are welcome all year only at the far end to the north, just before Coppet Hall Beach. On the whole of the south of the beach to the harbour, restrictions are in effect from 1 May to 30 September.
Why your dog will love it: Whether it’s a morning stroll or evening splash about on the tideline, what’s not to love about a visit to this glorious beach?
Coppet Hall Beach
Coppet Hall Beach has a lovely, sandy stretch, perfect for games of fetch, as well as rock pools which the inquisitive pooch or their young human friends will love rooting around in. This is a good beach to combine with a walk to Wiseman’s Bridge along the coast from Saundersfoot.
Dog restrictions apply on the area to the north of the beach, from the steps in front of the beach centre, from 1 May to 30 September.
Why your dog will love it: When the tide is out, the beach connects to Saundersfoot, making for longer walkies and more time zooming around on the sand!
Wiseman’s Bridge Beach
If you’re looking for dog-friendly beaches in Saundersfoot where your pup is welcome to roam year-round, Wiseman’s Bridge Beach is the ideal choice. Studded with rocks and with plenty of sand at low tide, it’s great for exercising your four-legged friend, and coastal walks stretch out in the direction of Saundersfoot and Amroth.
At very low tide, keep an eye out for the submerged forest – the petrified remains of tree stumps protruding from the sand.
Why your dog will love it: Dog-friendly year-round, and with a dog-friendly pub and plenty of walking routes to explore, this is the ultimate Saundersfoot beach for a doggy day out at the seaside.
Dog-friendly places to eat in Saundersfoot
Periwinkle
As dog-friendly cafés in Saundersfoot go, Periwinkle is one of the best. A family-run bistro and tearoom serving up mouthwatering tapas cooked up from local ingredients, here you’ll find a delectable menu featuring plenty of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options too.
If you’re wooed by the flavours of their in-house meals, then you can pick up some tasty treats from their wonderful deli to enjoy back at your holiday accommodation. And as if that weren’t enough, if you’re feeling creative post-lunch, you can head over to their sister business, Periwinkle Pottery, where you can while away an afternoon painting a gorgeous ceramic souvenir.
Why your dog will love it: This cute little bistro is a cosy spot come rain or shine; your pup will be more than happy to curl up at your feet while you indulge your tastebuds!
HARBWR Bar & Kitchen
Sit back and enjoy the wonderful views out to Saundersfoot Harbour and beyond, with a tasty meal or glass of something cool on a summer’s day. There’s a terrace outside for catching some rays on a sunny day, and your dog certainly won’t complain if you decide to stop for a refreshing drink after a lovely walk on the beach.
Why your dog will love it: Just a stone’s throw from the beach, it’s a lovely spot for a well-earned rest after a runaround.
Mulberry Restaurant & Bar
Mulberry’s cosy interior, with wooden beams, exposed brickwork and whitewashed walls, makes it a great choice for an evening meal - with your pet in tow, of course! Ring to book your dog-friendly table, and your pup is more than welcome to relax by your table as you tuck into the likes of tasty tapas, mouthwatering fish dishes and hearty roasts.
Why your dog will love it: In this relaxing environment, it’s the perfect opportunity to take a nap after a busy day while you enjoy your meals.
The Old Chemist Inn
The truth is that there are a whole host of dog-friendly pubs and dog-friendly restaurants in Saundersfoot, and the Old Chemist Inn is another where your pup will receive a warm welcome. There are dog-friendly areas inside and out, so whatever the weather you’ll be sure of a comfortable spot to sit and enjoy a meal and one of the pub’s refreshing real ales.
Why your dog will love it: They can sit and enjoy the atmosphere and view of the beach while you enjoy it too!
Cosy dog-friendly cottages in Saundersfoot
Best for romance
The Cwtch Saundersfoot | Sleeps 1 dog and 2 humans
This gorgeous little detached cottage has a compact yet beautifully designed interior. We defy any couple and their canine pal not to fall in love with its shabby chic touches, tempting textures and calming chalky tones.
Nestled within a leafy garden, it benefits from a lovely outside space, great for dining alfresco on balmy evenings. There are 23 steps up to the cottage, so it’s one for nimble guests, but its location just a short walk from Glen Beach, between Saundersfoot Harbour and Monkstone Point, makes it a wonderfully romantic hidden gem. What’s more, its name ‘Cwtch’ is Welsh for cuddle – which is just what it feels like when stepping inside its warm and welcoming walls.
Best for big family breaks
Oak Tree House | Sleeps 2 dogs and 8 humans
A spectacular property with space in abundance, Oak Tree House is a fabulous choice for a getaway with family or friends. The bright and airy living areas, complete with exposed beams, feature lighting and impeccable design elements, provide a beautiful backdrop for socialising. With a wood burner, gorgeous flagstone flooring in the kitchen, and a patio and lawn outside, it’s bursting with features that dogs are sure to appreciate just as much as you.
And when it comes to satisfying the humans in your party, the luxurious spa bath is bound to be a hit, while youngsters will be delighted by the twin beds up in the eves!
Stay at a self-catering dog-friendly cottage in Saundersfoot
Stay at one of our self-catering dog-friendly holiday cottages in Saundersfoot. Dog-friendly holidays in Saundersfoot promise beach walks, coastal strolls, welcoming cafes, cosy pubs and spades of seaside fun with your four-legged friend. It’s a great destination for exploring the rest of South Wales with your dog.
Whether you’re looking for somewhere to stay with your partner and your pet, or hunting for the perfect large cottage for a family gathering, your home-away-from-home is waiting within our collection of dog-friendly cottages in Saundersfoot. Some of them even offer features such as hot tubs or sea views to make your stay a memorable one.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.