Little-known seaside town is the ultimate staycation spot and one of the ‘best places to live’ in country
SAUNDERSFOOT in South Wales has been named one of the country's best staycation spots by a team of travel experts.
Located between Tenby and Amroth, Saundersfoot is a small resort town in South Wales that's home to one of the world's cleanest beaches and it's considered one of the best places to live in the UK.
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 with Saundersfoot coming out on top.
A team of travel experts at 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".
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In Saundersfoot, the judges praised the Sea and Steam sauna - a beachfront sauna that was set up by two locals.
They wrote: "Set up by locals, Bryony and Kerry, it was inspired by their passion for connecting people with nature and the health benefits of using saunas.
"Open all year round, the six-person hub features a built-in changing room and boasts breathtaking views across to Monkstone Point and Worms Head".
The sauna is located on Saundersfoot Beach, which is one Saundersfoot's main attractions.
While the beach is already popular among holidaymakers, it was named one of the world's best beaches by TripAdvisor earlier this year.
Saundersfoot Beach was named as one of the cleanest beaches in the world by the travel experts.
The beach is routinely praised on TripAdvisor, with one person saying: "A clean expanse of beach with small shops, a few pubs and a fish and chip shop."
Another added: "The main beach in Saundersfoot is spotlessly clean with clear shallow water."
Saundersfoot Beach is ideal for swimming, canoeing, sailing, windsurfing and fishing.
Originally built to transport coal from the nearby mines, Saundersfoot Harbour - and other parts of the town - have undergone a huge revamp in recent years.
So much so, the Welsh town was dubbed one of the best places to live by the Sunday Times earlier this year.
Other attractions for visitors include Saundersfoot Lighthouse, which was built in 1848 to mark the entrance to the harbour.
Holidaymakers can go on boat excursions with Saundersfoot Pleasure Boats.
Other nearby attractions include Battlefield Live - a laser combat centre.
Saundersfoot is a 70-minute drive from Swansea, and it's a two-hour drive from Cardiff.
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What are the Sun team's favourite seaside towns?
THE Sun's travel team share some of their favourite English seaside towns.
Folkestone, Kent
With views of France (on a very clear day), the main attraction is the Harbour Arm, sitting at the edge of the converted train tracks and selling hand-crafted goods and amazing food.
The multicoloured high street with shops and restaurants can't be missed, my favourites being Burrito Buoy for some amazing margaritas and The Folkestone Bookshop for some novels.
You'll need to pack your beach shoes as it has a stony beach over a sandy beach - but after a few drinks at the much loved pilot bar, you'll hardly care.
Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor
Mousehole, Cornwall
The small sandy bay has retained it's chocolate box charm, crammed with weathered fishing boats and backed by pokey cafes and airy art galleries where seaside-inspired works hang from the walls.
For impeccable views of a wild sea and homemade grub, head to Rock Pool Cafe which sits atop a craggy cliff and order a 'make it yourself' hot chocolate.
There are some impressive coastal walks - but be warned it can be hilly.
Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor
Cleethorpes, North East Lincolnshire
Accessible on a spit of sand when the tide is out, this quirky little community art project is made up of driftwood, flags and mementoes from those who have visited to admire the huge swathes of golden sands and sparkling waters.
Sadly the original was destroyed in a fire in 2023 but an enthusiastic band of local volunteers are slowly re-building the landmark.
Lisa Minot, Head of Travel
Meanwhile, this seaside town is the best in the UK and has England's best visitor experience.
And here are The Sun travel team's favourite UK seaside towns.