You absolutely must see Tenby, a breathtaking and charmingly mediaeval fishing village in Wales. It’s undoubtedly one of the prettiest coastal villages in all of West Wales, perched in the lovely county of Pembrokeshire. You see, it offers something for everyone, including historical castles, sand beaches, and a tonne of delectable restaurants. In all honesty, there are so many great things to do in Tenby that you won’t know where to start.
I have always made yearly summer excursions to Tenby since I was a young lad. Nothing has changed from how I used to spend my vacations in Tenby—eating ice cream and creating sandcastles! Even now, when the weather is lovely and sunny, I’m still up for a creamy ’99 and some beach time in Tenby.
Nowadays, it’s simple to combine a vacation to Tenby with a windier tour of the top locations in Pembrokeshire. After all, many of the famous locations are only a short drive away. Tenby is thus the ideal starting point from which to explore Pembrokeshire’s southernmost point.
Therefore, I wanted to share some of my favourite locations and the top activities to do in Tenby with you. Have a wonderful trip!
North and South Beach
Recall how I mentioned Tenby’s abundance of sand beaches? The beaches in the north and south are an excellent place to start. They are not only absolutely stunning, but they are also within a short distance from Tenby’s ancient streets.
They are the kind of beaches where you can go and enjoy the sun and waves all day. Just remember to bring sunscreen since the Welsh wind might be deceptive. I’ve previously emerged from Tenby’s beaches looking like a lobster.
Best of all, even during peak season, there is plenty of space for everyone on the beaches due to their size.
St. Catherine’s Island
St. Catherine’s Island, which is perched slightly offshore, is very accessible on foot from the beach. I understand what you’re thinking now. How does one go on foot to an island?
In any case, St. Catherine’s transforms into a tidal island at low tide (much like Holy Island), and it’s simple to wander over the sandy banks.
Once you arrive, explore the historic property a bit. Yes, it has a somewhat worn-out and rustic appearance, but it adds to its attractiveness. The entrance fee is about £4, and a leisurely stroll takes about 45 minutes.
Castle Beach
If you enjoy the seaside, lying on the beach at Castle Beach is unquestionably one of the nicest things to do in Tenby. Additionally, it is frequently the most popular beach among those surrounding Tenby itself.
Even while it’s not as large as North or South Beach, it’s still quite gorgeous, especially for some relaxation time before lunch.
Tenby Castle
In my opinion, Tenby’s castle offers some of the nicest vistas. In fact, on a very clear day, you can see all the way across the Bristol Channel.
Even though a large portion of Tenby Castle is now in ruins, it’s still worthwhile to visit in order to understand more about the town’s past. After all, this region has a lengthy history.
Make sure you’ve packed some comfortable shoes because the ascent can be a little tough. stating that since it’s brief, you shouldn’t worry too much.
Oh, and it’s a fantastic location for both sunset viewing and visiting the RNLI Lifeboat Station.
Caldey Island
Caldey Island, which is located quite a distance from the shores of Tenby itself, is frequently visited during the summer months on day trips. It’s an incredibly beautiful, unusual, and historically significant monastery island in the UK.
It can only be reached by the small boats that go to and from the island because it is completely blocked off by the water. These days, reservations for these are not actually necessary (and you may buy them in Tenby).
However, it might get busy in the summer, so reserve it before taking your first trip through the town.
Oh, and don’t forget to bring home some of the chocolate the island’s monks manufacture themselves. It tastes good.
Green Bridge
There are many of the best things to do in Tenby right in the town itself, but there are also quite a few places that are only a short drive away.
You must drive through a Ministry of Defense territory to get here, but don’t be concerned—you are allowed to do so. Simply be aware of the “tank crossings”! I’m not joking!
Oh, and if it’s any help, this is where we parked the car so we could explore the shore.
Tudor Merchant’s House
Alright, so Tenby has been home to the Tudor Merchant’s House for at least 500 years! While strolling through Tenby proper, it is very simple to recognise and has such a lengthy history in the town. It is currently managed by the National Trust and is a nice little place to visit while wandering around Tenby’s narrow streets.
When you’re inside, you can look around the various floors and imagine what life was like long ago!
Five Arches Gate
In the past, Tenby was a fortified seaside settlement guarded by an intimidating wall to keep out intruders. Many portions of this wall still exist today, and you can easily see them when exploring the narrow lanes.
The Five Arches Gate, which originally served as Tenby’s entry, is one spot to keep an eye out for. Today, you can enter the “ancient town” through the gates just as you would have done in the past. It’s wonderful to see it still there.
Walk around the harborfront,
For me, strolling around the harborfront is among Tenby’s best activities.
I enjoy taking a leisurely stroll from The Croft down Crackwell Street towards Pier Hill and then along the Esplanade to South Beach. It is a beautiful way to view Tenby.
Additionally, you can continue strolling along the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path until you reach Giltar Point, which is at the end of South Beach if you feel like going for a longer stroll. It is just stunning.
Wander around the old streets
Tenby is unique since it offers both beach time and a very charming town that is fantastic to explore without any set intentions.
You can’t get lost in Tenby, that’s one thing to keep in mind (for too long).
The town is rather small, and once you’ve had a few leisurely strolls around it, it’s very simple to get around. It’s so little and intimate that you’re never genuinely lost, which is something I normally don’t like to do.
Be sure to visit The Salt Cellar for dinner and the Stables Restaurant for freshly caught scallops while you’re out and about. They offer such delicious cuisine with fresh fish and classic favourites like my favourite, the scotch egg.
Oh, and if you come on a Sunday, be sure to stop by The Fat Seagull for a Sunday roast. You’ll go home full.