22 January 2026
Widely considered one of the UK’s best seaside towns, the picture-perfect harbour town of Tenby boasts award-winning golden sand beaches, a rich history, colourful architecture and family-friendly charm.
Meaning ‘Little fortress of the fish’, the Welsh name reflects Tenby’s origins as a coastal fort. It’s historic town motto “The sea washes away the ills of man” refers to the Town being long established as a bathing resort, with the notion of coastal well-being and wild swimming being good for both body and soul.
Early mornings in Tenby…
There’s something magical about watching the sunrise on a beach as yet untouched by the crowds. Our small harbour town offers a choice of two white-sand beaches; North beach which features our iconic harbour & South Beach with its view towards to Caldey Island and Penally.
Tenby features an abundance of small cafes and restaurants, independently run by local families. For your morning coffee, the Stowaway café is nestled in a Grade II listed arch, tucked into the harbour walls. The Motley Pie Café adjacent to the Fire Station, makes everything fresh on site everyday – the perfect excuse for a breakfast pastry. Or for your morning coffee with a view, Caffé Vista lives up to its name.
One of our favourite walks is along South Beach towards Penally, where you can join the coast path and follow the route up onto the clifftops with spectacular views over Caldey Island and even Lundy Island on a clear day. It’s a spectacular and breathtaking walk heading towards Lydstep, before taking a short detour inland to find Bubbleton Farm Shop. This family-friendly farm shop does superb coffee and cakes and serves some of the heartiest breakfasts in the county. There are sheep, chickens and pigs for the kids to feed and oodles of space for them to run riot.
Tenby South Beach from St Catherines Island looking towards Penally
In the afternoon…..
Back in Tenby, it’s worth a quick trip to the intriguing fort and former zoo of St Catherine’s Island (if the tides allow). Or if not, wander the cobbled streets exploring the quaint and quirky alleyways and hidden shops. Pembrokeshire’s local produce and arts & crafts feature in a number of our retail outlets and art galleries, as well as traditional stick of rock and bucket & spade shops.
The very photogenic Sergeants Lane is perhaps the most photographed street in all of Wales. But is rivalled at every turn by sea vistas and architectural curiosities.
For those looking to unearth the rich history of this notable town, head to the Tenby Museum and Art Gallery, perched on top of Castle Hill. Or to immerse yourself in Tenby as it was in the 15th century, head to the National Trust Tudor Merchants House, nestled in Quay Hill.
Being a sea-faring community, the importance of the RNLI cannot be understated. The striking lifeboat station on Castle Hill is a must visit site offering free entry, and you may even be lucky enough to see a lifeboat descend the ramp on a training exercise.
Tudor Merchats House
More than just fish and chips….
No trip to the seaside is complete without fish and chips, and Fecci's traditional fish and chips are one of the most popular vendors, offering gluten and wheat free batter alternatives as well as indoor dining facilities.
But there is so much more to dining in Tenby. With a host of restaurants, hotels and cafes plus Tenby’s Indoor Market all focused on sourcing and preparing local produce, as well as independent craft beer made in the town itself by Harbwr Brewery, in Tenby you can enjoy a true taste of Pembrokeshire.
Should your visit happen to fall on a Sunday, the roast dinner at Trefloyne Manor is impeccable. The Essence restaurant within the Imperial Hotel offers stunning vistas over which you can enjoy their small plates menu or afternoon tea. Or for a bite of Welsh perfection, the hot off the griddle welshcakes at Loafley are to die for.
The next day….
A must visit on any trip to Tenby has to be Caldey Island, a 20-minute boat journey from either the harbour or Castle beach, depending on the tides. It’s a monastic island with an order of Cistercian monks living in the monastery. As well as the island buildings including shop, post office and a lighthouse, the island has an interlinked network of paths that criss-cross the island with amazing views. Time must be made to visit Priory beach, its golden sands and crystal clear waters make it a perfect stop for a picnic or ice cream while watching the Caldey boats come and go.
Caldey Island Boat Trip
Back on the mainland, your adventures can continue with Tenby Adventure; Tenby’s local coasteering, kayaking & adventure activities specialists. Though should you wish for a slower paced afternoon, an ice-cream from one of Tenby’s traditional ice cream parlours combined with a beach wander and paddle, could be the one for you. We recommend that you try our local flavours from Upton Farm such as ‘Pembrokeshire Promise’, ‘Barti Ddu Rum & Raisin’ and ‘Mamgu Welshcake’.
For the ramblers and hikers, the walk from Tenby along the coast path to neighbouring Saundersfoot is not to be missed. With highlights along the way including Monkstone Point and Waterwynch – though be prepared for the steep steps.
Staying in Tenby Town itself, create a unique memento with a visit to Eyemazy, where you can transform your eyes into unique, personal art with premium prints, digital files, and gift cards. Or for top jewellery brands, fabulous fashion and must-have bags, a visit to Cariads is in order.
The last supper…..
Splash out on your final evening in Tenby at the Plantagenet House which specialises in modern British cooking in an intimate period building with a medieval Flemish chimney. Or for something equally impressive, try the nearby Lan Y Mor restaurant at Coppet Hall for a real taste of gorgeous, local cuisine and an impeccable sea view!
Lan y Mor Saundersfoot
By now, hopefully you’ll be sun kissed and slightly salty from all that sea air, returning home to dream of your next trip to picturesque Pembrokeshire.
And don’t forget, you can travel to Tenby by train!
