The bustling town is known for its beautiful beaches, cobbled streets and colourful houses, and it’s no wonder it’s been named one of the best seaside towns in the UK
Boasting four stunning beaches within a stone’s throw of the bustling town centre, idyllic cobbled streets that rival those found in Italy or along the French Riviera, and an assortment of eye-catching houses that many UK towns envy, it’s hardly shocking that this coastal jewel is recognised as one of the “best” seaside towns in Britain.
This quaint harbour town has long been a beacon for tourists in search of a traditional British seaside getaway, with its local hotspots frequently bustling with keen visitors during peak hours. Tenby, a town once marred by a reputation as a rowdy location for stag and hen parties, has reinvented itself to cater to today’s visitors seeking a classic British beach break.
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It offers a perfect mix of picturesque scenery, golden shores, assorted activities and contemporary restaurants. Step through Tenby’s historic 13th-century town walls and you’ll find sun-drenched beaches and awe-inspiring clifftop views across the waves towards the mesmerising Caldey Island.
This spot boasts a lively dining and pub scene, a unique brewery, and charming cobbled lanes where tourists can enjoy a tipple or sample local fare, according to a report by the Express.
The town’s colourful homes, which overlook the breathtaking harbour, are instantly recognisable. With a history that dates back to the Norman Conquest, Tenby has been a beloved seaside resort since the Victorian era.
Today, it’s as well-known for its narrow cobbled streets as it is for its quintessential British seaside charm.
Beach lovers will adore the three miles of sandy expanses surrounding the town. Castle Beach was crowned the UK’s best beach in 2019 and currently holds a 4.8 out of 5 rating on Google. Uniquely, unlike almost anywhere else in the UK, it’s just a few steps from the town centre.
Where to eat in Tenby
The town boasts numerous gastropubs and boutique eateries. Given its coastal location, it’s also a fantastic spot for fresh seafood.
With an overall score of 4.5 on TripAdvisor, The Billycan is an independent bar, restaurant and hotel situated in the heart of Tenby. Offering a delicious range of pub classics and innovative bistro-style dishes, this popular spot also serves up a fantastic Sunday roast.
It’s perfect whether you’re visiting as a couple or as a family with kids of any age.
Another must-visit for food lovers is the Tap and Tan. This independent craft beer taproom and live fire cookery, which boasts high ratings on TripAdvisor, is famed for its meaty feasts and carefully curated menu made from locally sourced ingredients.
The beer menu appears to be as thoughtfully put together as the food menu.
Other top spots to eat in Tenby include Indie Burger, known for its gourmet burgers, Bramleys Tea Rooms for a hearty full English breakfast, or The Baytree Restaurant with its fresh seafood menu.
Where to drink in Tenby
A seaside holiday wouldn’t be complete without a pint in the sun. Tenby offers plenty of places to enjoy everything from a quiet drink to a lively night out with karaoke.
Harbwr Tenby is a gem in this popular seaside town, boasting a 4.5 overall score on TripAdvisor. Visitors love the friendly atmosphere.
Patrons can freely walk into the on-site brewery and see the beers being made, or enjoy some first-class pub grub in the attached pub. Other popular pubs include the Hope and Anchor and the Coach and Horses.
Where to stay in Tenby
There are numerous hotels and B&Bs scattered throughout the town, with rooms to suit visitors on every budget.
According to TripAdvisor, the Broadmead Boutique B&B is the top-rated accommodation in town, boasting a perfect score of 5 out of 5. Visitors rave about the charming period building and its location in a leafy suburb, just a brisk 20-minute walk from the historic walled town of Tenby.
If you fancy a touch of luxury, the Heywood Spa Hotel is just the ticket for guests wanting to be pampered during their visit. Alternatively, the Penally Abbey Hotel and Restaurant offers breathtaking views and complimentary tea and cake.
You can even reserve a stay in one of the famous clifftop homes, which are ideal for group holidays.
Tenby’s beaches
Tenby isn’t just boasting about one or two, but a whopping four separate beaches, all open to the public. With two Blue Flag awards to its name, Tenby isn’t just a pretty face – it also boasts some of the UK’s cleanest beaches.
Take your pick from North Beach, South Beach, or the more compact Castle Beach and Harbour Beach, both tucked between the harbour and the cliffs. Whichever you opt for, you’re bound to be chuffed.
According to the Visit Pembrokeshire website, North Beach is “a superb, sheltered, sandy beach with the pinnacle of Goskar rock sticking out of the sand in the middle”. It’s one of Wales’ most photographed scenes, thanks to its scenic harbour views at the western end.
But be warned, it can get crowded when the sun’s shining. From May to September, there are dog restrictions on the beaches.
Harbour Beach may be the smallest of Tenby’s trio, but what it lacks in size, it compensates for in charm. Tucked in the harbour and framed by the town’s iconic coloured cottages and castle, it’s a favourite with families who appreciate being able to keep a close eye on their little ones.
From Harbour Beach, you’re spoilt for choice with boat outings. Fancy a day trip to Caldey Island, a Tenby sea safari, or getting wet on kayaks and paddleboards? It’s all on offer here.
For a classic British seaside experience, head to South Beach. With a mile-and-a-half of golden sands and dunes, there’s space aplenty even when the tide’s in. And with shallow waters ideal for a splash about, it’s a paddler’s paradise.
The intriguing Castle Beach is just a short stroll down a man-made ramp to golden sands, with the imposing St Catherine’s Island and its fort emerging from the water at high tide. Visitors who have taken the boat trip to Caldey Island, home to a medieval church, a well-maintained monastery and a unique chocolate factory, disembark at Castle beach.
There are also cafes offering refreshments and ice cream on the sand. Tenby is easily accessible via public transport, with Tenby Station being serviced by the Pembroke Dock branch railway.
How Tenby achieved the ‘best’ rating and what others say about it
The picturesque Welsh seaside town of Tenby has taken the top spot as the ultimate destination for holiday entertainment, scoring an impressive 7.71 out of a possible 10 points in a recent study.
Visitors to the charming coastal retreat have praised its unique blend of historic charm and modern attractions.
One family, who visited in April 2023, described it as a “beautiful town” with its own special character, writing: “It is a place of beauty, a working environment with walkways, restaurants, cobbled streets and archways, smells and sounds.
“I loved it. It is so interesting to wander around from the lifeboat to the shore to see its working heritage. To the more modern aspects of tourism and restaurants, people queuing for boat tours and sea food kiosks.
“The cobbled streets with arches of shops and curios. Well worth a visit.”