This sandy, sun-trapped beach surrounded by stunning coastline and spectacular views looks like it could be anywhere in Europe but it’s actually one of the UK’s best tourist destinations
It’s recently been voted one of the Rough Guide’s top UK 2025 destinations and when the sun is shining there’s no better place to chill than this gorgeous seaside resort with its colourful houses, cobbled streets and cafe culture.
You don’t have to travel far to one of the UK’s most stunning seaside resorts, Tenby in south-east Wales, which is blessed with beautiful blue waters and three glorious beaches: Castle Beach, North Beach, and South Beach.
Castle Beach has a blue flag and is perfect for paddling with an easy access slipway, while North Beach is a sheltered, sandy beach with Goskar rock sticking out of the sand and a picturesque harbour.
The largest of the three beaches, South Beach, is just a stone’s throw away with plenty of space to run around and play games.
And there’s pletny to do – for something a bit different you can catch a boat to the neighbouring island of Caldey where a community of Cistercian monks live. It’s just a 20-minute boat ride away, has a history extending over 1500 years and is one of Britain’s oldest holiest sites.
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Once on Caldey’s sandy shores, you can walk around the entire island in just over two hours but the Caldey Abbey, home to roughly 40 Cisestercian monks, is a must-see.
Back on the mainland visitors can take part in the Tenby Ghost Walk and learn about all things paranormal from ghostly pirates to witches and UFOs with storyteller Marion Davies.
History lovers can step inside the famous Tudor Merchant’s House which is known for its stone facade and wonky windows and dates all the way back to the fifteenth century. Inside, the quaint stone-floored rooms are filled with period furniture, ceramics and wall-hangings.
Tenby Castle and the Tenby Museum and Art Gallery are also worth a visit – and for the more adventurous there’s paddleboarding, kayaking and surfing.
There are plenty of places to relax but one of its top-rate pubs is the Harbwr Tap & Brewery, with a delicious range of seasonally brewed beers and ales – with visitors recommending its steak and sea bass.
For family fun check out the Dinosaur Park or Manor Wildlife Park. Discover over 90 lifelike dinosaurs, 40+ rides and attractions, including go-karts, Dino-golf, and a Dinosaur Trail with prices starting from £17:50 for children up to 15.
The Manor Wildlife Park in St Florence is Wales’ only walking safari where you can meet the lemurs and wander with the wallabies and feed them leaves.
You could stay at a campsite for less than £20 per night or if budget allows you could stay at the Tenby Golf Club which opened in late-2023 and offers a calm respite from central Tenby 15 minutes’ walk away.
Meanwhile, Penally Abbey hotel in Tenby was rated highly at the 2024 AA Hotel and Hospitality Services. Situated beside a twelfth century church, the charming hotel offers visitors the perfect starting point for exploration.
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