A Welsh seaside town has been ranked as the best holiday destination for entertainment. Scoring 7.71 out of 10, Tenby is a favourite among visitors seeking a classic coastal retreat.
This charming harbour town is renowned for its 13th-century town walls and sandy beaches, but there’s much more to discover. With 6.4 pubs per 1,000 people and 2.4 of those offering live music, Tenby boasts a vibrant nightlife. Additionally, with 19.3 restaurants per 1,000 people, visitors are sure to find plenty of dining options.
The brightly coloured cottages, instantly recognizable, overlook the scenic harbour, and the town’s rich history dates back to the Norman Conquests. Tenby has been a beloved seaside resort since the Victorian era and is famous for its narrow, cobbled alleyways as well as its quintessential British seaside atmosphere.
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Visitors looking to live the beach life will love the three miles of beaches that surround the town. Castle Beach was named the best beach in the UK in 2019 and currently has a 4.8 out of 5 rating on Google.
Wondering why Tenby scored so highly? Here’s what else the Welsh seaside town has to offer:
Where to eat
The town has plenty of gastro pubs and boutique dining establishments. As you can expect from its coastal location, it’s pretty good for fresh seafood too.
With an overall score of 4.5 on TripAdvisor, The Billycan is a boutique bar, restaurant and hotel situated in the former British Legion Club in the heart of Tenby. Serving up a delicious range of pub classics and innovative bistro-style meals, the popular spot also does a mean Sunday roast.
Another must-visit for hungry visitors is the Tap and Tan. Another high-scoring establishment on TripAdvisor, this independent craft beer taproom and live fire cookery is famous for its meaty feasts and carefully curated menu made from locally sourced ingredients.
Other great places to tuck into in Tenby include the gourmet burgers at INDIE Burger, the hearty full English at Bramleys Tea Rooms or The Baytree Restaurant with its fresh seafood menu.
Where to drink
A break to the seaside wouldn’t be the same without a pint in the sun. Tenby has plenty of places to enjoy everything from a quiet drink to a rowdy night out.
A veritable jewel in the crown of the popular seaside town, Harbwr Tenby has a 4.5 overall score on TripAdvisor with visitors loving 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 down by the water.
For fun lovers looking for a spot of live music, the Twisted Shamrock is a riot with bands, karaoke nights and cheap beer. Its a small bar with a big reputation, where dancing is always on the menu.
Other popular hostelries include the Three Mariners Pub of Tenby with its pool table, The Hope & Anchor with its nautical-themed bar and garden and the Coach and Horses with its old-school tavern vibe.
Where to stay
There are lots of hotels and B&Bs dotted throughout the town, with rooms to suit visitors on every budget.
Visitors have rated the Broadmead Boutique B&B the best in town according to TripAdvisor, with an impressive score of 5 out of 5 overall. Guests love the ambience and vibe of the pretty period building and the leafy suburb location, just a 20-minute stroll to the historic walled town of Tenby.
For beach lovers on a budget, The Esplanade offers big bedrooms and a waterfront location, while the Myrtle House Hotel is a traditional B&B with a homely atmosphere.
The Heywood Spa Hotel is perfect for visitors looking to be pampered during their stay and the Penally Abbey Hotel & Restaurant offers incredible views and complimentary tea and cake.
Best beaches in Tenby
The beautiful seaside town offers not one, not two, but an impressive three separate beaches, all of which are accessible and open to the public. Having received two Blue Flag certificates, Tenby is not just lovely to look at, it’s also home to some of the cleanest beaches in the UK.
The North Beach
According to the Visit Pembrokeshire website, The North Beach is “A superb, sheltered, sandy beach with the pinnacle of Goskar rock sticking out of the sand in the middle.” Offering one of the most photographed views in Wales with the harbour at the western end, this beach can get very busy during the high season.
Dog restrictions apply to the whole beach from May until September, and being a bit of a suntrap, it’s one of the sunniest beaches in Wales. A shop, cafe, toilets, deck chair hire and boat hire are also available close by.
The Harbour Beach
The smallest of the three beaches, this sandy bay is located in the harbour itself. Overlooked by the town’s famous coloured cottages and the castle, it’s a popular spot for families with small children as the compact size makes it easier to keep an eye on little ones.
From Harbour Beach, visitors can book several boat trips and activities including day trips to Calday Island, a Tenby sea safari or a variety of watersports including kayaks and paddleboards.
The South Beach
Offering a mile and a half of sandy beach and dunes, the South Beach has a traditional British seaside vibe. The beach stretches out for acres when the tide is out, but also offers plenty of room at high tide. The gently shelving sea makes it perfect for paddling.
Dog restrictions apply to the beach between May and September and there is a small car park, deck chairs and an ice cream van available close by.
The Castle Beach
This interesting little beach is a fourth addition to the town which disappears completely at high tide. Sadly, the area between Castle Hill and St Catherine’s Island is currently out of bounds but visitors taking the boat to Caldey Island can depart from Castle Beach at low tide when the harbour is dry.
Tenby is easy to reach using public transport, with Tenby Station serviced by the Pembroke Dock branch railway.
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