Exploring Tenby

Tenby is famous for being the gem in Wales’ crown. With a breath-taking and iconic coastline, this seaside village boasts four soft sandy beaches making it a top shout for a traditional UK beach holiday. The cobblestoned town is sprinkled with shops, art galleries, pubs and restaurants too. Oh and the events calendar? Bursting with sports, food, music and culture. 

Things to do in Tenby

An easier question to answer would be what isn’t there to do in Tenby. Four beaches offer ideal conditions for toddlers learning to swim, adventurers trying watersports, dogs playing ball games and more. 

Tenby North Beach is home to the Ironman Wales and the Long Course Weekend swims, so its a given that it’s pretty good if you want to practise your strokes. Tenby South Beach is the go-to for those with dogs whilst Tenby Harbour Beach is the one for picturesque bathing by the boats. Tenby Castle Beach often gets forgotten as it merges into South Beach at low tide, but it’s certainly worth a visit when the tide is out.

With a busy harbour, its no wonder that some of the top activities to enjoy in the town are boat trips.A day trip to Caldey Island (dog friendly) is recommended; explore a scenic and serene isle for further sea views and another beautiful sandy beach. You’ll find huts lining the harbour to purchase tickets for Caldey as well as other sea safaris and fishing trips. 

Discover history at the Tudor Merchant’s House or Tenby Museum, follow a self-guided art gallery trail through the pretty streets, shop for gifts and souvenirs in the independent stores. If you’re a keen golfer, pack your clubs for a round at Tenby Golf Club, the oldest club in Wales, or the nearby Trefloyne Resort.

Foodie travellers will be delighted at the vast selection of pubs, cafes, restaurants and takeaways in the area though booking for your favourite can be recommended during high season when crowds descend on the town. Fish and chips by the beach is a must so head to Feccis or dine out at Dennis Cafe where the tables overlook the beach. Pick up seafood from the cabin on the harbour for something to tuck into at home, you won’t regret it.

As for events, you’re in for a treat. Summer Spectaculars take place regularly at the harbour where you can enjoy a family fun day complete with live music and topped off by a fireworks display. Sports fans will enjoy the aforementioned Long Course Weekend (June) and Ironman Wales (Sept) events whilst foodies will not want to miss the annual Street Food Festival (usually June). 

November boasts two festivals; the Tenby Arts Festival and the Tenby Blues Festival whilst December is all about festive events with a Santa Run and a Boxing Day Swim.

Nearby to Tenby

Explore the wider south Pembrokeshire region with a day at Saundersfoot for more eateries, events and activities - read our Saundersfoot guide for further info. Wisemans Bridge and Amroth are smaller seaside villages east of Saundersfoot which are worth sightseeing, whilst Manorbier and the spectacular area of Stackpole lie to the west. St Govans Chapel, The Green Bridge of Wales, Bosherston Lily Ponds and Barafundle Beach are all located around Stackpole and are bucket-list-worthy locations for any Wales explorer.

Popular attractions including Folly Farm, Heatherton, The Dinosaur Park and the Great Wedlock Deer Park are just a short drive away in St Florence whilst remarkable castles like Pembroke Castle and Carew Castle are also great family days out for the family. 

Where is Tenby?