Tenby is undoubtedly one of the most popular and loved places in all of Wales. Known for its iconic and colourful harbour, the crooked little alleyways filled with an eclectic mix of independent shops, its traditional pubs, world-class sports events and four wonderful sandy beaches, there’s nothing to dislike!
Walk around Tenby and you’ll see history everywhere. From its castle ruins on the hill (a great spot to enjoy the sunset!) to its town walls, which are Grade I listed, there is always something interesting to see. Tenby’s name in Welsh is Dinbych y Pysgod, which translates to ‘little fortress of the fish’.
If you’ve never visited Tenby, we highly recommend a visit. In the summer months the town is bustling and the weather is (usually) gorgeous, and in the winter months, it’s a lot quieter and you’re guaranteed a table in a restaurant and the views are still spectacular.
We’ve put together this list of our favourite top picks from Tenby:
Food & Drink
A traditional pub right in the heart of Tenby. Brewing their own beers on-site, they also serve a variety of wines, gins and spirits, so there’s bound to be something you love! Tuck into freshly caught seafood as well as lots of other delicious food. The beer garden is a great place to visit after you’ve enjoyed a day at the beach, and the pub is also dog friendly. You can also grab a takeaway from the lane behind the pub.
If you love your burgers then this is a great spot for you. Indie Burger is a perfect choice for the whole family. Every week they even bring out a new burger special, from Moroccan lamb, and Katsu Chicken Curry and even ‘A tribute to bacon’, to name just a few. They also do vegetarian and vegan burgers, as well as loaded fries – so there is plenty to choose from.
The most incredible location right on Tenby’s South Beach, where you can enjoy great food with a lovely view. Serving a variety of seafood and other locally sourced meals, you can dine al fresco on the beachside decking, which is a great spot to enjoy the last of the sun. Salty’s was included in The Guardian’s top 20 list of the UK’s best seaside restaurants, cafes and shacks.
Lollies Traditional Sweet Shop
A traditional sweet shop in Tenby filled with everything you can imagine. Selling the tastiest sundaes, luxury Belgian chocolates, handmade fudge and American candy. The shelves are lined with jars of sweets, so if you’ve got a sweet tooth, this is your place! On a hot day, grab a sundae and head to one of the nearby benches where you’ll have an amazing view of the harbour- what more could you ask for?
Voted in the top 25 places to eat in Wales, you are sure to have a unique dining experience here. Hidden away in Quay Hill, a wonderfully crooked alleyway leading to the harbour, you’ll find the oldest building in Tenby serving great food in its candlelit restaurant. Enjoy Tenby caught seafood, organic meat or tasty vegetarian dishes.
Things to do
A boat trip from Tenby Harbour takes you to this beautiful island which has been home to various orders of monks since Celtic times. Enjoy a drink in the tea gardens and visit the gift shop – which sells shortbread baked in the Monastery and chocolate made on the island. A walk up to the lighthouse offers spectacular panoramic views and you may even spot the seals basking in the sun on the rocks below.
Beaches
You can’t go to Tenby and not visit at least one of its four marvellous beaches! We think all of them are worth a visit, and they’re all really close together, so that’s easy to do! North Beach was actually voted as ‘one of the most photogenic beaches in the world’. South Beach stretches all the way to Giltar and the beautiful village of Penally – a fantastic walk! Make sure to grab an ice cream from one of the vans on the beach.
This 52-acre zoo is Wales’ only walking safari. Get close to the giant rabbits, lemurs and wallabies (who will love you if you feed them!). The gibbons, rhinos and tigers are fantastic to watch. Little ones will love the play areas and if it’s raining, the indoor play domes will go down a treat! Make sure to try their real artisan pizza for a seriously delicious lunch.
If you’re feeling brave, head for the Dinosaur Park, only a few miles outside of Tenby. Packed full of amazing activities, from tubey rides to go carts, multiple play areas and of course, real-life dinosaurs, there’s lots of fun to be had! Great for kids both big and small, we’re sure the whole family will enjoy it.
Children (and grown-ups) will love a visit to Tenby Lifeboat Sation. Get up close to the lifeboat and learn about past launches, the history of the two lifeboat stations and everything there is to know about the RNLI. There’s a gift shop and you may even be able to watch a launch while you’re there..
Events
Tenby is home to some great events throughout the year, including its famous Summer Spectacular. Held on the last Sunday in July and every Sunday in August, you can enjoy events for all the family, live bands, food and drink, finished off with a magnificent fireworks display. All money raised goes to local charities, so it’s a great event to support.
Ironman Wales has been running in Tenby since 2011, and is one of the most popular and loved events in West Wales. Thousands of spectators line the streets and there is a real buzz in Tenby for the entire weekend. Known as one of the toughest courses in the world, competitors swim 2.4 miles at North Beach, before cycling 112 miles across Pembrokeshire, finishing with running a marathon (26.2 miles) through the seaside town. An event not to be missed!
On the last Sunday of July, Tenby hosts the Tenby 10K. Organised by a local running club, the TROTs, the event starts and finishes in the town centre and has great support from locals and visitors alike. West Wales Holiday Cottages are a proud sponsor of Tenby 10K 2022 and we can’t wait to watch everyone compete!
Another magnificent sporting event is Tenby Long Course Weekend. Held on the first weekend in July, over 12,000 athletes compete in three incredible days. The swim takes place on Friday, cycle on Saturday, and the run on Sunday. The event is great for people who are inspired by Ironman Wales as you don’t have to do all 3 disciplines, and there are also different lengths – so you don’t need to run the whole marathon or cycle the whole 112 miles!
Where to stay
Flat 1 Flint House Tenby is a ground-floor apartment just a few minutes’ walk from Tenby’s breathtaking beaches and iconic, picturesque harbour. This light and airy apartment provides the perfect retreat after a day exploring the wonderful area, and the superb location means you’re never far away from anything.
Sleeps 4 and welcomes 2 dogs
Flat 3 Flint House Tenby is a one-bedroom apartment in the heart of Tenby. Only a few minutes’ walk from the four beaches, this is an excellent location with everything on your doorstep. The spacious apartment has been lovingly refurbished and is a welcoming and relaxing retreat.
Sleeps 2
A one-bedroom first-floor apartment overlooking North Beach and the world-famous Tenby harbour. Close to the town centre, shops, bars and restaurants. This property is ideal for couples seeking a prime location. Having settled in and parked your car, relax and forget driving because there is so much to explore nearby.
Sleeps 2
Just 50 metres from the beautiful beach in Tenby and located within the historic town walls, 1 St Marys Court is a spacious and comfortable contemporary 2-bedroom apartment. Only a stone’s throw from the town centre, this property is a wonderful base for a perfect family holiday.
Sleeps 5
This spacious apartment in Tenby boasts sea views and a balcony. Only a short stroll to the glorious sandy beaches, this is a superb location for families. The miles of golden sandy beaches, the colourful harbour and the narrow cobbled streets of the medieval walled town are all within a short walk.
Sleeps 5
Perfectly located just 5 minutes’ walk from Tenby’s picture-postcard harbour and beach. You can stroll to sandy beaches, exploring this fabulous seaside resort at your leisure. The Rose Cottage is a lovely artist’s cottage, renovated to a high standard, still containing many original features and all mod cons. Set in a sunny position with roses in the front garden.
Sleeps 6 and 1 dog
Check out all our cottages in the Tenby area