Tenby is a delightful little harbour town and seaside resort, and it would be difficult to find a setting more picturesque. It's hilltop position led to its early settlement as a Welsh stronghold, which was replaced in medieval times by a Norman Castle and walled town. Part of the town walls survive to this day and are an attractive feature at the entrance to the old town. There are three fabulous beaches and boat trips are available from the harbour around the clear waters offering great opportunities to spot dolphins, and the other abundant wildlife.

Once known as "Little England beyond Wales" this is a rather anglicised part of Wales. From the early 19th century Tenby became a fashionable holiday destination for both the Welsh and the English, and its attractions to the holidaymaker are just as obvious today, with the fantastic beaches stretching to the north, the west, and the south of the town. If you like good beaches you will love Tenby!

The outskirts of the town have an over abundance of Caravan Parks but they do little to detract from the beauty of this part of Pembrokeshire.

Beaches

Tenby Beach: Tenby can be a serene, attractive destination sure to charm you, and those in search of spending time by the beach are spoilt for choice. Tenby has three fabulous beaches: north beach; south beach; and castle beach. All three have wide stretches of golden sands. North beach has the added attractions of a picturesque harbour, and Gosker Rock, a huge rock outcrop. South beach stretches for miles, or so it seems, to Giltar Point and is backed by sand dunes and a golf course. You will always find a space on the south beach. Castle beach sits between the north and south beaches and is a narrow beach that lies between St Catherine's Island and Tenby castle. It's a great beach just to chill out or to explore this beautiful location, The excellent water quality makes castle beach popular for swimming and paddling, and a bit of surfing takes place on stormy days.

Walks, Cycle Trails and Other Activities

Walk along Tenby's South Beach toward Giltar Point and the start of the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path for fantastic views of Caldey Island. Walk the narrow cobbled streets of the old town lined with elegant Georgian properties or sit in one of the many cafes and people-watch visitors to the gift shops, restaurants and public houses. Wander along the harbour, or board one of the cruises to nearby Caldey Island, or take a trip in search of the plentiful wildlife of this south west coast of Wales. Pembrokeshire is famous for the dolphins that visit this rugged yet beautiful coastline.

However, Tenby can also offer plenty to do for the more active holidaymakers with yachting, sea kayaking, windsurfing, surfing and for the more extreme sporting enthusiasts coasteering (jumping off the cliffs into the clear blue seas!).

With the increasing availability of sea kayaks and canoes for hire or sale, more and more are taking to the waters off Tenby and the Welsh coastline. No longer is the sea considered the sole domain of yachts and motor boats, and families and indeed anglers employ these smaller crafts to explore the coastline. Although care must be taken on coastal waters experienced canoeists can explore the safe waters around the harbour at Tenby at high tides.

Attractions

Tudor Merchant's House: This late 15th-century town house is characteristic of the area and of the time when Tenby was a thriving trading port. The ground-floor chimney at the rear of the house is a fine vernacular example, and the original scarfed roof-trusses survive. The remains of early frescos can be seen on three interior walls and the house is furnished to recreate family life from the Tudor period onwards.

Town Walls: Tenby Town Walls are impressive examples of mediaeval craftsmanship. The walls mark Tenby's original boundaries, and tell of the town's proud history, when they were used to fortify the town from the 15th century Owain Glyndwr led Welsh Rebellion.

Caldey Island Monastery: Caldey offers a chance to view the wildlife that inhabits the Island. There are opportunities for bird and seal watching plus a bit of monk watching.

Tenby Museum: Tenby Museum & Art Gallery is housed in part of the remains of Tenby Castle and although looking deceptively small from the outside the museum has six spacious galleries, research facilities and a gift shop. Situated on a promontory known as Castle Hill, there are spectacular views of Castle Beach, South Beach and Caldey Island from the area surrounding the museum.