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With only four stunning beaches thrown pebbles from the vibrant town centre, it's no wonder Tenby's coastal gems have soared in rankings as one of the “best” seaside towns in quaint cobblestone lanes comparable to the Italian and French Riviera. This idyllic port town in Wales has long been a favorite for those seeking a typical British seaside holiday.
It is featured regularly on the UK's most beautiful seaside towns list, and especially the Sunday Times included in the “Live to Live Locations” guide, and it appears as a highly desirable location. Tenby has reinvented it to cater to the contemporary flavours of a classic British seaside holiday, boasting a perfect mix of breathtaking scenery, golden beaches, numerous activities and modern dining options.
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Tenby has beautiful colorful houses (Image: Getty)
Beyond the historic 13th century walls, Tenby offers sun-drenched beaches, dramatic cliff-sided panoramas at sea, captivating Caldey Island, lively food and pub scenes, its own brewery, and enchanting cobblestone streets where tourists can enjoy local treats of pints and samples.
The colorful houses in the town overlooking the breathtaking harbor are quickly recognised. Due to its history dating back to Norman's conquest, Tenby was a seaside resort that has been loved since the Victorian period.
Today it is as well known as the charm of the British seaside, famous for its narrow cobblestone streets.
Beach enthusiasts worship the three-mile sandy spread surrounding the town. Castle Beach was the UK's Best Beach in 2019 and currently has a 4.8 out of five ratings on Google.
Uniquely, it's just a few steps from the town centre, not anywhere else in the UK.
Why do you think Tenby was ranked so highly? Here are other things this delightful Welsh seaside town has to offer:
Seaside towns are regularly voted for one of the best in the UK (Image: Getty)
Where to eat in Tenby?
The town is home to numerous gastropubs and boutique eateries. Considering the coastal location, it's also a great place for fresh seafood.
With an overall score of 4.5 on TripAdvisor, Bilikan is a separate bar, restaurant and hotel located in the heart of Tenby. Offering a delicious range of pub classics and innovative bistro style cuisine, this popular spot also serves fantastic Sunday roasts.
Whether you are visiting as a couple or as a family with children of all ages, it's perfect.
Another must-see for food lovers is taps and tans. This independent craft beer taproom and TripAdvisor-rated Live Fire Cookie is renowned for its meaty feast and carefully curated menu made from locally produced ingredients.
The beer menu seems to be as thoughtful as the food menu.
Other top spots to dine in Tenby include the indie burgers known for their gourmet burgers, the Bramrise Tea Room for a hearty full English breakfast, or the Bay Tree Restaurant with a fresh seafood menu.
Where to drink in Tenby?
Without pints in the sun, seaside holidays are not perfect. Tenby offers plenty of places to enjoy everything from quiet drinks to a lively night out with karaoke.
Harbwr Tenby is the gem of this popular seaside town and boasts an overall score of 4.5 on TripAdvisor. Visitors love the friendly atmosphere.
Patrons can walk freely to the on-site brewery and watch the beer being made or enjoy first-class pub grabs at the attached pub. Other popular pubs include Hope and Anchor, Coach and Horse.
Where to stay in Tenby
There are many hotels and B&Bs scattered throughout town, with rooms suitable for visitors on all budgets.
According to TripAdvisor, Broadmead's boutique B&B is the top accommodation in town and boasts a perfect score of 5 out of 5. Visitors praise the charming period buildings and lush suburban locations.
If you're in the mood for luxury, the Heywood Spa Hotel is a ticket for guests who want to indulge during their stay. Alternatively, the Penary Abbey Hotel and Restaurant offer breathtaking views and complimentary tea and cakes.
For large groups, why not book a stay at one of the well-known Clifftop Homes?
Tenby Beach
Tenby has four impressive public beaches, not one, not two. With the two Blue Flag Awards of that name, Tenby is more than just a Looker. It also boasts some of the UK's most pristine beaches.
Recommended from North Beach, South Beach, or more intimate Castle Beach and Harbour Beach, both hide between the harbor and the cliffs. Whichever you choose, you will be captivated.
According to the Visit Pembrokeshire website, North Beach is “a wonderful, evacuated sandy beach with the pinnacle of Goscar Rock that protrudes from the sand in the middle.” It is one of Wales' most photogenic spots thanks to the scenic harbor views at the western edge.
But be careful, if the sun shines, it can get crowded. There are dog restrictions on the beach from May to September.
Harbour Beach may be the smallest of Tenby trio, but it doesn't surprise you with its charm. Pushed into the harbor and surrounded by the town's iconic colored cottages and castles, it is a family favorite who appreciates being able to pay attention to the little children.
Harbour Beach now offers a wide range of boat outings to choose from. Whether it's a day trip to Caldey Island, getting wet on Tenby Sea Safari, or Kayaks or Paddleboards, there's something for everyone.
For a typical British seaside experience, South Beach is where it exists. Golden sand and dune miles and half stretches provide ample room even at high tide.
The shallow waters make it a perfect spot for splashes and create a paddler paradise.
Tenby Harbor Beach (Image: Getty)
Tenby has a winding cobblestone street (Image: Getty)
Castle Beach offers an interesting sight and strolls through the Golden Sands with artificial lamps. The impressive island of St. Catherine and its fortress emerge from the high tide waters.
We took a boat trip to Caldey Island, home to medieval churches, well-maintained monasteries and unique chocolate factory, and descended on Castle Beach.
There is also a dotted cafe along the sand that serves snacks and ice cream. Tenby is easily reachable via public transport, while Tenby Station offers the services of the Pembroke Dock Branch Railway.
How did Tenby achieve the “best” rating and accomplish what others say about it.
Tenby's picturesque Seaside gem has crowned the ultimate coastal hotspot for holiday fun, winning 7.71 out of 10 in a recent study by OLBG. The town of Welsh concluded its top spot based on a variety of factors including pubs, eateries, museums, green spaces, zoos, aquariums, water and entertainment parks, arcades, beaches, accommodation, accommodation, popularity, climate, precipitation levels, local transport links, and more.
Frenzy visitors sing Tenby's praises, calling it a “beautiful town” by families who took a holiday there in April 2023. They shared the experience, “It's a place of beauty, a work environment with aisles, restaurants, cobblestone streets and archways, smells and sounds. I loved it. Wandering from lifeboats to coast is very interesting. Visit.”
