Seaside town with beaches and cobbled alleys looks more like French Riviera
With four beautiful beaches a stone's throw away from the hustle and bustle of the town centre, it's little surprise this seaside gem is so highly rated
With four stunning beaches just a pebble's throw from the bustling town centre, enchanting cobbled streets echoing those found in Italy or the French Riviera, and an assortment of vibrant, eye-catching houses that are the talk of towns across Britain - it's hardly surprising that this coastal jewel has scored highly in a recent survey of the "best" seaside towns in the UK.
This idyllic harbour town has consistently drawn in tourists looking for a bona fide British beach holiday experience, with local businesses often witnessing queues during peak visiting times.
Savvy to the seaside allure, Tenby has smartly reinvented itself to cater to the changing demands of a traditional British seaside destination, serving up the perfect mix of spectacular scenery, golden beaches, abundance of leisure pursuits, and contemporary eateries, having once been stigmatised as a haven for rowdy stag and hen dos.
Stepping beyond its historical 13th-century walls, you'll find sun-drenched beaches and striking views of the cliffs plunging into the sea towards the mesmerising Caldey Island. Furthermore, Tenby boasts a lively food and drink scene, its very own brewery, and the most delightful cobbled alleyways where you can savour a pint or sample regional treats, as reported by the Express.
The town's colourful homes, which overlook the breath-taking harbour, are instantly recognisable. With a history that dates back to the Norman Conquest, Tenby has been a beloved seaside resort since the Victorian era. Today, it's as renowned for its narrow cobbled streets as it is for its quintessential British seaside charm.
Beach lovers will adore the three miles of sandy expanses surrounding the town. Castle Beach was crowned the UK's best beach in 2019 and currently holds a 4.7 out of 5 rating on TripAdvisor. Uniquely, unlike almost anywhere else in the UK, it's just a few steps from the town centre. Wondering why Tenby ranked so high? Here's what else this delightful Welsh seaside town offers.
What are Tenby's beaches like?
Tenby has four separate beaches, all open to the public. With two Blue Flag awards to its name, Tenby isn't just a looker - it also boasts some of the UK's cleanest beaches. Take your pick from North Beach, South Beach, or the more compact Castle Beach and Harbour Beach, both tucked between the harbour and the cliffs. Whichever you opt for, you're bound to be delighted.
According to the Visit Pembrokeshire website, North Beach is "a superb, sheltered, sandy beach with the pinnacle of Goskar rock sticking out of the sand in the middle". It's one of Wales' most photographed scenes, thanks to its picturesque harbour views at the western end. But be warned, it can get busy when the sun's shining. From May to September, there are also dog restrictions on the beaches.
Harbour Beach may be the smallest of Tenby's trio, but what it lacks in size, it compensates for in charm. Tucked in the harbour and framed by the town's iconic coloured cottages and castle, it's a hit with families who appreciate being able to keep a close eye on their little ones.
From Harbour Beach, you're spoilt for choice with boat outings. Fancy a day trip to Caldey Island, a Tenby sea safari, or getting wet on kayaks and paddleboards? It's all on offer here.
For a classic British seaside experience, head to South Beach. With a mile-and-a-half of golden sands and dunes, there's space aplenty even when the tide's in. And with shallow waters ideal for a splash about, it's a paddler's paradise.
The intriguing Castle Beach is just a short stroll down a man-made ramp to golden sands, with the imposing St Catherine's Island and its fort emerging from the water at high tide. Visitors who have taken the boat trip to Caldey Island, home to a medieval church, a well-maintained monastery and a unique chocolate factory, disembark at Castle beach.
There are also cafes offering refreshments and ice cream on the sand. Tenby is easily accessible via public transport, with Tenby Station being serviced by the Pembroke Dock branch railway.
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