The pastel-coloured cottages line the streets of Tenby (Image: Getty)
What could be better as the autumn approaches than blowing the cobwebs away with a mini-break by the sea? Boasting not one but four stunning beaches, the coastal jewel that is Tenby in South Wales is popular with visitors all year round.
The delightful seaside town of Tenby has been crowned the top coastal destination for holiday entertainment, scoring an impressive 7.71 out of a potential 10 points in research conducted by OLBG.
The score was determined based on several factors including the number of pubs, restaurants, museums, parks, zoos and aquariums, water and amusement parks, arcades, beach review scores, hotel prices, Google searches, average temperature, average rainfall, and local train stations.
Tenby has reinvented itself in recent years to cater to the changing tastes of those seeking a traditional British seaside getaway, offering a perfect mix of breathtaking scenery and golden beaches, shaking off its former image as a destination for rowdy stag and hen dos.
The charming harbour town with its idyllic cobbled streets that could rival those on the French Riviera has plenty to offer as the season changes, with visitors coming to enjoy the Charity Beer, Cider and Prosecco Festival, take in some tunes at the Blues Festival or tuck into warming dishes in any of the many eateries dotted along the seafront.
The golden sands of North Beach (Image: Getty)
Beyond its ancient 13th-century walls, Tenby offers wild, open beaches and dramatic cliffside vistas over the sea towards the mesmerising Caldey Island.
The town also boasts a vibrant food and pub scene, its very own brewery, and the most delightful cobbled lanes where visitors can enjoy a pint or sample local fare.
The colourful houses of the town, perched above the picturesque harbour, are instantly recognisable. Tenby, with a history that traces back to the Norman Conquest, has been a beloved seaside resort since the Victorian times.
With two Blue Flag awards under its belt, Tenby isn’t just a pretty face – it’s also home to some of the UK’s cleanest beaches.
Named the UK’s best beach in 2019, Castle Beach currently boasts a 4.8 out of five rating on Google. Uniquely, unlike almost anywhere else in the UK, it’s just a stone’s throw from the town centre, meaning you can blow away the cobwebs on the beach, before stopping for a cosy pint in any of the nearby pubs.
North Beach is “a superb, sheltered, sandy beach with the pinnacle of Goskar rock sticking out of the sand in the middle” according to the Visit Pembrokeshire website. It’s one of Wales’ most snapped scenes, thanks to its picturesque harbour views at the western end.
The smaller Harbour Beach is framed by the town’s iconic coloured cottages and castle, a big hit with families who appreciate being able to keep a close watch on their nippers. South Beach offers a mile-and-a-half of golden sands and dunes, with shallow waters ideal for a splash about.
Enjoy fish and chips by the seaside (Image: Getty)
Where to eat in Tenby
The town is home to numerous gastropubs and boutique eateries. Given its coastal location, it’s also a great spot for fresh seafood and, of course, fish and chips.
With an overall score of 4.5 on TripAdvisor, The Billycan is an independent bar, restaurant and hotel located in the heart of Tenby. Offering a tasty range of pub classics and innovative bistro-style dishes, this popular spot also serves up a fantastic Sunday roast.
Another must-visit for foodies is the Tap and Tan. This independent craft beer taproom and live fire cookery, which has high ratings on TripAdvisor, is renowned for its meaty feasts and carefully curated menu made from locally sourced ingredients. The beer menu appears to be as thoughtfully put together as the food menu.
Other top spots to eat in Tenby include Indie Burger, known for its gourmet burgers, Bramleys Tea Rooms for a hearty full English breakfast, or The Baytree Restaurant with its fresh seafood menu.
Many of Tenby’s famous coastal town houses are available to rent for families or large groups of peo (Image: Getty)
Where to drink in Tenby
An autumnal seaside getaway wouldn’t be complete without a pint in front of an open fire. Tenby offers plenty of places to enjoy everything from a quiet drink to a lively night out with karaoke. Harbwr Tenby is a hidden gem in this popular seaside town, boasting a 4.5 overall score on TripAdvisor. Visitors love the friendly atmosphere.
Patrons can freely walk into the on-site brewery and see the beers being made, or enjoy some first-class pub grub in the attached pub. Other popular pubs include the Hope and Anchor and the Coach and Horses.
Where to stay in Tenby
There are numerous hotels and B&Bs scattered throughout the town, with rooms to suit visitors on every budget.
According to TripAdvisor, the Broadmead Boutique B&B is the top-rated accommodation in town, boasting a perfect score of five out of 5. Visitors rave about the charming period building and its location in a leafy suburb, just a brisk 20-minute walk from the historic walled town of Tenby.
If you’re looking for a bit of luxury, the Heywood Spa Hotel is ideal for guests seeking some pampering during their stay. Meanwhile, the Penally Abbey Hotel and Restaurant offers stunning views and complimentary tea and cake.
You can even book a stay in one of the renowned clifftop homes, which are perfect for group getaways.
Holidaymakers who have already discovered the beauty of the town of Tenby have been sharing five-star reviews on Tripadvisor.
One visitor who discovered the seaside town out of season left a glowing review, saying: “Tenby really is picture perfect. Even in December, it looks gorgeous and was super busy. The beaches are lovely, with quaint coloured houses on its boarder.”
Another who was lucky enough to stay in the harbour described it as “Perhaps my favourite view ever,” adding: “I’ve stayed in a few places in the harbour area, with views of the harbour. I never tire of the view, absolutely beautiful. It has a lovely atmosphere in the evenings as the lighting is well thought out. I find Tenby a very relaxing place to be, especially out of season”
A third simply said: “Gorgeous. Pretty picture postcard harbour. An artists paradise. Lovely scenery and perfect for a family holiday.”