Today, let’s talk about all the things to do in Tenby which is known for its beach(es), swimming and great summer holiday vibes. Yes, that’s right. You don’t need to go to Croatia or Italy. When there is nice weather in Wales, you might just visit one of its beautiful beaches. I personally would recommend Tenby, a stunning small port town that is a favourite place of families as well as young people.
If you would ask Welsh about Tenby they will probably tell you it’s a place they used to go to when kids. Long beaches, ice-cream and good weather is a guarantee you will like it in here.
Things to do in Tenby
Where is Tenby?
Before talking about all the things to do in Tenby, let’s get the basics right. Tenby is situated in Pembrokeshire in South Wales. If you have a look at any picture of Tenby, you will find out the city is based on a hill. That’s where the Welsh fort is located with part of the city walls that have survived till today. Heading towards the Southern beach, you will have a beautiful view of Caldey Island. Due to the cleanliness and quality of the water, the beaches around Tenby have been awarded with the ‘Blue Flag’. Some people even consider this area as one of the cleanest destinations in Wales. Tenby offers over four kilometers of sandy beaches.
Tenby Beach
One of the things to do in Tenby is definitely the beaches. The town features four primary beaches, each offering unique characteristics and amenities. Let’s break it down.
North Beach
North Beach is a popular, sheltered sandy beach known for its picturesque views, including the iconic Goskar Rock. It is a favorite among families and offers various facilities, including a café, toilets, and lifeguard services during the summer months. The beach is dog-free from May to September and is easily accessible by a concrete ramp. Is likely going to be the beach google shows you when you search things to do in Tenby. If you are a more action type, North beach offers water sports such as water skiing or windsurfing.
South Beach
Stretching 1.5 miles, South Beach is less commercialized and features golden sands backed by sand dunes. It is ideal for families and offers ample space for activities. Facilities include a café, deck chair rentals, and lifeguards on duty from late May to early September. The beach is also known for hosting events like a street food festival in June.
Harbour Beach
This smaller beach is nestled within the harbor and is particularly suited for young children due to its manageable size. It features beautiful blue waters and is surrounded by colorful terraced houses. Harbour Beach is accessible from the town and offers nearby food outlets and boat trips to Caldey Island, making it a picturesque spot for a day out.
Castle Beach
Located between Castle Hill and East Cliff, Castle Beach is known for its soft sand and family-friendly atmosphere. It is accessible via a slipway and features facilities such as cafés and deck chair rentals. The beach is also popular for its scenic views and is a great spot for beach activities, especially during low tide when it connects with South Beach.
Tenby weather
Now you’re probably wondering: well if the things to do in Tenby is mainly beaches, how good is actually the weather? I can’t make any promises but the weather is genuinely extremely good, around 20 degree celsius in summer. Obviously pared with couple of heat waves, it’s getting significantly better as well, for example during my visit mid-July, the weather was amazing, clear sky, sunny, around 27 degree celsius. Here’s a breakdown of the average weather conditions during the summer months. The sea temperature ranges from about 13°C in June to 17°C in August, making it suitable for swimming.
Additional Things to do in Tenby
Cute town and the Island of St. Catherine
One of the things to do in Tenby is just to stroll through the narrow cobbled streets or sit in one of many cafes, watch other visitors heading to the souvenir shops, restaurants and public houses, or stroll around the harbour. If you arrive at the right time (in the morning), you can walk up to the Island of St. Catherine’s. But if you come to the evening, you will not get there thanks to the tide. There is a beautiful view from the island, there are remains of an impressive fortress which used to be a private residence and a zoo.
‘Little England beyond Wales’
Until recently, Tenby was better known as ‘Little England beyond Wales’ because of the Englishman’s predominance in the city. Today it is more or less balanced, but you will certainly notice different types of accents. Tenby is definitely a great choice if you have nothing to do in Wales on a sunny weekend and want to be by the sea.
If things to do in Tenby aren’t quite your cup of tea and if you’re looking for somewhere nearer to Cardiff, Penarth or Barry Island are the most famous places to go to. And if you’re not necessarily looking for a beach, I recommend making a trip to the second largest castle in the UK which also happens to be in Wales.
If you’re looking for other things to do in Wales that I haven’t written about, I suggest you have a look at the visitwales.com website (not sponsored) for more information and tips.
Fun facts about Tenby
If I haven’t convinced you yet to make a day trip to this lovely town by suggesting all the things you can do in Tenby, maybe these fun facts will do the trick:
- Historical Significance: Tenby has a deep historical background, having been established during the Norman invasion of South Pembrokeshire in the early 12th century. It was known as ‘Little England Beyond Wales’ due to its distinct historical and linguistic characteristics influenced by Flemish settlers who helped build the town’s defensive walls.
- Colorful Architecture: The town is famous for its vibrant, pastel-colored houses lining the harbor. This colorful aesthetic was mandated by the town council in the 19th century, transforming Tenby into a visually striking seaside destination.
- Dinosaur Discovery: In 1854, Tenby was the site of the first known dinosaur discovery in Wales, where fossilized remains of a Megalosaurus were found in a limestone quarry, contributing to the field of palaeontology.
- Tudor Merchant’s House: The Tudor Merchant’s House, dating back to the 15th century, offers insight into the life of a merchant during Tudor times. This historic site is managed by the National Trust and features activities for children, including dressing up in Tudor costumes.
- Henry Tudor’s Escape: Henry Tudor, who later became King Henry VII, famously escaped from Tenby through a network of underground tunnels. He used these passages to reach the harbor and board a ship to safety during a tumultuous period of English history.
- Pirate Haven: During the medieval and Tudor periods, Tenby was a bustling port that attracted pirates due to its trading activities. It was known for exchanging goods like spices and cloth with Spain and the Mediterranean.
That’s it from me. I personally really enjoyed Tenby and it felt like little different world, especially if you’re used to Cardiff and its surroundings. I recommend but let me know in the comments below if you’ve enjoyed it!