Tenby

The town of Tenby dates back to the Norman conquest, and the town walls were constructed in 1093 in order to defend it from the Welsh. Due to its somewhat remote location, however, the town and its quaint cobble streets and sandy beaches remained off the tourist trail until the Victorian era. Then, with the influx of wealthy merchant families from Swansea, Cardiff and further afield, Tenby was suddenly in a vogue, and the town's appeal as a picturesque spa has remained ever since. Although, Tenby is one of Wales' most popular holiday destinations, it has resisted over commercialization and remains a very elegant and pleasant family holiday venue..
Cars are banned from the historic centre of the town during the summer months, which adds greatly to the appeal of the town as a place to relax and unwind.

By train

Tenby station is connected by local rail line to Swansea, Cardiff and Pembroke Dock. During the weekends in the summer there are a limited number of direct services to and from London Paddington, though there are frequent services to connect with trains to London and elsewhere in England, from Carmarthen, Swansea, or Cardiff.

By bus

Regular service from Swansea. Infrequent National Express service from London and Birmingham

By road

M4 to end (near Swansea), A48 to Carmarthen, A40 to St Clears, A477 to Kilgetty, A478 to Tenby.

The small town can be covered on foot.

• Narrow cobbled streets packed with quaint shops and cafes.

• Caldey IslandA Cistercian Monastery located on an island just off Tenby's coast. At low tide, ferries leave from Tenby Castle Beach and at high tide from Tenby Harhour. Fare: £10 (£5 for children)

• Tudor Merchant's House

  phone: +44 1834 842279
  address: Quay Hill, Tenby, SA70 7BX
  A 15th century town house open to the public.

• Tenby Museum and Art Gallery

  phone: +44 1834 842809
  address: Castle Hill, SA70 7BP

• North Beach

  address: Tenby
  North beach looks onto Tenby's old fishing harbour and out onto Camarthen Bay. This beach provides one of the most popular backdrops for portrait pictures and is the focus of most photographers who visit Tenby, providing them with some of the most dramatic sunrises set parallel to a quaint pastel coloured harbour filled with working trawlers. Goscar Rock sits in the centre of this mile long beach providing hours of fun for young and old to sift through the rock pools, shelter from the winds and, for those who dare, a small climbing adventure (although not advised for any novice climber).

• St Lawrence’s ChurchGumfreston's Church of St Lawrence is romantically situated in a wooded dell and dates from the late 12th century although generally of the 14th to 16th centuries. The tower was formerly detached and the church was well restored in 1869, including new roofs and church furnishings. The porch on the western side may be a remnant of an earlier church on the site, which was a “llan” (walled enclosure around a church) in era of Celtic Christianity.
  On the wall are the faded outlines of what was once a large and dramatic mural depicting Jesus Christ, fishing nets and other implements. This has been interpreted as a message to the congregation to avoid working on the Sabbath.
  Three holy wells in the churchyard attracted pilgrims in ancient times. People still visit the church to collect a little of the well water, or to pray.
  The revival of interest in Celtic Christianity has prompted the development of “services of light” every three months in the church, focusing on Celtic spirituality and led by lay members of the congregation. Services of stories and songs about Celtic saints are a popular feature of the Tenby Arts Festival.

• Tenby dinosaur park

• Ritec FenRitec Valley site of special scientific interest

• Tenby Lifeboat Station

  phone: +44 1834 842197
  address: Castle Hill
  visitor exhibition and shop

• Walking. There are some great walking trails in and around Tenby. The coastal path (part of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park) goes through Tenby and is well signposted. Walk to Saundersfoot along the coast (4.5 miles/7km) and get the bus back or do a short circular walk} at Manorbier a few miles along the coast.
• Swimming. Tenby has some beautiful beaches, which are ideal for swimming and spending a traditional family day at the sea-side.
• Take a leisurely rickshaw or horse and cart tour around the town centre.
• The Tenby Arts Festival is held in mid-September.

• Tenby Cycles

  phone: +44 1834 845573
  The Norton. Bikes for hire.

• Heatherton World of Activities

  phone: +44 1646 652000
  address: St Florence
  Dog-friendly sport and activity attraction, offering over 30 activities.

• Boat trips

  address: Harbour
  Boat trips to Caldey Island or wildlife cruises to see seals and sometimes dolphins in the bay or around the island

• Manor House Wildlife Park

  address: St Florence, Tenby

• Tenby Blues Festival

  phone: +44 7074 10 21 21
  In November, a Blues Festival in over 15 venues all around Tenby town, from Friday thru Sunday with performers from all around the world

• Reflexology

  phone: +44 7914654255
  Mobile reflexology available at your home or holiday accommodation.

• Ritec Valley Quadbikes

  address: Roberts Wall, Penally

• Trefloyne Manor Golf Club

• Tenby Golf Club

  address: The Burrows

• Tenby has many interesting shops tucked away in the alleys.
• The Caldey Island gift shop at the top of Quay Hill has some unusual hand made gifts. Try the chocolate. It's delicious!

As a major tourist centre, Tenby is certainly not lacking in cafes and restaurants.

• Plantagenet House, Quay Hill - in an historic stone building, good and reasonably priced meals, wood burning stove in winter.

• 25 Cafe

  address: 25 High Street
  Simple, but freshly made meals.
• Fecci & Sons Ice Cream Parlour, Upper Frog Street.

• Ossie Morgan's Restaurant

  phone: +44 1834 842886
  address: Fourcroft Hotel
  Featuring local, seasonal produce, meals are freshly prepared by skilled chefs familiar with a seaside appetite. Traditional cooked breakfasts, bar lunches and evening menus.

• The Baytree

  phone: +44 1834 843516
  address: Tudor Square

• Qube Restaurant

  phone: +44 1834 844565
  address: Tudor Square
  Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner all day. Local food, quality ingredients.

Pubs

There are a large number of pubs to be found in Tenby, many offering food during the day in a family friendly environment.

Coffee

• Caffe Vista

  address: 3 Crackwell Street
  Overlooking the harbour and North Beach, in a Georgian building. Great views, outstanding coffee, cakes, good breakfasts and Greek food.

• 25 Cafe

  address: 25 High Street

Tenby has a great variety of accommodation, and B&Bs are plentiful. However, advance reservations are recommended during the summer months.

Budget

• Gumfreston Hotel

  phone: +44 1834 842871
  address: Culver Park

• Manorbier Youth Hostel

  phone: +44 1834 87110
  The nearest Youth Hostel is at Manorbier (6 miles).

• Osnok

  phone: +44 1834 843189
  address: 1 Southcliffe Street

Mid-range

• St Teresa's Old Convent Guesthouse

  phone: +44 1834 845514
  address: South Parade
  The Old Convent, built in 1896, has now been renovated and transformed into a high standard guesthouse & restaurant. Located just opposite the famous five arches in Tenby, you have all the shops, pubs, and restaurants within a minute's walk.

• Atlantic Hotel

  phone: +44 1834 842881
  address: The Esplanade

• Clarence House Hotel

  phone: +44 1834 844371
  address: Esplanade

• Park Hotel

  phone: +44 1834 842480
  address: North Cliff

• Tenby House Hotel

  phone: +44 1834 842000
  address: Tudor Square

• Castle Mead Hotel

  phone: +44 1834 871358
  Castlemead is beautifully situated at the head of a small wooded valley, overlooking the sea, Norman church & castle. Set in half an acre of pleasant, mature grounds and lawns it offers a gloriously relaxing spot, in the heart of the village of Manorbier.

• St Lawrence Country Guest House

  phone: +44 1834 849727
  address: Gumfreston
  A small country guest house providing bed and breakfast with stunning views across the countryside to the sea and Caldey Island. Close to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and a good base for walking, sightseeing and cycling and for those brave enough to tackle Ironman Wales Gumfreston is just 10 minutes from the starting line.

Splurge

• Giltar Hotel

  phone: +44 1834 842507
  address: The Esplanade
  Based on the Esplanade overlooking South Beach. A few minutes walk from the walled town of Tenby. 60 rooms (Standard, Premier and Deluxe). Restaurant and 'The Cwtch' Bar. Small car park at rear of the hotel.

• Fourcroft Hotel

  phone: +44 1834 842886
  address: North Beach
  This place offers well-equipped rooms, many with lovely views over the old fishing harbour and across Carmarthen Bay. It's part of a Listed Georgian terrace, built over 175 years ago as individual summer houses. A lift runs from the first half landing and there are footpaths directly to the beach.

Self-catering

• East Jordeston Cottages

  phone: +44 1834 871627
  address: St. Florence, Tenby, Pembrokeshire, SA70 8NT
  5-star holiday cottages near Tenby.

• Hungerford Farm Touring Caravan Park

  phone: +44 1834 891463
  address: Loveston, near Kilgetty

• FBM Holidays

  phone: +44 1834 844565
  address: Slate House, St Julian's Street
  FBM Holidays have been providing self catering holiday homes in Pembrokeshire for over 180 years, from cottages to penthouse apartments or a large family home; even a place for the dog. Properties range from 3- to 5-star.

• Kiln Park Caravan Park

  phone: +44 1834 844121
  address: Marsh Road

• Lydstep Beach Caravan Park

  phone: +44 870 4050148

• Whitewell Holiday Park

  phone: +44 1834 871569
  address: Lydstep Beach

• Celtic Haven Resort & Spa

  phone: +44 1834 870000
  address: Lydstep, near Tenby
  Celtic Haven is a family-run holiday cottage resort on the picturesque Pembrokeshire cliff tops near Tenby. Many of the pretty whitewashed cottages date right back to the 12th Century and on-site facilities include an Elemis spa, Waves cliff-top restaurant, a headland golf course and leisure club with an indoor pool. The Pembrokeshire Coast Path is a short stroll away and many of the cottages are pet friendly.

• Pembroke - Pembroke Castle, medieval Norman castle, and birthplace of King Henry VII.
• St Davids - The UK's smallest city - imposing cathedral.
• Swansea - Wales' maritime city is around 80km from Tenby - wide range of cultural and leisure amenities.