Tenby
A Very Brief History of Tenby
Tenby’s roots date back to the time of the Norman Conquest and the medieval castle walls were built around 1264 to fortify the town from Welsh rebellion. When the Napoleonic Wars restricted wealthy tourists from visiting the spa resorts of Europe, the need for home-based sea bathing grew. In 1802 local merchant banker and politician Sir William Paxton established Tenby’s first baths but it wasn’t until the Industrial Revolution and the arrival of the railways that tourism really took off. For more in depth info visit the Museum on Castle Hill.
Dog Friendly
Tenby is incredibly dog friendly and they are allowed into most shops, pubs and cafés.
Things to See & Do
Beaches
We are blessed with 4 beautiful beaches here in Tenby.
- North Beach which you can see from the living room window is a golden stretch of sandy beach, dotted with occasional rock pools and the prominent Goskar Rock itself. Situated between the harbour beach and the north cliffs. The beach offers great views over Carmarthen Bay and is accessed by the north cliff steps or through the harbour.
- Harbour Beach. is a small sheltered beach at the rear of the harbour bay that you can see to your right from the front window. There are steps and paths back up to the town on either side of the beach, plus a raised walkway along the cliff base around to North beach.
- Castle Beach. Castle Beach lies in the picturesque cove between Castle Hill and the East Cliff. At low tides it is possible to walk out to St. Catherine’s island, but take care that the tide does not cut you off.
- South Beach. The South beach’s 2 kilometres of golden sand spans the shoreline from St. Catherine’s Island to Giltar Point. The beach is backed by sand dunes and looks out toward Caldey Island.
Caldey Island
A trip to Caldey Island is highly recommended during your stay. The quiet religious atmosphere conjured up by the monastic buildings and lifestyle of the residents is reflected in the beautiful and peaceful wooded surroundings.
Caldey produce is available at the gift shop and there is a post office, tea gardens and a small museum.
- Boats run to and from the island every 15 minutes from 9.30 am until 5.00 pm Monday to Friday, and on Saturdays from mid May until mid September.
- Tickets are available from the Caldey Island kiosk at Tenby harbour.
Lifeboat Station
- A visit to the Lifeboat station on Castle hill is a must during your stay. While there you can take a pleasant walk around Albert’s Memorial & pop into the Museum & Art Gallery.
Tenby Museum and Art Gallery
- The oldest Independent Museum in Wales where you can find out just about everything about Tenby from 700 BC to the present days. There is a permanent exhibition including works from notable local Artists such as Augustus John and frequently changing art Shows.
Tudor Merchant’s House
- You can step back 500 years and discover how the Tudor Merchant and his family would have lived in this fascinating three-storey house. Features of the house include a fine ‘Flemish’ round chimney and the original scarfed roof trusses.
St Catherine’s Island & Fort
- A Napoleonic Fortress on a tidal Island located at the foot of Castle Beach. Public opening hours are published subject to the weather and tide on the day. Pop over to Castle beach to find out more.
Boat Trips
- There are a number of fishing and wildlife tours available during the holiday season. Details and tickets available from the Harbour.
Tours
- There are a number of historical and theme tours that depart from Tudor Square.
Kids
Heatherton World of Adventures
- Heatherton is a large sport and leisure attraction, conveniently located on the outskirts of Tenby – offering a fantastic variety of activities that range from Go-Karts, Archery and Paintball to High Ropes, Gof and Zorbing. There is truly something for all ages.
Dinosaur Park
- Dinosaurs may have been extinct millions of years ago, but at Dinosaur Park you can step back in time!
Shops & Restaurants
Restaurants & Cafés
- Tenby is awash with restaurants to suite every palette. Our favourite café is Fuchsia in the Mews on Upper Frog Street.
- We also recommend The Old Chapel on Lower Frog Street who serve tea and coffee plus freshly made cakes and from 12 noon, they have soups and sandwiches. All food and drinks are provided free, with a donation box at the door.
- Tenby also has more than it’s fair share of Fish & Chip Shops and to save you the trouble, we‘ve tried them ALL……. We recommend Fetchi’s on Lower Frog Street.
- For a special occasion try the Qube Restaurant on Tudor Square.
Supermarkets
- There is a Tesco Express nearby in Tudor Square and a larger Sainsbury’s Supermarket on Upper Park Road. SA70 7LT.
- For health food there is The Little Pantry in the Old Market where Lewis sells organic veg and groceries and eco friendly plastic free home products.
Chemists
- Evans Pharmacy is a few doors down on the right and there is a Boots the Chemist a little further down the road.
Petrol Stations
- Fiveways Garage, The Green, Tenby SA70 8EU
- Gulf Petrol Station, Tenby SA70 7RA
Trains & Buses
Both the railway station and bus station are a short walk away.