A Guide To Tenby

Grab the buckets and spades, get the suncream and head to famous Tenby for a traditional day at the seaside. If you don't know the name, you'll recognise the famous view of the harbour with mulit-coloured houses and bobbing fishing boats.

But there's more to Tenby than just views!

Welcome To Tenby

Nestled on the south coast of Pembrokeshire, Tenby is around 10 miles from Bluestone's resort, in between the coastal villages of Saundersfoot and Penally. Surrounded on three sides by water, the town has grown up around its famous medieval town walls that now house an array of shops, cafes, and restaurants - the perfect place for a day trip.

What’s it famous for?

It depends who you ask! For many it’s long and illustrious history, including it’s medieval town walls are what make Tenby renowned, but if you speak to another it’s the beaches and seaside charm that makes it so loved.

The “classic” view of Tenby is the viewpoint from the north side of the town and includes the end of North beach, the traditional harbour at it’s centre, and castle hill behind. The iconic line of pastel coloured town houses that line the harbour side, make it instantly recongisable as the seaside town and create a beautiful sweeping vista.

Things To Do

Hit The Beach

This might be slightly obvious as it's almost impossible to ignore Tenby's four beaches - let alone resist talking a walk or swim especially in the summer. It's only a small place, but the town is blessed with four unqiue stretches of sand - North, Harbour, Castle and South - all within walking distance of the town centre.

A star attraction at any time of the year, each one has its own charm and offers a different type of seaside experience and by the end of your visit, it’ll be hard not to have a favourite!

For more about visiting, check out our top 10 beaches guide.

Explore The Coast

It’s not all about buckets and spades, Tenby’s coastline is a thrill to explore, with epic views and dramatic cliff and rock formations lining the coast.

Pembrokeshire’s Coast Path runs straight through the town and is accessible from Saundersfoot in the North and Penally in the south.

Visit Caldey Island

Lying just half a mile off the south coast of Tenby is the Holy Island of Caldey. It's a beautiful island that's also home to a community of Cistercian Monks who as well as farming, also make their own chocolate and perfume.

How many other towns can offer that kind of unique experience? Make sure to make a visit when you're there. Find out more with our own Caldey Island guide.

Uncover a Fascinating Past

Tenby has a long and illustrious history and you can see that just by walking round the town. The medieval walls that enclose the main centre were built in the 13th century and are one of the most important surviving medieval walls in Britain.

If you are interested in Tenby's past, head to the museum on Castle Hill who have got all the juicy information or the Tudor Merchant's House, a 15th century building restored to what life would've looked like in Tudor times.

Wander The Streets

Enjoy a stroll around the famous cobbled streets and you don't know what you might find. Linked together with quirky, unique passages that are a joy to navigate, especially in the summer when the central square is pedestrianised, creating a holiday atmosphere.

Don't Miss

Tenby has festivals and events running throughout the year, like the Boxing Day swim at Christmas and Iron Man Triathalon in Septebmer, so make sure you check what’s on during your break.

How To Get There

Tenby is a 21 minute/10.5miles drive from Bluestone, with access either along the A478 or B4318. There are several pay and display carparks in the town, including the multi-story carpark in the centre of town (SA70 7LT).

Due to it’s popularity with day-trippers, a park and ride service runs during the summer. Make sure you check whether this is available before you embark on your journey, as this varies depending on the time of year.