Tenby may be one of the best hidden gems in the UK, let alone Wales.
A historic village located in Pembrokeshire in West Wales, Tenby is a must go and has something for everyone. Whether you like historical castles, quaint pubs and restaurants, cafes, pastries to die for, and picturesque views, Tenby and its surrounding areas has plenty of things to do.
To help you plan your trip to Tenby, here are our favourite things to do in Tenby town and the surrounding areas, all within a short drive.
Take a stroll
We highly recommend before you do anything, take a stroll around Tenby and take in the sights. There is so much to see and even walking around you get a great feel for the place and to see what it has to offer.
Start your journey on either the North or South beaches and take in the spectacular sights of the harbour and if the weather is your friend, you’ll see just how clear the water is as seen in the below picture.
North and South Beaches
Yep, that’s right. Even the beaches in West Wales are worth a visit and if the weather is good, they are the perfect way to spend the day with the family and soak up the rare welsh sun.
Less than a 5 minute stroll from Tenby town both the north and south beaches are easily accessible and there are two to choose from.
The best part of being so close to Tenby town is that you can head to the pub for lunch and back to the beach for the afternoon sun.
Visit Tenby Castle
It’s likely you’ll see this when strolling around Tenby but Tenby castle was founded in the 12th century with records of being built in 1153 and there is plenty of history for you to digest up on Castle Hill.
You’ll also get fantastic views of Tenby and its famous coloured buildings as you sit up on Castle Hill.
Take a boat to Caldey Island
Caldey Island is the perfect way to spend the day in Tenby. Only a short boat trip from Tenby harbour, Caldey Island is a small village which is home to a group of Cistercian Monks who are known to avoid any unnecessary speech.
The Island is home to the monastery and abbey, the Old Priority and St. Illtyd’s Church, St. David’s Church, St. Philomena’s Retreat House, a post office, museum, and a chocolate factory and shop, a perfect way to end you trip to Caldey Island.
Check out the Caldey Island website for full info, a map, shop, and information on the island.
Visit St. Catherine’s Island
Caldey Island isn’t the only island in Tenby that’s worth a visit. St. Catherine’s Island is a beautiful island that sits between the north and south beaches of Tenby.
St. Catherine’s Island is home to St. Catherine’s fort which was built as part of the Napoleonic wars, however, the fort was sold privately in 1907. It’s worth a visit and can be accessed when the tide is out and by foot.
Tenby Museum
If you’ve already decided to visit Tenby Castle on Castle Hill, you’ll see Tenby Museum and Art Gallery which has a large number of collections and housing two art galleries.
The gallery offers great insight into Tenby including its people, insight into its prehistory, and has plenty to do for children and families.
Visit Tenby’s range of pubs
Tenby has more than 10 pubs despite its size and they are some of the most quaint pubs you’ll ever see.
Whether you’re looking for somewhere to eat, different beers to taste, or a cosy quiet pub, Tenby has it all.
Some of our favourite pubs include The Coach and Horses (pictured below), Tenby House, Harbwr Brewery Tap & Kitchen, and Hope and Anchor.
Visit Tudor Merchant’s House
Take a stroll to Tudor Merchant’s and experience what life was like in the 15th century.
You’ll get insight into a variety of things such as historic paintings, clothing, furniture, and other vital conservation work the national trust have been carrying out.
Before visiting, we would recommend visiting their website to see what’s on.
Experience Tenby’s food
One of our favourite parts of Tenby has to be its food, especially if you love seafood.
If you love seafood then you’ll have to try some of the local pub food (Hope & Anchor has a great fish and chips) and visit some of the local seafood shops where you can choose from fresh cockles and fresh lobster rolls.
Visit Saundersfoot
Less than 10 minutes away by car is another beautiful beachside town called Saundersfoot.
Like Tenby, Saundersfoot has a variety of cafes, pubs, shops, and a beautiful beach which make it the perfect day trip if you’re staying in Tenby.