Tenby

Tenby (Welsh: Dinbych-y-Pysgod, "little town of fishes") is a beautiful walled town in South Wales that spills out pastel coloured buildings along cliffs and around sandy bays. Tenby is one of Wales' premier tourist spots, and is located on the south Pembrokeshire coast, about 80 km (50 miles) west of Swansea.

Understand
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. It was home to about 4,700 people in 2011.

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
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 from London Paddington, though there are frequent services, from Carmarthen, Swansea, or Cardiff that connect with trains from London and elsewhere in England.

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.

Get around
The small town can be covered on foot.

See

 * Narrow cobbled streets packed with quaint shops and cafes.

Do

 * 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 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.

Buy

 * 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.

Eat
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.
 * Fecci & Sons Ice Cream Parlour, Upper Frog Street.
 * Fecci & Sons Ice Cream Parlour, Upper Frog Street.

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

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

Connect
Tenby and its approach roads have 4G from all UK carriers. As of Aug 2022, 5G has not reached this area.

Go next

 * 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 80 km from Tenby - wide range of cultural and leisure amenities.