The Welsh town with the ‘best beach' that could rival the French Riviera
Nestled away on the Pembrokeshire coast, Tenby stuns with golden sands, charming lanes and views worthy of the Med
The coastal town with it's medieval walls hits the top spot in numerous polls
(Image: Getty Images )
A pretty Welsh holiday resort has been making waves as one of the UK's "best" seaside towns. With its four breath taking beaches just a stone's throw from the bustling town centre and charming cobbled lanes, Tenby is a town that could give the villages of Italy or the French Riviera a run for their money.
Regularly named one of the UK's most beautiful seaside towns, Tenby is also hailed as a highly desirable place to live. The Sunday Times has even included this Pembrokeshire gem in its prestigious 'Best Places to Live' guide numerous times.
The seaside town has successfully revamped its image from a hotspot for raucous stag and hen parties to a chic retreat that offers a harmonious blend of stunning scenery, golden sands, a wealth of activities and trendy eateries. Beyond its historic 13th-century walls, visitors can bask on sun-kissed beaches, take in the dramatic cliffside views across to Caldey Island, indulge in the lively pub and food scene and wander the enchanting cobbled streets while enjoying a pint or savouring local delicacies.
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The town's vibrant houses, which offer stunning views of the picturesque harbour, are instantly recognisable. With a history that stretches back to the Norman Conquest, Tenby has been a cherished seaside resort since the Victorian times.
Today, it's as famous for its narrow cobbled lanes as it is for its quintessential British seaside allure. Beach enthusiasts will love the three miles of sandy stretches surrounding the town.
Castle Beach was named the UK's best beach in 2019 and currently boasts a 4.8 out of 5 rating on Google. Uniquely, unlike almost anywhere else in the UK, it's just a few steps from the town centre.
North Beach is just one of four beautiful beaches in Tenby
(Image: Getty Images )
Utterly spoilt for choice, Tenby has not just one but four glorious beaches to choose from. The bustling North Beach is home to the iconic Goskar rock and harbour views, while the family-friendly Harbour Beach is tucked among colourful cottages, where boat trips and sea safaris set off. Castle Beach, with golden sands and views of St Catherine's Island, is the gateway to Caldey Island, while the expansive South Beach promises classic seaside fun with its dunes and shallow waters perfect for paddling.
Whichever spot you choose — North, South, Castle or Harbour — there is beauty, charm, and plenty to do. Visitors should also be aware that though North Beach can get busy on sunny days and has seasonal dog restrictions.
After long days by the water, the Welsh seaside town has plenty more to offer visitors, including some highly-rated places to eat. The Billycan offers pub classics, bistro-style dishes, and a popular Sunday roast, while Tap and Tan serves locally sourced meaty feasts with craft beer to match. Other top Tenby spots include Indie Burger, Bramleys Tea Rooms and The Baytree Restaurant for seafood.
For a quiet pint, the Harbwr Tenby is a hidden gem with a friendly atmosphere, on-site brewery tours, and quality pub food. Other popular pubs include the Hope and Anchor and the Coach and Horses.
The seaside town regularly gets voted as one of the best in the UK
(Image: Getty Images )
There are also numerous places to stay. According to TripAdvisor, the Broadmead Boutique B&B is the highest-rated accommodation in town, boasting a flawless score of 5 out of 5. Guests rave about the charming period building and its location in a leafy suburb, just a brisk 20-minute stroll from the historic walled town of Tenby.
For holidaymakers in the mood for a touch of luxury, the Heywood Spa Hotel is just the ticket for guests wanting to indulge during their stay. Alternatively, the Penally Abbey Hotel and Restaurant offers breath taking views and complimentary tea and cake.
Of course, Tenby and the surrounding area is also perfect for a self-catering stay somewhere truly unique. The Nest Brython is a cedar wood cabin complete with a hot tub that has been described as a "Beautiful place to stay and not far from a beautiful beach."
Elsewhere, the The Shell at the Hideaway is a contemporary apartment just three minutes from the beach, that guests have called "absolutely perfect."
The picturesque seaside gem of Tenby has been crowned the ultimate coastal hotspot for holiday fun, scoring a stellar 7.71 out of 10 in a recent study by OLBG. The Welsh town clinched the top spot based on a variety of factors including the number of pubs, eateries, museums, green spaces, zoos and aquariums, water and amusement parks, arcades, beach quality, accommodation costs, Google search popularity, climate, precipitation levels and local transport links.
Enthusiastic visitors have been singing Tenby's praises, with many leaving enthusiastic reviews on TripAdvisor. One holidaymaker said: "A must see in Wales. This is a pretty little town, that can match any in Cornwall!"
The cobbled streets of Tenby
(Image: Getty Images )
Another added: "Tenby is one of my most favourite places in the world. To me, it has it all - culture, atmosphere, friendly people, a history, beautiful and interesting architecture, wonderful views, fantastic beaches. If you want to melt away, visit this hidden little gem for yourself and see what I mean."
A third was so impressed they compared it to "like being abroad" adding "Tenby is quaint and has beautiful beaches on 3 sides of the ancient walled town."
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Not everyone was quiet to so impressed, however. One reviewer explained their disappointment, saying: "This town stinks of deep fried fat and spilt beer. Such a shame as it is quite nice to look at."
Despite some peoples misgivings, another visitor shared their experience, saying: " It is a place of beauty, a working environment with walkways, restaurants, cobbled streets and archways, smells and sounds. I loved it...The cobbled streets with arches of shops and curios. Well worth a visit."
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