2 days ago
I regularly visit Welsh seaside town named UK's 'best' - it's better than Cornwall or Devon
I regularly visit Welsh seaside town named UK's 'best' - it's better than Cornwall or Devon
The seaside town was recently named the UK's "best" seaside town - it has stunning beaches, historic town centre and nearby attractions.
This gorgeous and isolated beach is the first thing that greets you as you arrive on Caldey Island
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Tucked away in the UK is a seaside gem that's perfect for a day trip, weekend getaway, or staycation. This charming town boasts vibrant pubs, excellent eateries, quaint cobbled streets, and is nestled within breathtaking countryside.
But what truly sets it apart is its remarkable four beaches, all within a stone's throw of its lively, picturesque town centre. It's a rare find in the UK, and its numerous attractions earned it the title of the UK's "best" seaside town.
I must admit, I was slow to discover the captivating charms of Tenby in Pembrokeshire, having mistakenly written it off as an unremarkable destination for far too long.
Now, I hold Tenby in high esteem - it's a constant source of fascination, drawing me back year after year, and I'd visit more often if possible. The town's rich history, spanning centuries, is woven into its very fabric, with narrow streets enclosed within medieval walls.
Strolling beside its iconic and colourful seaside houses is one of the simple joys of this seaside town
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Historic passageways lead to snug pubs, restaurants, and a remarkably preserved Tudor merchant house that has stood the test of time, reports the Express.
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Yet, Tenby is equally infused with modern vitality, having shed its former reputation for rowdy hen and stag parties in outdated pubs. Today, the local pubs and eateries are flourishing, drawing a constant flow of visitors.
Consider The Harbwr brewery, which has evolved from modest roots in a back alley to owning a sizeable pub where several of its beers are served directly from the bar or even straight from the brewery via the rear alleyway.
Not only does it boast four distinct beaches within a short stroll from the town centre, but it also serves as the launch point for boat trips to the serene sanctuary of Caldey Island and acts as the gateway to the awe-inspiring natural splendour of Pembrokeshire. This is a place so expansive and diverse that one could spend a lifetime exploring without seeing everything.
Tenby's unique geogrpaphy means it has four beaches all within minutes of the town centre
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Having finally acknowledged the unique allure of this location, I'm delighted to now make regular visits, sometimes twice a year, with family and friends who share my passion. My only regret is that it took me so long to appreciate its charm - and that I can't visit more often.
The best things to d
Beaches
Apologies for harping on, but where else can you easily access four different beaches on foot from the town centre within minutes?
If you're not keen on one of them (though I assure you, you'll love them all), you can simply gather your beach gear and stroll to another!
North and South Beach are expansive beaches with wide open spaces at low tide (and fantastic waves at high tide). North Beach is notable for its large, jagged rock emerging from the sand, which is great for exploring with children at low tide.
Nestled between these two beaches are the smaller Harbour Beach, home to the town's fleet of petite fishing boats, and Castle Beach, tucked between two rocky promontories, one of which boasts a unique clifftop fort.
Tenby's famous colourful houses look down over the beach and the sea with its bobbing fishing boats
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Barafundle beach in Pembrokeshire has been named the most beautiful in Britain
(Image: (Image: Getty) )
Caldey Island
Upon reaching Caldey Island via boat from Tenby, you're welcomed by an immaculate sandy beach that wouldn't look out of place in the Caribbean. With most tourists gravitating towards Tenby's beaches, this could be your golden chance to have a beach all to yourself.
Caldey Island is a remarkable spot and one of Britain's "holy islands". A monastic community has resided here for centuries, currently housed in a stunning, white, Italianate-style monastery built in 1906.
The 13th century St Illtyd's Church is another notable feature.
However, the true charm of Caldey Island lies in wandering from one end to the other. Along the way, you'll encounter horses grazing in fields and even a working chocolate factory where you can purchase a bar.
Once you've reached the island's furthest point, you can bask in the serenity while gazing out to sea.
Wider Pembrokeshire
Tenby is merely one of many gems in Pembrokeshire's crown, and the information provided here barely scratches the surface.
The county hosts several of the UK's finest beaches, such as Barafundle, Whitesands, Marloes Sands, Freshwater East and Freshwater West (where you'll find Dobby from Harry Potter's "grave").
Barafundle Bay is celebrated as one of Britain's most esteemed beaches, earning accolades as the nation's loveliest and tranquil shoreline, topping lists as the "best" beach. Its allure is apparent in the photo provided.
Moreover, you can embark on a scenic walk from Bosherston to Barafundle, passing serene lily ponds along the way. The area also boasts the rugged St Govan's Head, where one of Britain's most astonishing coastal sights awaits: the 13th or 14th-century St Govan's Chapel, set into the cliff with tumultuous waves below.
This corner of Pembrokeshire also includes the Stackpole nature reserve, and venturing northward leads to the majestic Preseli Hills.
History
Pembrokeshire holds a rich tapestry of history, dotted with landmarks from yesteryears. Significant among these is the Pentre Ifan burial chamber hailing from Neolithic times, exemplifying ancient tombs used by our forebears.
The region's contentious past has left a legacy of numerous castles, partly owing to the historic Landsker Line that once demarcated Welsh territories in the north from Norman and Flemish settlements to the south.
Among these is Carew Castle, perched above the tidal waters where the Carew river merges with the channel's waters. The tidal range here is such that the view can drastically change depending on when you visit.
The walls surrounding the nearby tidal mill are fantastic for crabbing. Simply lower your net and bait, and you're almost certain to haul up a crab.
Activities for children in Pembrokeshire
Pembrokeshire offers a plethora of activities to keep the little ones entertained. Folly Farm is a multi-award-winning adventure farm and zoo boasting several indoor and outdoor play areas, animals like giraffes and lions, and much more.
Close by is Bluestone holiday park, a 500-acre site nestled in undulating countryside. Its Blue Lagoon swimming pool is open to non-residents and features numerous slides and a wave machine.
Think of it as a slightly smaller version of Center Parcs. However, Pembrokeshire's finest asset is its stunning outdoors and all the places waiting to be discovered.
Accommodation options in Tenby
Tenby boasts an array of hotels, B&Bs and AirBnbs. You'll find the usual chain hotels like Premier Inn and Travelodge, along with a host of independent establishments, many located along the seafront.
However, the true allure of Tenby accommodation lies in uncovering a charming house or converted flat on the seafront, which you might stumble upon on or Airbnb. Holiday Cottages is another platform worth exploring.
Many of the colourful seafront properties that Tenby is famous for are available for hire. My family and I had the delight of residing in a roomy flat just a stone's throw from the harbour and beach, while there are also entire houses on offer with breathtaking sea views.
Tenby's town centre is characterised by its narrow cobbled streets and medieval town wall
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Nearby Folly Farm has recently opened accommodation, and Bluestone boasts dozens of large lodges to accommodate all family sizes and couples. Just outside Tenby, you'll find Kiln Park, a well-equipped caravan park where you can rent a standalone caravan with beach access.
It's always important to remember that, like many areas in Wales and the UK, Pembrokeshire does grapple with a significant issue of homes being bought and rented out to tourists, rather than housing the local community.
Eating and Drinking in Tenby
The selection of eateries in Tenby is broader than ever, ranging from local Indian restaurants and fish and chip shops to more formal dining options. Nestled down a centuries-old alleyway in one of Tenby's oldest and most beautiful buildings, you'll discover Plantagenet House restaurant.
Located next to the town's Tudor merchant house and dating back to medieval times, it serves dishes such as steak, homemade sausage, hake, truffle risotto and more.
Billycan is a massive hit - and once you see the size of their food portions, you'll understand why. Expect classic fish and chips, racks of ribs, seafood platters.
It's an excellent place to dine and is family-friendly.
You can stay in some of the iconic homes on Tenby's seafront and look out to sea
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Nestled down Sergeant's Lane, you'll stumble upon the Harbwr Brewery. Once a neglected and overgrown alleyway, it has been transformed into a charming cobbled lane where you can enjoy a pint straight from the brewery while observing passers-by.
An accompanying pub, also named Harbwr, adds to the appeal.
As you amble towards the harbour, you'll encounter a shack offering crab sandwiches and lobster rolls. Additionally, The Stowaway, tucked away underground in an old archway, provides a snug spot for a coffee and cake during the summer and early autumn months.
A short distance away, concealed down a farm track near Hundleton village, lies the remarkable Paternoster Farm restaurant. Here, a self-taught chef who swapped his divorce lawyer career to purchase a smallholding and open this eatery serves up exceptional Welsh dishes such as slow-roasted Welsh mountain mutton shoulder and locally sourced fish.
UK's 'best' seaside town
Tenby has no less than four beaches all accessible on foot from its town centre
(Image: (Image: Getty) )
I hardly need persuading that Tenby is the UK's premier seaside town. However, last year it clinched the title of the best holiday destination for entertainment.
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Scoring 7.71 out of 10, the town was lauded for its 13th-century walls, sandy beaches, and vibrant array of pubs and restaurants.
