In Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Is A Coastal Town With Historic Charm, Gorgeous Beaches, And Tasty Eats

Known for its scenic coastline, Victorian architecture, and foodie scene, the medieval walled town of Tenby lies within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park in southwestern Wales. This fortified port town has a maritime vibe and several sandy beaches, making it one of the most popular seaside destinations in the country. Overlooked by rows of pastel-colored houses, Tenby Harbour is a focal point, drawing visitors in for boat trips, beach days, and tasty seafood lunches.

Perched above a series of golden beaches, Tenby is steeped in history. There was a settlement here as early as the ninth century, with the town later becoming prosperous through trade and its thriving seaport. Tenby's defensive stone walls were built from the 13th century onward to protect the seaside town from attack. Today, the historic center lies within these medieval walls, and you'll pass beneath the Five Arches, a surviving section of the defenses, as you enter the old town from the west.

Tenby's historic heart is a maze of narrow streets, lined with cafés, boutique shops, and historic buildings. There are over 370 listed buildings in Tenby, including the Tudor Merchant's House in the center of the old town. This 15th-century residence shows what life was like for wealthy merchants here in Tudor times, and visitors are welcome to look inside. You can also explore the ruins of the 12th-century Tenby Castle up on Castle Hill, overlooking the harbor.

One of the best reasons to visit Wales is its beaches, and Tenby has three of the finest. North Beach is one of the most photographed beaches in the United Kingdom, flanked by dramatic cliffs and pastel-colored houses. It's a "beautiful beach with clean, soft sand," according to one reviewer on Tripadvisor, and the shallow water makes it a great spot for swimming. It does get busy in summer since it's easy to reach and has watersports operators at the nearby harbor. Just below Tenby Castle, Castle Beach was named The Sunday Times' Beach of the Year in 2019. It's the town's smallest beach and is a popular spot for families to enjoy a paddle and a bit of rock pooling. At low tide, you can walk across to St. Catherine's Island, while South Beach is also accessible on foot from the town. As always, remember to check the tide times to avoid getting cut off.

On the other side of Tenby, South Beach is quieter than North Beach, with the long sweep of sand easily absorbing the crowds. South Beach has earned Blue Flag status for its clean water and careful environmental management. Visitors on Tripadvisor have praised South Beach for its "vast expanse of soft sand" and "gorgeous sea views."

There's also a bonus fourth beach, which is sheltered and ideal for families with young children. Harbour Beach is a small sandy area beside the harbor, directly in front of the colorful houses. For further beach exploration, the Pembrokeshire Coast Path is one of the best coastal walks in the world and runs through Tenby, connecting the town with other beaches further along the coast, including Barafundle Bay, which is one of the best beaches in Wales.

As one of the most popular tourist destinations in Wales, Tenby has plenty of choice when it comes to eating out. You'll find several cafés in the historic center, such as No 25 Cafe, where you can refuel with a panini or a cream tea while watching the world go by. Or pop to the Loafley Bakery and Deli, which, according to Tripadvisor reviews, is the "best place in Tenby for hot fresh Welsh cakes," a traditional Welsh griddle cake made with currants and spices.

For a quick mid-sightseeing bite, head down to Tenby Harbour Snack Bar for toasties and bacon sandwiches. Pick a nearby bench and enjoy lunch with a view while keeping watch for the gulls. Meanwhile, if you fancy tucking into some classic fish and chips, D. Fecci & Sons is a bit of a Tenby institution. According to one Tripadvisor user, "the fish was tasty, the batter crunchy and the chips crispy outside and soft inside." You can't ask for more than that.

For a more formal sit-down meal, the Lansio Lounge overlooks South Beach and has an outside dining area for sunny days. The menu is a mix of international cuisines, from Malaysian nasi goreng to Iraqi flatbreads. Meanwhile, for a traditional British pub vibe, the Lifeboat Tavern is a nautical-themed spot serving hearty pub food like burgers, steak, and homemade chili, and it even has a boat-shaped bar. If you prefer fine dining, the Plantagenet House serves freshly cooked mussels and seared scallops, made with locally sourced ingredients. Dating to the 12th century, the building is one of the oldest in Tenby, giving meals here a historic slant.