Posts Tagged With: Tenby

While researching seaside towns to visit in Wales, I quickly found that Tenby checked all the boxes:

Sandy beaches ✔️

Castle ruins ✔️

Colourful houses ✔️

Local brewery ✔️

and a nearby island inhabited by monks to explore✔️

As a Canadian, it instantly reminded me of St. John’s, Newfoundland, with its colourful rows of houses, fishing boats, harbour, and plenty of fresh local seafood.

In Tenby, you are never far from a sandy beach. North, South and Castle beaches are all an easy walk from anywhere in town and with lots of space, especially when the tide is out, there’s plenty of room for everyone.

Tenby’s Welsh name, Dinbych-y-Pysgod, means ‘Little Fortress of the Fish’ and fishing is very popular here. Explore the harbour and find locals fishing off the pier or book a mackerel fishing excursion from one of the boat operators. You can also book tickets for a seal safari, island cruise, sunset cruise, and more.

Early in the morning, you will find the harbour full of boats floating in the calm water, but as the tide goes out, soon the boats are sitting in the sand. It’s quite the sight!

Tenby Castle was built by the Normans in the 12th century. Today, all that’s left of Tenby Castle is a small tower perched on top of Castle Hill, overlooking Castle Beach and surrounded by the sea.

While most of the castle is gone, the old town walls remain fairly intact, especially on the east side. The main entrance here is ‘Five Arches’ gate, leading to a maze of narrow streets that make up the picturesque old town of Tenby.

St Catherine’s Island & Fort has a very interesting history including a 13th century chapel, Victorian fort, palatial home, wartime garrison, zoo, movie location, and is now a visitor attraction.

Located just off Castle Beach, at low tide, St Catherine’s becomes a tidal island that’s easy to stroll across the beach to. (The entrance fee is £5. Open daily during the summer. Times depend on the tides.) 

I loved walking along the waterfront, past all the colourful houses and up and down the hilly old streets, making my way around town.

As I wandered around, I found a number of old buildings with plaques on them stating what famous person had lived or vacationed there, including authors Mary Ann Evans (aka George Eliot) and Roald Dahl. (I would have loved to stay in this cabin by the water!)

St. Mary’s Church stands in Tudor Square. During the Middle Ages, it was the largest Medieval Church in Wales and reflected the town’s prosperity as a bustling port town.

Caldey Island is a small island, 2.4km long & 1.6km wide, located about a 20-minute boat ride from Tenby. (£15 return, buy from a kiosk down by the harbour.)

The island has been inhabited by monks since the 6th century. Currently, Caldey Island is home to Cistercian monks, who built the abbey here in 1906. The island is also home to one of the area’s most beautiful beaches and gorgeous cliff views along the island’s trails. The small village hosts a tea garden, gift shop, gallery, and post office. The monks make and sell chocolate and perfume on the island and I definitely recommend the chocolate!

Here, you will also find St. David’s Church, with some beautiful stained glass and the Italianate Abbey, home to the Cistercian monks. Guests may enter the Abbey Church, but the rest of the Abbey is private.

St Illtyd’s Church and Old Priory is the oldest building on the island. While some of it is now in ruins, most of the church remains and the stained glass inside is beautiful. The pond out front is also host to the island’s black swans.

Caldey island has several walks to explore, allowing guests to enjoy the views and the island’s wildlife.

If, like me, you are a fan of beer, and craft beer in particular, then Tenby Harbwr Brewery is a must. Filling up most of an alleyway, this brewery has a beer garden, retail store, taproom, and outdoor alley sitting, as well as a restaurant. Grab a pint (or two) and enjoy!

As you stroll along the historic streets of Tenby, you’ll come across a number of quaint shops, restaurants, and snack shops. (Be sure to stop for a local Welsh cake!) After spending my day by the water, I went looking for fish & chips. I chose Tenby’s Traditional Fish & Chips for takeout and enjoyed my meal back down by the water, watching the sun set over this colourful seaside wonder.