Tenby named 'best' seaside town in Britain as visitors praise it as 'place of beauty'

With its four stunning beaches just a short stroll from the lively town centre, quaint cobbled streets that could rival those in Italy or the French Riviera, and a collection of eye-catching, brightly-coloured houses that many towns across Britain would envy, it's hardly surprising that this coastal jewel has been ranked highly in a recent survey of the "best" seaside towns in the UK.

This charming harbour town has always been a draw for those looking for a seaside holiday, with local hotspots often bustling with customers lining up during peak times.

Tenby has cleverly reinvented itself to cater to the changing demands of a traditional British seaside getaway, boasting the perfect mix of breathtaking scenery, golden beaches, a variety of activities, and contemporary dining options.

Stepping beyond its historic 13th-century walls, visitors are greeted by sun-drenched beaches and dramatic cliffside vistas over the sea towards the mesmerising Caldey Island. Tenby also boasts a vibrant food and pub scene, its very own brewery, and enchanting cobbled lanes where one can enjoy a pint or sample local treats.

The colourful houses of the town, overlooking the picturesque harbour, are instantly recognisable. Tenby has a history that traces back to the Norman conquest, and medieval buildings still stand hidden in alleys and nooks and crannies. It has also been a beloved seaside resort since the Victorian era.

Today, it's renowned for its four beaches, narrow cobbled streets, lively pubs, excellent restaurants and quintessential seaside charm.

Beach lovers will be thrilled by the three miles of sandy expanses surrounding the town. Castle Beach was crowned the UK's best beach in 2019 and currently holds 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.

Where to eat in Tenby

The town boasts numerous gastropubs and boutique eateries. Given its coastal location, it's also an excellent spot for fresh seafood.

With an overall score of 4.5 on TripAdvisor, The Billycan is an independent bar, restaurant and hotel nestled in the heart of Tenby. Offering a delicious range of pub classics and innovative bistro-style dishes, this popular spot also serves up a fantastic Sunday roast. It's perfect whether you're visiting as a couple or as a family with kids of any age.

Another must-visit for foodies is Tap and Tan. This independent craft beer taproom and live fire cookery, which has high ratings on TripAdvisor, is renowned for its meaty feasts and carefully curated menu made from locally sourced ingredients.

Other top spots to eat in Tenby include Indie Burger, known for its gourmet burgers, Bramleys Tea Rooms for a hearty full English breakfast, or The Baytree Restaurant with its fresh seafood menu.

Where to drink in Tenby

A seaside getaway wouldn't be complete without a pint in the sun. Tenby offers plenty of places to enjoy everything from a quiet drink to a lively night out with karaoke.

Found down a cobbled alleyway, Harbwr Tenby is a gem in this popular seaside town, boasting a 4.5 overall score on TripAdvisor. Visitors love the friendly atmosphere.

Patrons can freely walk into the on-site brewery and see the beers being made, or enjoy some first-class pub grub in the attached pub. Other popular pubs include the Hope and Anchor and the Coach and Horses.

Where to stay in Tenby

There are numerous hotels and BandBs scattered throughout the town, with rooms to suit visitors on every budget. According to TripAdvisor, the Broadmead Boutique BandB is the top-rated accommodation in town, boasting a perfect score of 5 out of 5. Visitors rave about the charming period building and its location in a leafy suburb, just a brisk 20-minute walk from the historic walled town of Tenby.

For those seeking a touch of luxury during their getaway, the Heywood Spa Hotel is just the ticket, boasting pampering services for its guests. Meanwhile, the Penally Abbey Hotel and Restaurant presents breathtaking views, matched with complimentary tea and cake for an unforgettable experience. You may also consider booking one of the illustrious clifftop houses - they pose as the ideal option for group holidays.

Curious about Tenby's beaches?

This seaside gem boasts an impressive count of four public beaches. With two Blue Flag awards to its name, Tenby doesn't just offer scenic beauty but also some of the UK's cleanest shorelines.

Choose between North Beach, South Beach, or the more intimate Castle Beach and Harbour Beach, all snugly tucked between the harbour and the cliffs. North Beach, as per Visit Pembrokeshire's website, is "a superb, sheltered, sandy beach with the pinnacle of Goskar rock sticking out of the sand in the middle". This picturesque spot, particularly its captivating harbour view at the western end, is one of Wales' most frequently photographed sites.

A word of caution though, the beach tends to get crowded in sunny weather, and between May to September there are restrictions on dogs.

Despite being the smallest amongst Tenby's quartet, Harbour Beach doesn't fall short in charm. Tucked into the harbour and framed by colourful cottages and a castle, it's a favourite amongst families who appreciate keeping a close eye on their young ones.

Castle Beach, with its golden sands, is easily accessible via a man-made ramp. The striking St Catherine's Island and its fort can be seen emerging from the water at high tide. Those who have ventured on a boat trip to Caldey Island, known for its medieval church, well-kept monastery and unique chocolate factory, disembark at Castle beach.

There are also cafes dotted along the sand, serving refreshments and ice cream. Tenby is conveniently reachable by public transport, with Tenby Station being serviced by the Pembroke Dock branch railway.

How Tenby achieved the 'best' rating and what others say about it

The delightful seaside town of Tenby has been crowned the top spot for holiday entertainment, scoring an impressive 7.71 out of a possible 10 points in research conducted by OLBG. The score was determined based on several factors including the number of pubs, restaurants, museums, parks, zoos and aquariums, water and amusement parks, arcades, beach review scores, hotel prices, Google searches, average temperature, average rainfall, and local train stations.

Visitors have also shared their own glowing reviews of Tenby. One family who visited in April 2023 described it as a "beautiful town", writing: "It is a place of beauty, a working environment with walkways, restaurants, cobbled streets and archways, smells and sounds. I loved it. It is so interesting to wander around from the lifeboat to the shore to see its working heritage. To the more modern aspects of tourism and restaurants, people queuing for boat tours and sea food kiosks. The cobbled streets with arches of shops and curios. Well worth a visit."