The UK's 'best' seaside town named - with cobbled alleys and sandy beaches

With its four stunning beaches just a short stroll from the lively town centre, enchanting cobbled streets that could rival those in Italy or the French Riviera, and a collection of vibrant houses that stand out as some of Britain's most beautiful, it's no wonder this coastal treasure has been highly placed in a recent survey of the UK's "best" seaside towns.

The charming harbour town of Tenby in South Wales has long attracted those looking for a quintessential British seaside getaway, with its local businesses often bustling with customers during peak times. Tenby has reinvented itself to cater to the modern holidaymaker while retaining the charm of a classic British seaside destination, boasting breathtaking views, golden beaches, a variety of activities, and contemporary dining options. This is a significant turnaround from its previous notoriety as a haven for rowdy stag and hen dos.

Outside its historic 13th-century walls, Tenby offers sun-drenched beaches and dramatic cliffside vistas over the sea to the mesmerising Caldey Island. The town is alive with a vibrant dining and pub scene, boasts its own brewery, and features delightful cobbled lanes where visitors can enjoy a pint or sample local fare, according to the Express.

The colourful houses of the town, which overlook the breathtaking harbour, are instantly recognisable. Tenby, with its history tracing back to the Norman Conquest, has been a beloved seaside resort since Victorian times, reports the Mirror.

Today, it's as well-known for its narrow cobbled streets as it is for its quintessential British seaside charm. Beach lovers will be thrilled by the three miles of sandy expanses surrounding the town. Castle Beach, named the UK's best beach in 2019, 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. Curious about why Tenby ranked so high? Here's what else this delightful Welsh seaside town has to offer.

Where to eat in Tenby

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

With an overall score of 4.5 on TripAdvisor, The Billycan is an independent bar, restaurant and hotel situated 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.

Food enthusiasts should make a beeline for the Tap and Tan. This independent craft beer taproom and live fire cookery, which boasts high ratings on TripAdvisor, is famed for its meaty feasts and carefully curated menu made from locally sourced ingredients.

The beer menu appears to be as thoughtfully put together as the food menu.

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

No seaside getaway would 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.

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 B&Bs scattered throughout the town, with rooms to suit visitors on every budget. According to TripAdvisor, the Broadmead Boutique B&B 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, the Heywood Spa Hotel is an ideal choice, offering guests the opportunity for some indulgence during their stay. Alternatively, the Penally Abbey Hotel and Restaurant provides breathtaking views and complimentary tea and cake.

For larger groups, booking a stay in one of the renowned clifftop homes is a perfect option.

So, what are the beaches in Tenby like?

Tenby is home to not just one or two, but a remarkable four public beaches. With two Blue Flag awards to its name, Tenby isn't just visually appealing - it also boasts some of the UK's cleanest beaches.

Visitors can choose from North Beach, South Beach, or the smaller Castle Beach and Harbour Beach, both tucked between the harbour and the cliffs. Regardless of your choice, you're bound to be pleased.

As per the Visit Pembrokeshire website, North Beach is "a superb, sheltered, sandy beach with the pinnacle of Goskar rock sticking out of the sand in the middle". It's one of Wales' most photographed scenes, owing to its scenic harbour views at the western end.

However, be aware that it can become crowded when the weather is good. From May to September, there are dog restrictions on the beaches.

Harbour Beach may be the smallest of Tenby's trio, but it compensates for its size with its charm. Tucked into the harbour and framed by the town's iconic coloured cottages and castle, it's popular with families who appreciate being able to keep a close eye on their little ones.

From Harbour Beach, visitors are spoilt for choice with a variety of boat trips. Whether it's a day trip to Caldey Island, a Tenby sea safari, or water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding, there's something for everyone.

South Beach offers the quintessential British seaside experience. With one and a half miles of golden sands and dunes, there's plenty of space even at high tide.

The shallow waters make it perfect for paddling.

Castle Beach is another must-visit, accessible via a man-made ramp leading to golden sands. The striking St Catherine's Island and its fort can be seen emerging from the water at high tide.

Those who take the boat trip to Caldey Island, known for its medieval church, well-kept monastery and unique chocolate factory, disembark at Castle beach.

Visitors can also enjoy refreshments and ice cream from cafes on the sand. Tenby is easily reachable by public transport, with services running to Tenby Station on the Pembroke Dock branch railway line.

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

The delightful seaside resort of Tenby has been crowned as the prime spot for holiday fun by the coast, according to recent findings. Scoring an impressive 7.71 out of a possible 10 in a study conducted by OLBG, Tenby emerged at the top due to its wealth of attractions including pubs, restaurants, museums, parks, zoos, aquariums and more.

Factors considered were the number of such amenities, alongside beach review scores, hotel prices, Google search volume, average weather conditions and local transport links.

Travellers are effusive in their praise for Tenby, with one family who visited in April 2023 describing it as "beautiful town". Their review exclaimed: " 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."