A slice of rich history carved into Pembrokeshire’s coastline; it can only be the bustling town of Tenby.
You’ll never be short of things to do in Tenby, from its historic 13th-century walls, golden beaches, and fascinating castle ruins. It is no wonder it is one of Wales’s most popular seaside towns.
Continue reading to find out the best things to do in Tenby…
Things to do in Tenby
Known as Dinbych-y-pysgod in Welsh, meaning ‘fortlet of the fish’ Tenby has a strong connection to the sea. The town is popular with fishermen and visitors alike, thanks to its excellent mackerel fishing.
The town is set along the iconic Pembrokeshire Coast Path. Spanning for 186-miles, the path begins in St Dogmaels and ends in nearby Amroth. It is not to be missed!
There are so many things to do in and around Tenby. From gorgeous beaches and welcoming eateries to scenic hikes and fascinating history sites. You’ll be spoilt for choice!
1. Tenby Beaches
First up on our guide for things to do in Tenby is the town’s three beautiful Blue Flag beaches.
North Beach – Expect sprawling golden sands speckled with rock pools, clear waters, and fantastic views. It will come as no surprise that North Beach is one of the most photographed in the UK!
This fabulous beach also plays host to a series of events throughout the year. Including the famous Iron Man Wales and the Long Course Weekend. If you’re looking for further information, check out our guide to The Pembrokeshire Events You Do Not Want to Miss in 2023.
South Beach – Boasting soft sands backed by sand dunes and fantastic views of Caldey Island and the clifftops is Tenby’s South Beach.
Offering the perfect spot to enjoy windsurfing, canoeing or kayaking. As well as stand up paddleboarding with SUP Sessions. If all that activity has made you hungry, wander up to Salty’s Beach Bar & Restaurant to tuck-in to Mediterranean delights.
Castle Beach – Located in between North and South Beach is where you will find the delightful Castle Beach. Enjoying soft sands, clear waters, and views out towards St. Catherine’s Island.
It is the perfect spot to spend some quality time with loved ones at the beach. The slipway is home to the wonderful Dennis Cafe, serving tasty breakfasts and lunches to enjoy dining in or to takeaway and savour on the beach.
2. Tenby Castle
Perched at the highest point of Castle Hill is where you will find the fascinating remains of Tenby Castle. Built in the 12th century by The Normans, the castle was frequently attacked by the Welsh and almost destroyed by Llewelyn the Last.
Today, you will find only a small tower remaining from the once grand castle. As well as the remains of the castle’s gateway across the path up from the harbour.
The tower is backed by some incredible views which span across the coast and out to St. Catherine’s Fort. If you’re wanting to check out more historic sites, check out our blog on spectacular castles in West Wales for further inspiration.
A holiday in Tenby wouldn’t be complete without a stroll around the town’s idyllic harbour. Keen anglers can also fish along the harbour to hook the likes of mackerel, dogfish, flounders, and plaice.
If you want to get out on the water, why not take a boat trip out to discover the wonders of nearby Caldey Island? Or if you’d prefer something more leisurely, you can enjoy the views of moored boats with fresh fish and chips or an ice cream in hand.
A hidden gem tucked away within Tenby’s cobbled streets; the Tudor Merchant’s House is a wonderful opportunity to take a step back in time.
Owned and maintained by the National Trust, this narrow townhouse shows you what it was like to live as a merchant in the 15th century.
Wander through the rooms, where you will discover a kitchen with an open fire taking centre stage for cooking. Along with a hall chamber, a bed chamber with clear coastal views, and a trading area.
The trading area would have allowed the merchant’s stall to open from their home onto the street. They would sell items ranging from salt and painted cloth to wine and sugar.
This attraction is perfect for any budding historians looking for things to do in Tenby!
Golfers are well-catered for with the fantastic Tenby Golf Club. Enjoying a superb 18-hole links course set along the beautiful south-west Pembrokeshire coast.
Originally built in 1888 with just nine holes, the course is now thought to be the oldest in Wales! As if that wasn’t enough, the course is a SSSI, with an array of wildlife and birdlife calling the surroundings home.
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your clubs and enjoy a game at the birthplace of Welsh golf!
If you’re wanting to learn more about the town’s history, there’s no better place than the Tenby Museum and Art Gallery. Brought to life in 1878, this small attraction is now the oldest independent museum in Wales.
This award-winning museum hosts three permanent galleries. Which include the works of John Uzzell, Nicky Wire, and Gwen and Augustus.
As well as two ever-changing exhibition spaces, one which showcases the local history, and another which shows changing displays of Tenby and beyond.
The Tenby Museum and Art Gallery makes for a great day out for all the family. There are interactive displays on offer, the opportunity to dress up, and quizzes!
Set on the north side of Castle Hill is the RNLI Tenby Lifeboat Station, which has stood in the town since 1852.
Visit the public gallery where you can watch the Tamar class all-weather lifeboat, Haydn Miller, launch. If you can’t get enough of the boats, head to Tenby Harbour, where you can catch a glimpse of the D Class lifeboat, Georgina Taylor.
Whether you’re an expert angler or just fancy trying something new, book yourself on a mackerel fishing trip from Tenby Harbour.
The boat will take you out on the water for 90 minutes, so you will have plenty of time to catch as much mackerel as you’d like! Full tuition is provided on board, and the best bit? You get to keep what you catch and are shown how to prepare it for cooking!
The boats welcome all ages to try their hand at fishing, making it one of the most perfect things to do in Tenby with the whole family.
For the more serious fishermen, there is a four-hour bait fishing trip and an eight-hour deep sea fishing trip on offer.
As well as the annual Tope Competition, where whoever catches the biggest fish will win a £1000. This year’s competition is taking place from 20th May – 2nd July 2023.
With all these amazing things to do in Tenby, you’re bound to need a pit stop, and where better than the Harbwr Tenby Harbour Brewey!
Set just above the colourful harbour, this welcoming brewery and taproom brews and serves a range of core and craft ales. Visit the Brewery, where you can learn how the brews are made and purchase a pack or mini keg to take home.
Or head to the Taproom, where you can sit back and relax as you enjoy a cool pint of beer, cider, or even a glass of gin. A great way to round off a day of adventure!
Next up on our list of things to do is the glorious St. Catherine’s Island. Settled opposite Castle Beach, it is just a short boat trip away.
Explore the 22,000-acre island, which is speckled with deep caves, forests, salt marshes, and sandy beaches. As well as the fascinating St. Catherine’s Fort.
The fort boasts a rich history and was built on St. Catherine’s Island during the Napoleonic Wars due to its prominence. After that it played home to the wealthy Windsor Richards family in 1907. Before becoming a zoo in 1968 for 10 years.
You can go inside the fort and explore the various rooms, as well as enjoy the fabulous views showcased at all angles.
11. Caldey Island
If you can’t get enough of the island life, continue your adventure off mainland with a trip to Caldey Island. One of Britain’s holy islands, Caldey boasts a rich history, spanning from the Ice Age!
The island is home to a magnificent monastery said to have been built in the 20th century by Anglican Benedictine monks. The abbey is still home to a group of Cistercian monks today who carry on the traditions of their predecessors.
If you fancy seeing more the island, there are plenty of gorgeous beaches and woodlands to explore. As well as the 19th-century lighthouse which offers breath-taking views and makes for a great picnic spot!
For those looking for slightly more usual things to do in Tenby, a Tenby Ghost Walk is sure to impress! The walk will lead you through the town as you listen to tales of ghosts, witches, mysteries and murder!
It is a fun-filled way to brush up on the history of Tenby and soak up the beauty of the town along the way.
The next addition to our things to do in Tenby guide is perfect for the whole family, the beloved Manor Wildlife Park. Settled on the outskirts of Tenby, this 52-acre zoo is renowned for being Wales’s only walking safari!
Wander round the zoo, where you can spot rare and exotic species, walk with Lemur’s and Wallaby’s, and walk through the African Village!
There’s plenty of fun for the little ones to get involved in, including face painting and an indoor play area complete with bouncy castle!
Be sure to make a pit stop at the cafe to enjoy a handmade pizza before continuing your adventure!
Fancy a roaring day out with the whole family? Then the Dinosaur Park is the place to be! Journey back to the land before time and embark on your very own Dinosaur Safari. Come face to face with over 30 different dinosaurs, including the fearsome T-Rex.
For the fearless adventurers who make it through the trail, there’s a variety of rides and activities to continue your adventure.
Practice your swing on the 12-hole T-Rex Golf Course, enjoy the delights of Dino’s Fun House, drive a Skiddy Car, slip and slide on the Tubey Ride, or float along on a Disco Boat.
There is so much fun to be had at this family-friendly Tenby attraction! For more attractions like this, check out our guide on Unusual Things to do in Pembrokeshire.
Things to Do Near Tenby
One of the top things to do near Tenby is explore the awe-inspiring Colby Woodland Garden. A stunning National Trust site with so much to see and discover.
Once a former coalfield in the 18th-century, the site was later transformed into the enchanting woodland we see today. Explore the vast 900-acre estate, which is teaming with wildlife, with a woodland walk, or a leisurely stroll through the wildflower meadow.
Check out the tranquil walled garden, complete with floral displays and sculptures. Or follow the trail down from the estate to the visit the golden sands of Amroth.
If all that walking has made you peckish, be sure to pop in to The Bothy Tea-room for a slice of homemade cake and a cup of tea!
Throughout the summer, the estate hosts a number of family-friendly events, including archery and bug safaris.
A must-visit on your Tenby holiday is the award-winning Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo. Providing a fun-filled and varied day out for the whole family, it’s no surprise it made our blog on Things to do in Pembrokeshire.
Meet over 750 animals at the zoo, including lions, rhinos, meerkats, and giraffes! For the best views of the latter, head up to the Giraffe Heights walkway where you will be eye-level with these beautiful creatures!
Next stop is Jolly Barn and Farm, where you can meet the sweet miniature ponies, goats, and lambs, in the farm’s former dairy parlour!
Or head to the vintage fairground, where you can enjoy the thrills of 17 different rides. Including the classic favourites of the waltzers, ghost train, and dodgems.
If you like your rides with a view, hop aboard The Pembrokeshire Wheel, where you can soak up the best views over the park and beyond!
Hold on tight and prepare yourself for take-off at Wales’s biggest Theme Park, Oakwood! Thrillseekers can enjoy adrenaline-fueled rides of Speed, Vertigo, and the famous Megafobia. Otherwise known as the UK’s number one wooden rollercoaster.
If you don’t fancy turns, twists, and drops, Oakwood Theme Park offers a fantastic choice of family rides. Go for a spin on Dizzy Dusk or take flight on The Creepy Crawler. You can also zoom along on Treetops, board the Pirate Ship, or make a splash at Snake River Falls.
Whilst the little ones can enjoy the soft play of Hook’s House of Havoc, The Sights of London, and the mysterious Skull Rock. For further attractions like this, read our Ultimate Guide to West Wales.
18. Green Bridge
Head along the Pembrokeshire Coast to discover the unique formation of Green Bridge. A natural limestone archway that has formed off the Pembrokeshire cliffs.
It is one of the most popular things to do in Tenby, as it bears a striking resemblance to the iconic Durdle Door in Dorset. So, stand back and enjoy the picture postcard scenery and the sound of the waves crashing gently against the rocks.
The last addition to our things to do in Tenby guide is set in the heart of the historic town of Pembroke. A grand castle overlooking the Pembroke River.
Explore the castles rich history on a guided tour, where you can learn all about how the castle withstood a siege by the Welsh. As well as the attacks by both Royalist and Roundheads, and even a force led by Oliver Cromwell.
Step back in time as you explore the exhibition rooms which feature figures, paintings, and replica models detailing the castles history.
You can also visit the room where Henry VII, Britain’s only Welsh king, was born, the Great Keep, Dungeon Tower, and the fascinating Wogan Cavern underneath the castle.
Tenby Weather
Ahead of your getaway to Tenby, check out the seven-day forecast so you can plan your holiday activities. Whatever the weather, there’s always things to do in Tenby!
TENBY WEATHER
Tenby Accommodation
The Orangery (Ref. 3960)
Here at Coast & Country Holidays, we offer a wide variety of Tenby cottages to suit all!
Whether you fancy escaping to a cosy coastal cottage or taking in the views from your very own beachside apartment. You’re sure to find the perfect base to you suit you and your loved ones.
Feeling inspired by these things to do in Tenby? Check out our guide to the Best Tenby Restaurants, ideal for reufelling after a day of adventure.
Or if you want to discover more places to visit during your stay, read on our blog on Picturesque Towns in Pembrokeshire.
