A weekend in Tenby

A colourful walled harbour town with sandy beaches

Independent UK guide
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Updated October 2026

Tenby is one of Wales's prettiest seaside towns, with medieval town walls, pastel-coloured houses and four sandy beaches. A small harbour and a boat to Caldey Island add to the charm.

It is a favourite for families and couples, and a gateway to the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.

Best forBeach days, Families, History lovers, Dog owners

Best time to goMay to September for the beaches and boats to Caldey Island. Spring and early autumn are quieter.

Typical budget (2 people, 2 nights)£320–£560, excluding travel

Getting thereCardiff: About 2 hours by car.

Check prices for a weekend in Tenby

Plan your weekend in Tenby

Top attractions in Tenby

The harbour and Castle Hill

Fishing boats, cafes and a hilltop with views over the bay.

The beaches

North Beach, South Beach, Castle Beach and Harbour Beach.

Caldey Island

A monastic island reached by boat, with sandy beaches.

The town walls

Medieval walls and an arch, the Five Arches.

The coast path

Walks towards Saundersfoot and Manorbier.

Best things to do in Tenby

Guides to the activities most people plan a weekend around.

A day on Tenby's beaches

Tenby is a walled harbour town in Pembrokeshire, with pastel-coloured houses and four sandy beaches including North Beach, South Beach, Castle Beach and Harbour Beach. Allow a half day to a full day.

Coasteering in Pembrokeshire

Coasteering means travelling along the rocky coastline by swimming, scrambling and jumping into the sea, with a guide, helmet and wetsuit. Allow 2 to 3 hours.

Pen y Fan walk

Pen y Fan is the highest peak in southern Britain at 886 metres. Allow 3 to 4 hours.

Best areas to stay in Tenby

Old town

Charming and walkable, close to the harbour and beaches.

North Beach area

Hotels with sea views.

Saundersfoot

A nearby harbour village.

Best hotels in Tenby

These are well-established hotels often recommended for the area, listed in no particular order. They are not paid placements. Check current ratings, prices and availability before you book.

The Imperial Hotel

The Fourcroft Hotel

Compare places to stay in Tenby

Prices change daily, so check a few sites. For dog-friendly or quiet stays, use the pet and review filters. These are affiliate links.

Best time to visit Tenby

May to September for the beaches and boats to Caldey Island. Spring and early autumn are quieter.

Seasons that suit Tenby well: summer, spring, autumn.

Estimated budget for a weekend in Tenby

Hotel or B&B, per night for two	£90–£150
Food and drink, per day for two	£55–£85
Activities and extras for the weekend	£30–£90
Estimated total, 2 people, 2 nights, excluding travel	£320–£560

Mid-range destination. These are rough 2026 estimates and vary by season and room type. Add the cost of getting there. For a personalised figure, use the BritBreaks finder.

Getting to Tenby

From Cardiff: About 2 hours by car.
From Bristol: About 3 hours by car.
From Manchester: About 5 hours by car.

Journey times are rough guides. Check live train and road times before you travel.

A sample weekend in Tenby

Friday evening: Arrive, settle in and have dinner in Old town.
Saturday: Start with The harbour and Castle Hill, then The beaches. In the afternoon, head to Caldey Island.
Sunday: Visit The town walls or The coast path, then head home.