Things to do in Tenby

Things to Do in Tenby: A Local's Guide from The Park Hotel

Tenby is one of those places that manages to be lively and laid-back at the same time. Pastel-painted houses tumble down towards a working harbour, medieval town walls still ring the old town, and three award-winning beaches sit right on the doorstep. Whether you're staying with us for a weekend or a full week, here's our guide to making the most of it.

Wander the Harbour and Old Town

Start where Tenby always starts: the harbour. It's still a working fishing harbour, but these days it's just as well known for its cafes, ice cream stalls, and the view back up towards the pastel-coloured houses on the hill. Pick up a crab line and a bit of bacon from a local shop and let the kids fish off the harbour wall — it costs next to nothing and can fill a whole afternoon.

From there, it's a short walk up into the old town, where you can follow sections of the 13th-century town walls and duck into the Tudor Merchant's House, a beautifully preserved 15th-century merchant's home tucked down one of the cobbled side streets.

Hit the Beaches

Tenby has three main beaches, and each has its own character:

• North Beach — long, sandy, and consistently ranked among the best beaches in the UK. Great for swimming and watching the boats come in.

• Castle Beach — the smallest of the three, right beneath Tenby Castle and St Catherine's Island, with rockpools to explore at low tide.

• South Beach — a big stretch of sand backed by dunes, popular for watersports, kayaking, and long walks.

If you fancy something more active, local operators run kayaking, coasteering, and jet-ski sessions right from the harbour and beaches.

Take a Boat to Caldey Island

A short boat trip from the harbour takes you across to Caldey Island, home to a working Cistercian monastery, a small museum, a lighthouse, and some genuinely lovely coastal walking trails. It's a proper half-day out and one of the most popular excursions from Tenby, so it's worth booking ahead in peak season.

Step Back in Time

History lovers are well looked after around Tenby. In town, Tenby Museum and Art Gallery sits on a headland with views out across the bay towards Caldey and St Catherine's Island. A little further afield, Pembroke Castle — birthplace of King Henry VII — is one of the great Norman castles of Wales, with an 80-foot keep and underground caverns to explore, while Manorbier Castle offers a quieter, equally atmospheric alternative.

Days Out for Families

If you're travelling with children, a short drive out of Tenby opens up some of Pembrokeshire's best family attractions: Heatherton World of Activities, Folly Farm, and the Dinosaur Park all make for a full day out, and are easily combined with a beach morning or a castle visit.

Walk the Coast Path

The Pembrokeshire Coast Path runs through Tenby in both directions, and even a short stretch delivers some spectacular sea views. Handily, The Park Hotel sits right on the coastal path itself, so you can step straight out of the door and onto the trail — no need to drive or walk into town first to pick it up. It's an easy way to burn off a big breakfast — and yes, ours does the job nicely.

When to Visit

Spring and early summer bring the best chance of good weather and the liveliest atmosphere, though it's also the busiest time. Late summer sees Tenby's food and arts festivals in full swing, while autumn offers quieter streets, dramatic coastal light, and the week-long Tenby Arts Festival in September — a lovely time to visit if you'd rather trade crowds for calm.

Staying at The Park Hotel puts you right on the coastal path and within easy walking distance of the harbour, beaches, and old town — so however you choose to spend your day in Tenby, you're never far from home.