Tenby is a charming seaside town on the south-west coast of Wales, known for its harbour, beaches and medieval walls. Whether you’re wandering the cobbled streets, exploring the heritage sites or sampling its fantastic food and drink, Tenby offers a perfect mix of history and beauty.
Take a boat to nearby Caldey Island, enjoy local seafood, or stroll the scenic Pembrokeshire Coast Path. With its welcoming atmosphere and fabulous views, Tenby is the ideal destination for campervanners who love visiting seaside destinations.
Where to stay on a tour to Tenby
Had to Meadow Farm, Tenby for some clifftop camping at a family-run site overlooking spectacular Tenby Bay. You can also consider Windmill Hill Caravan Park – it’s a family-run caravan park on a working dairy farm, with beaches nearby.
If you’re thinking of heading to another part of the country, don’t miss our pick of the best motorhome sites in Wales.
What to do on Day 1 in Tenby
10am – On the beach
Park up at North Beach Car Park, which offers roomy spots and EV charging. From there, try not to be distracted by the fine views of North Beach and begin the walk into town. En route, you’ll be passing the Grade I listed 13th-century town walls, some of the best preserved in the UK.
11am – Breakfast break
Stop off for a late breakfast or cake and a cuppa from Vista at Tenby, in the pretty town centre. They have a great menu of cooked breakfasts, rolls and vegetarian options. If you’re lucky, you might score one of the balcony tables overlooking the sweeping bay of North Beach.
12pm – Harbour lights
The rest of the walk will take you from Tenby’s seafront to its winding cobbled streets, via Sergeant’s Lane. The narrow passageway is home to Harbwr Tenby Harbour Brewery, whose seating areas spill into the street.
You should end up near Five Arches Gateway, the only remaining entrance to the old town walls. Tucked just behind the historic site is The Coach & Horses, an 18th-century pub offering Thai food along with traditional pub classics.
2.30pm – Merchant mansion
For a glimpse into Tenby’s fascinating past, stop at the Tudor Merchant’s House. This carefully restored 15th-century home lets you explore three floors, from the bustling shop to the family’s cosy living spaces upstairs. Tudor furniture, colourful wall hangings and a pretty herb garden bring its history vividly to life.
3.30pm – Stroll on the sands
Time to head for Castle Beach, smallest of Tenby’s three sandy shores – but no less scenic! If you’re visiting in summer, you can enjoy a serene coastal walk from Tenby’s South Beach to Giltar Point, a three-mile round trip.
This easy, flat route offers stunning views of Caldey Island and the sweeping coastline towards Lydstep. At Giltar Point, carefully ascend for panoramic vistas, then return via the same path or through the dunes. Finish the walk at Salty’s Beach Bar, perfect for a breathtaking sunset.
6pm – Back to the brewery
Time to return to the aforementioned Harbwr Tenby Harbour Brewery! You can enjoy a pint in the atmospheric seating area, against a backdrop of cobblestone streets and ancient walls, or cosy up inside the rustic brewery bar.
7pm – Time to dine
Just a minute’s walk from Harbwr, you’ll find the ideal spot for your evening meal, the Plantagenet House restaurant. This modern eatery is housed in a medieval building with period features. The cosy, eclectic venue serves a tempting, hearty menu of classic dishes and seafood.
What to do on Day 2
9am – Hearty start
Breakfast at Fuschia, a popular spot in the town centre. With a superb menu of brunch classics and full breakfasts, this will really set you up for another day of exploring.
10am – Island life
Stop at Caldey Island Kiosk, at the top of Tenby Harbour. From Monday to Saturday (April to October, weather permitting), you can take a boat trip to Caldey Island, picturesque home of Cistercian monks. Wander the trails, explore the abbey and buy some of their handmade chocolate.
1pm – Pub grub
The Hope & Anchor is a friendly local that serves tempting pub grub, or a takeaway to enjoy while you relax on the beach.
2.15pm – Cross the causeway
From March to December, St Catherine’s Island can be reached via Castle Beach (check the tides!). Home to a 13th-century chapel, a Napoleonic fortress and a military garrison, it offers spectacular views.
3pm – Local history
Delve into the town’s long history at Tenby Museum & Art Gallery, on Castle Hill. The cultural centre’s three galleries and two exhibition spaces showcase work by local and international artists.
3.45pm – Capture the castle
Castle Hill is home to Tenby Castle, built in the 12th century. All that remains today is a single tower. Footpaths wind around it, and you can take in the sea views and explore the ruins for free.
4.15pm – Take to the lifeboats
Pause at Tenby Lifeboat Station to see behind the scenes of maritime rescue. Housing the Tamar-class lifeboat, the centre also has a gallery where visitors can watch the craft being launched, explore the story of the RNLI and its volunteers, and browse the gift shop.
6pm – Winding down
Relax after a busy couple of days with a hearty Italian dinner at Florentino’s. The welcoming restaurant overlooks Tenby Harbour from a cosy Grade II listed setting and offers a fine menu of Italian dishes, including extensive pasta and pizza selections.
Did you know?
Tenby is rightly famous for its splendid beaches and brightly coloured buildings, but it’s also renowned as the birthplace of Robert Recorde (c1510–1558), the physician and mathematician who invented the ‘equals’ sign (=) in 1557.
Recorde’s distinguished career also included introducing the use of the plus and minus signs in English mathematics, and service as the Royal Physician to Edward VI and Mary, and as Comptroller of the Royal Mint.
For other seaside getaway ideas, check out our guide to a weekend in Worthing – or consider crossing the Channel and enjoying a weekend in St Malo, a picturesque and charming town.
After some more ideas for a weekend getaway? Then head to our Go Campervanning: Weekend Getaways section for more great ideas!
Lead image: Getty Images/iStockphoto
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