Holiday rentals in Tenby

One of Wales’s prettiest seaside towns, with four irresistibly charming beaches, Tenby is a rich mix of history and architectural style. Known as Dinbych-y-Pysgod in Welsh (Little Fortress of the Fish), it was an ancient stronghold. You can still see the remains of Norman fortifications on Castle Hill (there’s an even better preserved example a few miles up the road at Manorbier Castle). Its labyrinth of narrow cobbled streets is surrounded by 800-year-old stone walls that were built by medieval earls; there’s Georgian and Victorian heritage, too, in its cottages and townhouses. North Beach has iconic sea views while South Beach is backed by dunes. Castle Beach offers shelter beneath the cliffs, and Harbour Beach has an attractive backdrop of pastel-colored buildings — and all beaches are dog-friendly during the off-season.

Summer temperatures are pleasant in Wales, averaging around 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the daytime, and even on hotter days, the sea breeze keeps it from becoming unpleasantly hot. Don’t forget your sunscreen and hat, though: North Beach in particular is a suntrap. Winter temperatures drop to an average of 45 to 50 degrees. Since this is Wales, you can and should expect rain at any time of the year, so pack layers, and make sure you’re well provisioned with waterproof gear and an umbrella. Some visitors find the spring and autumn months particularly pleasant for their mildness.

Tenby Harbour

With its brightly colored combination of little boats and gumdrop houses, the harbour is the most cheerful spot in Tenby. It’s also the place to go if you want to try your hand at a spot of mackerel fishing.

Caldey Island

Home to a Cistercian abbey and still owned by the monks who live there, this tiny island has been a holy retreat for 1,000 years, and a beautifully tranquil spot for a day trip.

Goscar Rock

This 50-foot-tall sandstone rock, named by the Vikings, sits in Carmarthen Bay. It is surrounded by beach or sea depending on when you catch the tide, and has become an iconic part of the view from North Beach.

Pembrokeshire Coast Path

The four-and-a-half-mile walk from Tenby to the village of Saundersfoot allows you to enjoy some of the best of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path: a magical combination of hidden beaches, ancient ruins, woodland, and cliff-top views.