Holiday cottages, airbnb and b&bs in Tenby

As an epitome of a charming coastal town which flourished from a fishing village to a golden getaway in the nineteenth century, Tenby has stayed true to its maritime roots and embraced the opulent architecture over the years to turn this seaside into the captivating Welsh gem which we see today. Bursting with nostalgic harbours, an unspoilt coast and endless amounts of fresh local ice cream, Tenby offers everything you could ever dream of from a Welsh seaside holiday so secure your comfortable holiday rental here today.

When to visit?

Though Tenby can be enjoyed in all seasons, including winter when the climate is colder, and the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path is crisp and quiet. The best time to visit is in April, May or June, when the southern Welsh climate is pleasant enough to start bathing on the beaches, however, the summer crowds have not overpopulated the shores. Alternatively, the autumn months of September and October are wise months to visit, as Tenby does not go into hibernation, contrary to popular belief.

What types of holiday rentals are available in Tenby?

The pastel coloured townhouses which overlook the bay have been an artist's dream for nearly 200 years, so make the most of these idyllic bases and secure an apartment rental in one of the converted guesthouses or bed and breakfasts to wake up facing the Irish Sea. For families or other visitors who may want an even quieter alternative, choose a holiday cottage in the neighbouring Welsh countryside and travel into Tenby from your own home, where you can continue the fun of playing on the beach in your private garden, or invite a larger group of friends to stay together under the same roof.

How to get there?

Located on the southern coast of Wales, Tenby can be accessed from across the UK most efficiently by road or rail. With a direct train from Manchester Piccadilly straight into Tenby station, and with Great Western Trains from London Paddington, Cardiff and Virgin offering connecting services to Swansea and various connections from Glasgow, this town can be reached in a number of hours, depending on your location. Additionally, if you were planning on driving to Tenby, you can take the M4 and come off around 22 miles away from the coast. Though the roads have a reputation of being narrow, it is said that this is part of the Welsh country charm, so enjoy the thrill of the journey and those unique final miles to the shore.

Where to stay in Tenby

The High street

Tenby High Street is a vein which runs through the very heart of the coast, so there is no better place to choose a townhouse than from one of the many available on this street. From the vast amounts of pastel glazed apartments and guesthouses to pick from, staying on this street will leave you at the envy of all who pass by your front door. Not only does the high street put you in prime position to enjoy the beach which is just a one minute walk across the street, but it means you have some of the most fashionable neighbours in the entire town. You are sleeping alongside the seafronts most successful shops and coffee shops, meaning you can easily find somewhere to have breakfast if you're not in the mood to cook in your self-catered apartment.

The Harbour

Nothing quite captures the individuality of Tenby quite like the emerald fringes of the charming harbour which has been a staple of Tenby life across the centuries, making it the perfect place to secure a bed and breakfast for your stay. Wake up in a room with a view across the charming bay which is home to countless fishing boats which are still used to this day and experience this fishing community in all its glory.

Castle Beach

Perhaps the most famous beach in the town, the golden sands of Castle Beach are self-explanatory, as they lay at the foot of Tenby Castle. This cocktail of impressive shores and a crumbling castle attracts all visitors of Tenby to its shores. Reserving a luxury holiday rental on the bank of these sands will put you in the ideal position to dream away your days while bathing on the beach, right until sunset and beyond.

Tenby town centre

The pastel Victorian tones which grace the seafront continue into the town centre, an area which is brimming with independent souvenir shops, quintessential Welsh pubs and is the best place to walk around the crumbling walls which frame and protect this coastal haven. Choosing a holiday apartment in the centre will leave you within a stone's throw from some of the most exquisite restaurants, galleries and thanks to Tenby's compact size, you still are not too far from the beaches either.

New Hedges

The residential area of New Hedges is the ideal place to live like a local by reserving a traditional whitewashed holiday cottage which has its own brewhouse and tavern and is only a few minutes to the beach at Wiseman's Bridge by foot. New Hedges also has its fair share of green space which is slightly removed from the very centre of Tenby, making it the best place to stay if you want to immerse yourself in a thoroughly peaceful trip.

Penally

Though the area of Penally is slightly outside the town of Tenby, it is worth considering in your search for accommodation. Penally's selection of holiday cottages and homes for rent make it the ideal place to find a Welsh home from home which is just a short distance from Tenby's attractions. Boasting another beach of its own and no shortage of sceneries which the county of Pembrokeshire is so renowned for, Penally offers a traditional homely experience for visitors to Tenby and beyond.

What activities to do?

Bathe on Castle Beach

The award-winning Castle Beach attracts visitors to its glorious sandy shores each year, which are suitable for bathing and swimming, at least until the tide comes in and completely covers the beach! Surrounded by the town's iconic pastel townhouses and overlooked, of course, by Tenby castle, this cove offers all of the very best that this resort has to offer in one place.

Explore Tenby Museum and Art Gallery

The Tenby Museum and Art Gallery is home to the works of Kyffin William, Gwilym Prichard and Claudia Williams, to name just a few. With one gallery showcasing the museum's permanent art collection and the second hosting temporary exhibitions, an afternoon in this museum is the ideal way to celebrate the ever-changing cultures of Tenby.

Visit Caldey Island

The small island of Caldey can be found 0.6 miles by boat from the mainland but is still categorised as a part of Tenby. With a religious history documenting Celtic traditions which date back over 1500 years, this island is known as one of the holiest places in the country. With a tiny population, primarily made up of monks who reside there and sell perfume and chocolate from their monastery, visiting Caldey Island will be an experience unlike any other.

Learn about the Tudor Merchant's House

Built in the 15th century, this stone-built house has been grade I listed, suggesting it has an exceptional place in the history of this town. Offering insight into life in Tenby throughout the unrest of the Tudor era when the town was a bustling commercial port, this landmark is unmissable in understanding the yesterday of where you are staying today.

Travel to Manorbier Castle

Just five miles south-west of Tenby, you can visit Manorbier Castle which has been a statement upon Pembrokeshire's hills since the 11th century. This Norman fortress can be explored, along with its mill and gardens and may even be recognised from some BBC shows including its place on their adaptation of The Chronicles of Narnia.

Sample some traditional Welsh ice cream

As always in a traditional seaside town, there is an unending debate about which ice cream is best, but that does not really matter, as long as you leave time to try one somewhere. For Tenby's small size, there are a large number of ice cream parlours, offering a taste for all flavours and dietary requirements, including vegan ice cream at Cadwalader's coffee and ice cream shop.