Welcome To Tenby
Whether you’re here to embrace adventure or simply to relax and escape, Tenby and Pembrokeshire offer something for everyone.
Start your morning with our hearty breakfast, then head out to explore Tenby’s historic streets, vibrant harbour, and four golden beaches.
Take a boat trip to Caldey Island, delve into the area’s rich local history, or browse the town’s independent shops and galleries along the high street. Enjoy classic fish and chips by the sea or sample freshly caught seafood at one of our many local restaurants.
Looking to venture further? The best of Pembrokeshire is just a short journey away. Discover boutique shopping in Narberth or Saundersfoot, hike dramatic clifftop trails along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, or soak up the natural beauty of award-winning beaches like Barafundle Bay, Freshwater West, and Manorbier. Step back in time with visits to Carew and Pembroke Castles, or uncover hidden legends at places like St Govan’s Chapel and the sacred city of St David’s.
After a day of adventure, return to comfort. Put your feet up, relax, and enjoy the warm welcome that makes staying in Tenby feel like home.
Stay local. Explore widely. Sleep soundly.
A Brief History of Tenby
Tenby, known as Dinbych-Y-Pysgod in Welsh (meaning “Little Fortress of the Fish”), has a rich history dating back to the 12th Century. Originally a Norman walled fishing town. its fortifications remain largely intact today, adding to its charm and historic appeal.
The town’s iconic walls were built to protect against Welsh uprisings, and Tenby Castle once stood as a key defensive stronghold. Some of the oldest buildings in town are The Plantagenet Restaurant and Quay Room and the National Trust’s Tudor Merchant House situated on Quay Hill dating back to the 15th Century.
One of the the most infamous pirates of the Golden Age, Bartholomew Roberts – better known as Black Bart – was born in Pembrokeshire. Though he spent much of his career raiding ships across the Atlantic, his legend looms large over Tenby, a known haven for smugglers in the 18th Century. Secret tunnels beneath the town and hidden coves along the coastline tell tales of contraband and clandestine dealings. One well-known tale is of King Henry VII evading capture by hiding in these tunnels and escaping to France from Tenby Harbour.
The arrival of the railway in the 19th Century was one of the momentous steps that transformed Tenby into a fashionable seaside destination for holiday makers. The town’s historic motto became “the sea washes away the ills of man” and the Victorian era saw the rise of sea bathing as a health remedy, with visitors flocking to Tenby’s shores to enjoy the restorative powers of the sea. To this day, Tenby is still regarded as one of the UK’s best holiday destinations.
Useful Links
Looking for more reasons to visit Pembrokeshire? Or simply want more inspiration for your upcoming trip?
Check out these fantastic websites for more information and upcoming local events to make the most of your stay;
