Five things you should discover on a weekend trip to Tenby
Tenby is the perfect place to explore for a weekend as there are so many things for you to experience.
Beaches, boutique shops, museums, theme parks, and award-winning restaurants are all waiting to be discovered on a visit to this famous Welsh seaside town.
Here are five experiences to fully immerse yourself in Tenby life.
Bring your bucket and spade!
The Pembrokeshire coast is beautiful to visit at any time of year and in Tenby, you’ll find not just one but four beaches to enjoy some quality time in the fresh sea breeze.
There’s a fun seaside activity to experience each season, whether you want to be sandcastle building and rock-pooling in summer or wrapping up for a cosy winter walk.
If you’re looking for an adventure in the water, then you must try Tenby Coasteering. Swim, jump, scramble and explore the rocks and sea!
An amazing experience and a unique way to view Tenby's shoreline.
North and South Beach are the main two stretches of sand. Plus, there’s also Castle Beach, overlooked by Castle Hill, and Harbour Beach, a smaller area of sand that is right next to North Beach.
If you’re on holiday with the kids, Harbour Beach is great to keep a closer eye on them as they’re paddling and building sandcastles.
You’ll also feel in awe of the picture-postcard seafront houses that surround North and Harbour Beach, something you would have likely been mesmerised by when doing your research before your visit.
All the beaches in Tenby are family-friendly and a short walk from the main town, convenient for midday pit stops to the local chippy.
Their Blue Flag status for water cleanliness and high standard of surrounding facilities also make them a safe activity for everyone.
Explore the history of Tenby
The medieval walls surrounding Tenby town are some of the best-preserved historical town walls in the UK. They give an insight into the fascinating history of this popular tourist destination.
Tenby Museum and Art Gallery on Castle Hill is fun place for everyone to visit and learn about the history of this beautiful town.
Perfect for a rainy day, we think you should spend a couple of hours exploring the museum from top to bottom.
The Story of Tenby exhibition shows the development of the coastal town from the 10th to the 21st centuries including a display of many artefacts, costumes, documents, and photographs.
The museum has wheelchair access, baby changing facilities, plus there’s a café to grab a steamy cappuccino, and gift shop to pick up a few treasured souvenirs.
Alongside the museum, there’s also the National Trust Tudor Merchant House to roam around, which you’ll find in the main town.
The house shows what life was like in Tenby during the Tudor era – you’ll instantly be transported to the world of a merchant and his family in 1500 as soon as you step inside.
Kids can play with toys and games on show and try on Tudor clothes for a living history experience.
St. Catherine’s Island, a well-known Tenby landmark, is a Napoleonic Fortress located at the foot of Castle Beach and another key spot for digging up the past.
An adventure awaits with a steep climb up rocky steps to reach the fort. Once you’ve at the top, you’re rewarded with picturesque coastal views out to sea. Pure bliss!
Adrenaline rush at a theme park
Heatherton is an award-winning destination for a family day out located just three miles from Tenby. Open all year round with free entry, you just pay for activities you want to take part in.
There’s a huge range of things to get stuck in with, from jumping pillows, to junior go karts, bumper boats, crazy golf, paintballing and the Tree Tops Trail for older kids.
The trail involves a high ropes adventure swinging in the trees crossing rope bridges and ending with a speedy zip line!
Another option for a thrilling day trip is Tenby Dinosaur Park, which is a short drive from Tenby and offers a prehistoric-themed day out for families.
Experience The Dinosaur Trail a woodland walk with an exciting twist as you discover dinosaurs hidden among the trees. Discover life-size Velociraptors, T-Rex, Stegosaurus with authentic sound effects.
Rides and other super fun activities are aplenty here, such as footgolf, boats, trampolines, high nets, racing cars and slides.
But, of course, there’s Oakwood, the biggest theme park in Wales. With adrenaline-fuelled rides and child-friendly attractions, Oakwood is a fabulous spot for everyone.
You’ll be sure to find a day full of amusement with rides such as the Treetops rollercoaster, bobsleigh sleds, a spooky haunted house and a pirate ship.
There’s also an arcade full of the latest games and entertainment, plus mini-golf and a ten-metre shooting range with seven points of fire.
Prefer to spend the day with animals?
At Folly Farm Adventure Farm and Zoo, you'll find four attractions in one place. A zoo, farm barn, indoor and outdoor playgrounds plus a fairground to keep you entertained all day long.
There is so much to discover at Folly Farm, we recommend you arrive early and spend a full day there, so you don't miss any of the fun!
Folly Farm is home to more than 750 animals to make friends with.
Visit Penguin Coast to see some of the delightful flightless birds swimming or head to Rhino Reserve to watch these majestic creatures in action. Nearby, you can get up close with lions, giraffes and monkeys.
Wander over to Asian Adventure and observe red pandas and wild dogs in a special zone themed around the Orient.
And if that wasn't enough wildlife fun, you can escape to the jungle at Tropical Trails where you enter a humid indoor hut to discover snakes and crocodiles.
Are you familiar with Finding Nemo? Find him among the tropical fish tanks.
The Jolly Barn and Farm introduces you to Folly Farm's resident goats, rabbits, sheep, chicken, pigs and donkeys. Kids will also love to see the adorable guinea pigs squeaking around their pen.
Once you have met all the animals a selection of traditional fairground rides and different themed adventure playgrounds await you.
Be sure to zoom around the Follystone car racing track where you can pose like Lewis Hamilton on the winner's podium, or an exhilarating ride onboard the Folly Farm big wheel with impressive views from the top.
With both indoor and outdoor activities, you'll be ok even if the weather in Wales does turn rainy. It won't stop the enjoyment of all the activities and adventure that make Folly Farm an ideal place for a day out!
Sail the shore
There’s nothing like looking back at Tenby’s marvellous beauty from the water.
You can walk onto nearby Castle Beach where you can board a variety of boat trips depending on the time of year.
Have you always wanted to learn to fish? Try one of the many Mackerel fishing trips that at peak season depart up to five times daily.
Tenby Fishing offers rides on their boat 'Summertime'. Ideal for beginners learn how to catch Mackerel with on board guidance and all fishing equipment included.
You even get to keep any fish you catch perfect for a beach BBQ or cooking in your holiday cottage.
Maybe a more relaxing trip is what you are looking for? Sail on the Island Ranger from Tenby Boat Trips.
The Caldey and St Margaret's Island Cruise trip is just over an hour taking you to some of Pembrokeshire's most interesting offshore islands.
See the bird reserve at St Margaret's Island and pass the dramatic Cathedral Caverns rocks.
Get the binoculars ready as there's a good chance you'll see grey seals on this trip. One special Tenby experience is to see them basking on the rocks and swimming around in the sea. Just listen to the boat tour guide, who gives you interesting commentary throughout your journey and tells you of the best places to spot them. You may even be lucky enough to spot puffins at the bird reserve!
The Island Ranger is a large and comfortable boat with adequate facilities for a longer boat trip including bathroom and a bar that sells refreshments.
Each boat trip from Castle Beach offers a different experience and duration time, so you can tailor it to suit your day and other activities you’ve got planned.
Shop for treats and treasures!
You’ll immediately find that Tenby has many independent local shops stocked with gorgeous souvenirs and knick-knacks to remember your trip to the seaside.
It’s also an amazing opportunity to support local businesses as you make your way around all the shops that decorate Tenby’s cobbled streets.
Looking for a present? Bo Ho Beach House gift shop has a beautiful range of jewellery, homeware, and handbags.
Do you have a sweet tooth? At Lollies Traditional Sweet Shop, you’ll love the choice of treats including traditional sweets such as pear drops and kola cubs, Harry Potter-themed gifts, fudge, and cookies.
If it's kids' toys you're searching for, head over to Ebb & Flow Kids an independent toy shop offering sustainably sourced traditional and unique toys and games.
You’ll find beautiful, brightly coloured clothes and accessories to add to a child’s wardrobe, and be sure to pick up one of their storybooks often with a coastal theme.
Fancy a tipple? The Pembrokeshire Gin Company has gift sets and a variety of merchandise available at their colourfully branded Tenby store.
Finally, we recommend you check out Tenby Bookshop which includes children’s gifts, stationery, and home décor items.
Tenby really is a seaside town with something for everyone making it a perfect weekend getaway.
We think you will fall in love with Tenby and as you breathe in the last of the refreshing Pembrokeshire sea air, and take in your final view of the picture-perfect harbour. You'll be planning another trip before you get home.