By Alaric 
Are you looking for all the best things to do in Tenby? Then, you’re in the right place.
The colourful seaside town of Tenby is easily one of the most beautiful places in all of Wales.
As a medieval settlement, there’s so much history and natural beauty to enjoy.
From the rainbow streets of colourful houses, the vibrant harbour, the castle headland, St. Catherine’s Island, bookshops, beaches, and breweries.
There really is something that appeals to everyone.
I’ve been to Tenby a handful of times now and every time I fall in love with it a little more. It’s a beautiful town that has a special place in my heart.
Here are all the magical things to do in Tenby with some hidden gems.
1. Admire the colourful houses
Tenby is famous for its rainbow rows of colourful houses on the seafront. They can be found all over town and on the High Street.
But, if you want the prettiest views, I recommend visiting Crackwell Street heading towards the harbour.
These vibrant houses make incredible photo opportunities, especially with the sea in the backdrop.
There is an old legend that these houses are painted in all the colours of the rainbow to help sailors find their way home!
Whether this is true or not, you can’t deny that they are breathtaking.
2. North & South Beach
If you’re looking for the best beaches in Tenby then you must visit North Beach and South Beach.
You’ll find the famous postcard-worthy view of North Beach from the High Street.
You can see a wealth of golden sand, the jagged Goskar Rock and rows of colourful houses over the harbour.
The beach is very popular in summer. You can then stroll through the town towards South Beach.
South Beach is more of a wild landscape home to long stretches of sand and dunes.
Although more rugged than the former, it’s no less beautiful. You can get a great view from the Paragon Gardens.
3. Sergeant’s Lane
If you’re looking for the best photography locations in Tenby then you must visit Sergeant’s Lane.
It’s a gorgeous flagstone alleyway painted in bright colours and has all sorts of flags, bunting and fairy lights.
It’s a delight to explore and will make you feel like you’re in the Mediterranean not Wales.
You can explore gorgeous boutiques like Welsh Otter Textiles & Home. Or, visit the Tenby Harbwr Brewery with a bar, shop and restaurant!
4. Harbwr Brewery
If you’re looking for a great place to eat in Tenby then I would recommend Harbwr Restaurant which is part of the Harbwr Brewery Group.
They have a lovely beer garden and I enjoyed my scampi and chips in their vine-clad secret garden terrace.
The restaurant can be accessed off the colourful Sergeant’s Lane. During the day, they also have a storehouse bar where you can enjoy a drink.
Their beers, ales and IPAs are all brewed in the local area. So, make sure to ask them for recommendations.
5. Tenby Castle Headland
Tenby Castle Headland is easily one of the best things to do in Tenby, especially if you love history and panoramic views.
The castle was originally built in the 12th century by the Normans. Then, it was sacked by the Prince of Wales to reclaim their country from invaders.
It then became owned by the Earls of Pembroke and has been refortified many times during the Spanish Armada and Civil War.
It eventually fell into decline and all that remains is a ruined tower on Castle Hill.
Although a bit of a climb, this summit provides sweeping views over the town, Castle Beach and St Catherine’s Island. So, it’s well worth the effort.
You can also find a memorial to Prince Albert erected in 1864 and the Tenby Museum and Art Gallery.
6. St Catherine’s Island
One of the best things to do in Tenby is to walk over to St Catherine’s Island.
It’s only accessible at low tide when, as if by magic, a golden path of sand appears allowing you to walk over and explore.
The island is quite small at 200 metres long but there are a few attractions you can enjoy.
The main highlight is a Napoleonic fortress that’s now open to the public as a museum.
Afterwards, you can explore the stunning coves and meet the wildlife that calls this place home!
7. Môr Tenby
If you’re looking for a great coffee or ice cream in Tenby then look no further than Môr.
Not only are the premises stunning and decorated in pink tiles but their offerings are delicious.
It’s my go-to coffee shop whenever I visit as they serve their own ‘Coffi Da’.
You can’t visit a beach without ice cream so I always treat myself to one of their delicious cones.
Môr is also a local business in Pembrokeshire. If you head towards the back, you can find candles, bath salts, homeware and Welsh produce.
8. Tenby Castle Beach
Just below Castle Headland, you can find Castle Beach which is the textbook definition of a perfect beach.
It’s a small and narrow bay tucked between the cliffs with views all around you.
Despite its size, this Blue Flag beach is the most popular in Tenby due to its access, golden sand and facilities. It’s also won multiple tourism awards.
You can see St Catherine’s Island at low tide and get a great view of Caldey Island. This is also where a jetty is set up to take you out on boat trips!
You can access it via the harbour or the steep steps from the Paragon. Just make sure to look out for tide times in case you get cut off!
9. Tenby Harbour
As you wander back from Castle Hill, make sure to take a stroll around Tenby Harbour.
This area has a lovely old-world feel with all the historic buildings and jetties.
You can find fishing boats bobbing in the bay and fisherman who arrive with their catch of the day.
If you want a panoramic place to refuel, The Stowaway Coffee Co. is a great spot with lots of seating right by the waterfront.
10. Quay Hill
A hidden gem in Tenby has to be the delightful alleyway of Quay Hill.
It’s filled with a plethora of historic and colourful buildings and leads you out to the harbour and glittering sea.
I particularly loved the ‘Books’ sign that was located above the throughway.
Not only did it make a great photo opportunity, it made me so excited to see what lay within.
11. Tudor Merchant’s House
The Tudor Merchant’s House is a delightful National Trust property that dates back to the 15th century.
As the name suggests, it was home to a wealthy Tudor merchant and his family when the town used to be a thriving trading port.
Today, this three-storey house is an informative museum where you can see how the family used to live centuries ago.
Meander through the working kitchen filled with imported spices. Or, visit the family bedrooms with wall hangings and replica furniture.
There’s even a chance to dress up and buy some gifts in their shop. It’s one of the best things to do in Tenby.
12. Plantagenet House Restaurant
The gorgeous yellow and green building tucked away on Quay Hill is Plantagenet House Restaurant.
It’s set in a medieval building with a Flemish chimney and it’s one of Tenby’s oldest buildings.
Not only does the structure have character but so does their menu. It serves up British cuisine including scrumptious seafood dishes.
I always love visiting seafood restaurants by the sea as you know it will be fresh and sometimes caught that very day.
They also have a well-stocked bar you can visit if you fancy a tipple.
13. Coifon & Tenby Bookshop
There’s nothing I love more than a rummage around a good bookshop and Tenby has a few literary gems.
The first is Coifon which can be intimidating at first with the ‘Proceed with Caution’ sign outside the door.
You’ll soon see why as it’s stacks upon stacks of second-hand books piled high and in every nook and cranny.
Despite the initial impression and lack of space, you’ll soon learn that it’s very much organised chaos.
The owner will know exactly where each book is and what you’re looking for!
There’s a wealth of genres here including fiction, non-fiction, Sci-Fi, romance and children’s books.
If this isn’t for you, there are also some lovely bookstores dotted around the town.
Tenby Bookshop comes to mind as it’s a stunning store that has a wealth of volumes and bookish gifts on sale!
14. Five Arches Gate
Five Arches Gate is what you’ll most likely walk through when you enter the town.
Centuries ago, Tenby was a walled city. These fortifications were originally built by the Earls of Pembroke in the 13th century.
By the 16th century, there was no use for them and so they slowly started to decline. You can still follow a trail today to see the remains.
The Five Arches is the only surviving entry gate to the town and used to be part of a Barbican Tower. There was even a Portcullis at one stage!
It was also used to store gunpowder during the Napoleonic Wars.
Now it’s a romantic ruin and all are welcome to walk under it and into the town without question.
15. RNLI Tenby Lifeboat Station
RNLI stands for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and is a charity that saves lives at sea.
They have a Tenby Lifeboat Station that you can visit via a modern slipway on Castle Hill.
It’s a great place to visit as you can wander around their public gallery with lifeboats on show.
You can also learn about all the important work they do here. Sometimes, you can even see the lifeboat launch into the sea which is impressive.
It’s free to visit but the RNLI relies on donations and your generosity is greatly appreciated.
16. Take a Ghost tour
Did you know that Tenby is home to some resident ghosts?
You can take a guided tour to learn about the spirits, legends, fairies and mysteries of the town delivered with a light-hearted commentary.
I saw a group going around on my visit and it did look like a lot of fun! The meeting point is outside the Lifeboat Tavern.
The Tenby Ghost Walks only runs seasonally and on select days of the week. So, make sure to check their calendar for available dates.
17. Caldey Island
Taking a boat trip is one of the best things to do in Tenby and a popular choice is Caldey Island.
This rugged and religious holm has over 1,500 years of recorded history. It’s one of Britain’s holiest sites.
In the 6th century, a Celtic monastery was founded on the island and later this became Caldey Abbey, a Cistercian complex.
The monks who live here still practice today and welcome visitors in the summer.
You can explore the island to find religious sites, a lighthouse, a chocolaterie, a perfume shop and a beach.
Boat trips take place regularly from around April to around September but they are always closed on Sundays.
Things to do near Tenby
Another amazing reason to visit Tenby is it’s a gateway to all the spectacular scenery on the Pembrokeshire Coast.
There is so much natural beauty here that you’ll be spoiled for choice. Here are all of my favourite places and recommendations;
Barafundle Bay
Barafundle Bay in Wales has frequently been voted as one of the best beaches in the entire world!
It’s a secret cove that is tucked away on the Pembrokeshire coastline and has a golden stretch of sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters.
On a sunny day, it can almost feel like you’re not in Wales at all but on a sandy beach abroad in the Riviera.
However, there is a catch. It’s not the easiest place to visit as it’s tucked away in a remote part of the coastline and you can’t drive there.
You can park at Stackpole Quay National Trust car park and then walk over for around 15-20 minutes.
Green Bridge of Wales
Another major attraction of Pembrokeshire is the Green Bridge of Wales.
It’s a dramatic archway formed in limestone cliffs similar to Durdle Door in England.
It’s an incredible photography location so have your camera at the ready for this one.
When I arrived here, it was partly sunny and partly chucking it down. Aside from getting drenched, I got to witness a beautiful rainbow!
A little further along the cliffs, you can find the Elegug Stacks which are a set of stunning limestone rock pillars.
It’s close to St Govan’s Chapel so it makes the perfect place to head to next on your road trip.
There’s free parking and it’s free to visit but the area is located on the Castlemartin Range.
So, you must make sure to check if it’s going to be open before your visit.
St Govan’s Chapel
Quite close to the Green Bridge is the mysterious St Govan’s Chapel.
This hermitage was founded in the 6th century. Later, a small chapel was built here on the cliffside.
There are many legends surrounding this area and St Govan. It is said that the cliffs opened and closed around him to protect him from a pirate attack.
This magical place blew me away on my visit to Pembrokeshire and I would highly recommend you visit.
Agan, it’s free to visit with free parking but this area is located on the Castlemartin Range so it’s best to check access in advance.
Freshwater West Beach
Freshwater West is a stunning beach which is like a sandy oasis.
It’s a little further out from the popular beaches so you’ll find it’s quite peaceful most of the time.
It’s also known as the ‘Harry Potter Beach’ as this is where you can find the Shell Cottage filming location from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1.
Fans have left an adorable memorial for the elf on the dunes. Make sure to read my post on how to find Dobby’s Grave for the exact location.
Is Tenby worth visiting?
Yes, I cannot stress how much I love this coastal town in South Wales.
It’s such a gorgeous place to stroll around, especially with all the colourful houses and stretches of golden sand over the glittering sea.
There’s so much to do here, you could easily visit for a few days and it’s a fun day out for all the family.
Don’t skip Tenby in Pembrokeshire, it’s a little slice of heaven in the UK.
How long in Tenby is enough?
You could easily spend a day in Tenby, a long weekend or even an entire week!
It’s easily one of the most beautiful places in all of Wales with lots to offer you.
Tenby is also an ideal base to stay so you can explore more of the Pembrokeshire Coast.
Read more of my South Wales guides
How to visit the Blue Lagoon in Wales
The best bookshops in Hay on Wye
Visiting Castell Coch near Cardiff
How to visit Caerphilly Castle
Visiting Dunraven Bay – Doctor Who Location
Things to do in Monmouth
Exploring the magical Llanthony Priory
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