Tenby (Welsh: ''Dinbych-y-Pysgod'', "little town of fishes") [http://www.tenbyvisitorguide.co.uk/wheretogo.php] is a beautiful walled town in South Wales that spills out pastel colored buildings along cliffs and around sandy bays. Tenby is one of Wales' premier tourist spots, and is located on the south Pembrokeshire coast, about 80 kilometres (50 miles) west of Swansea.
Understand
The town of Tenby dates back to the Norman conquest, and the town walls were constructed in 1093 in order to defend it from the Welsh. Due to its somewhat remote location, however, the town and its quaint cobble streets and sandy beaches remained off the tourist trail until the Victorian era. Then, with the influx of wealthy merchant families from Swansea, Cardiff and further afield, Tenby was suddenly in a vogue, and the town's appeal as a picturesque spa has remained ever since. Although, Tenby is one of Wales' most popular holiday destinations, it has resisted over commercialization and remains a very elegant and pleasant family holiday venue..
Cars are banned from the historic centre of the town during the summer months, which adds greatly to the appeal of the town as a place to relax and unwind.
Get in
By train
Tenby is connected by local rail line to Swansea, Cardiff and Pembroke Dock. During the weekends in the summer there are a limited number of services to and from London Paddington.
By bus
Regular service from Swansea. Infrequent National Express service from London and Birmingham
By road
M4 to end (near Swansea), A48 to Carmarthen, A40 to St Clairs, A477 to Kilgetty, A478 to Tenby.
Get around
The small town can be covered on foot.
See
'''Narrow cobbled streets''' packed with quaint shops and cafes.
'''Caldey Island''', [http://www.caldey-island.co.uk/]. A Cistercian Monastery located on an island just off Tenby's coast. At low tide, ferries leave from Tenby Castle Beach and at high tide from Tenby Harhour. Fare: __10 (__5 for children)
'''Tudor Merchant's House''', Quay Hill, Tel:''+44 1834'' 842-279. [http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-tudormerchantshouse/] A 15th century town house open to the public. Open April 1 to September 30, M-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su 12noon - 3PM.
'''Tenby Museum and Art Gallery''', [http://www.tenbymuseum.org.uk/] Tel:''+44 1834'' 842-809.
Do
'''Hiking'''. There are some great hiking trails in and around Tenby.
'''Swimming'''. Tenby has some beautiful [http://www.tenbyvisitorguide.co.uk/beaches.php beaches], which are ideal for swimming and spending a traditional family day at the sea-side.
Take a leisurely '''rickshaw''' or '''horse and cart''' tour around the town centre.
[http://www.tenbyartsfest.co.uk/ The Tenby Arts Festival] runs from the 17th to 24th September.
'''Tenby Cycles''', The Norton, Tel:''+44 1834'' 845-573. E-mail: info@tenbycycles.co.uk, [http://www.tenbycycles.co.uk]. Bikes for hire.
'''Activity Weekends''', Tel:''44 7977'' 543-396. E-mail: bookings@tenbyweekends.co.uk, [http://www.tenbyweekends.co.uk TenbyWeekends]. Activity Weekends offers a wide range of activities, from paintballing to surfing.
Buy
Tenby has many interesting shops tucked away in the alleys. Explore!
The '''Caldy Island gift shop''' at the top of Quay Hill has some unusual hand made gifts. Try the chocolate. It's delicious!
Eat
As a major tourist centre, Tenby is certainly not lacking in cafes and restaurants. Below are a few recommendations:
'''Plantagenet House''', Quay Hill - located in an historic stone building, the cafe-cum-restaurant oozes with charm - good and reasonably priced meals - wood burning stove in winter.
'''25 Cafe''', 25 High Street - simple, but freshly made meals.
'''Fecci & Sons Ice Cream Parlour''', Upper Frog Street. Award winning ice cream.
Drink
Pubs
There are a large number of pubs to be found in Tenby, many offering food during the day in a family friendly environment.
Coffee
'''25 Cafe''', 25 High Street.
Sleep
'''Youth Hostel''': The nearest hostel to Tenby is located at Manorbier: Tel:''+44 1834'' 871-10, e-mail: manorbier@yha.org.uk.
'''B&Bs''': Tenby has a great variety of accommodation, and '''B&Bs''' are plentiful. However, advance reservations are recommended during the summer months.
Self-catering
'''East Jordeston Cottages''', St. Florence, nr Tenby. Tel:''+44 1834'' 871-627, [http://www.ejcottages.com].
'''Hungerford Farm Touring Caravan Park''', Loveston, nr Kilgetty, nr Tenby. Tel:''+44 1834'' 891-463, [http://www.oraprime.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/index.htm].
'''Kiln Park Caravan Park''', Marsh Road. Tel:''+44 1834'' 844-121, [http://www.havenholidays.com/Parks/wales/kilnpark/].
'''Lydstep Beach Caravan Park''', Lydstep Haven. Tel:''+44 870'' 405-0148, [http://www.havenholidays.com/Parks/wales/lydstep/].
'''Whitewell Holiday Park''', Lydstep Beach. Tel:''+44 1834'' 871-569, [http://www.tenbyvisitorguide.co.uk/whitewell.php].
Budget
'''Gumfreston Hotel''', Culver Park. Tel:''+44'' 1834 842-871,[http://www.gumfrestonhoteltenby.co.uk/].
'''Osnok''', 1 Southcliffe Street. Tel:''+44 1834'' 843-189.
'''St Teresa_fs Old Convent''', South Parade. Tel:''+44 1834'' 844-495.
'''Sea Breezes Guest House''', 18 the Norton. Tel:''+44 1834'' 842-753, [http://www.seabreezes.net/].
Mid range
'''Atlantic Hotel''' The Esplanade. Tel:''+44 1834'' 842-881, [http://www.atlantic-hotel.uk.com/].
'''Castle View Hotel''' The Norton. Tel:''+44 1834'' 842-666, [http://www.tenbyvisitorguide.co.uk/castleviewhotel.php].
'''Clarence House Hotel''', Esplanade, Tel:''+44 1834'' 844-371, [http://www.clarencehotel-tenby.co.uk/].
'''Fourcroft Hotel''', North Beach. Tel:''+44 1834'' 842-886, [http://www.tenbyvisitorguide.co.uk/fourcrofthotel.php].
'''Giltar Hotel''', The Esplanade. Tel:''+44 1834'' 842-507, [http://www.giltar-hotel.co.uk/].
'''Park Hotel''', North Cliff. Tel:''+44 1834'' 842-480, [http://www.parkhoteltenby.com/].
'''Tenby House Hotel''', Tudor Square. Tel:''+44 1834'' 842-000, [http://www.tenbyvisitorguide.co.uk/tenbyhousehotel.php].
Splurge
Contact
The area '''dialing code''' for Tenby is 01834. From overseas, dial +44 1834 XXXXXX
Get out
St Davids - The UK's smallest city - imposing cathedral.
Swansea - Wales' maritime city is around 80km from Tenby - wide range of cultural and leisure amenities.