With its superlative seafood restaurants, beautiful beaches and windswept walking trails, the harbour town of Tenby has fast become a favourite UK staycation destination.
28 February, 2022
Tenby, Pembrokeshire, Wales.
Bordered by Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and the Irish Sea, Pembrokeshire is situated on Wales' south-west coast. Home to a thriving mining and fishing community, this charming county has more recently welcomed a slew of spirited chefs, bakers and creatives, while its lesser-trodden towns have become a go-to rural retreat for those in the know.
We're making the tiny harbour town of Tenby our base. Framed by a medieval stone wall, its pastel-coloured houses practically topple over each other in a bid to reach the sparkling sea. This is a place that's best explored on foot: we'd suggest taking a ramble along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path to best discover the area's wild landscape. The majority of the 300km-long walking trail is at clifftop level - in some places, standing 175m tall. Suffer from vertigo? Venture a little further to nearby Broad Haven, where a flatter section of the route is available.
Let's be real, you haven't truly been on a seaside break until you've scoffed your way through the entire town. Sweet tooth? Swing by Roly's Fudge Pantry. With 100 awards under its belt, you'll want to come armed with a tote bag or two - the salted maple and pecan fudge is our pick. After indulging, art-lovers should carve out time to visit the evocative watercolours in the Naomi Tydeman Gallery.
For boutique bedrooms and far-reaching countryside views, Trefloyne Manor is the place to stay. Housed in a Victorian farmhouse, this place is the epitome of a relaxing rural retreat. There are 14 rooms to choose from, each offering its own distinct character. We love The Mill Room, where features of the original barn abound, alongside contemporary furnishings - think exposed wooden beams and an extra-large claw-foot bathtub.
The Cove gets our vote for its ridiculously delicious dirty prawn stars: fries topped with prawns, drizzled in a thermidor sauce, anyone? If you squirm at the thought of seafood, rest assured, the chefs cater for all palates, whipping up everything from stuffed peppers to nacho platters and falafel burgers. The venue also runs cocktail masterclasses: reserve a space and get ready to become a master of mixology.
Aside from a raincoat and umbrella? These Loewe navy wool gloves will keep your mitts feeling toasty when you're out exploring Pembrokeshire's windswept coastline.
From London, it's a four-hour drive via the M4. Alternatively, catch the train from London's Paddington station to Newport, then jump on a train to Carmarthen, from where there's a 40-minute direct rail connection to Tenby.
Fluffy sheepskin throws? Check. Fairy-lights-covered foliage? Check. Bougie drinks menu? We're sold. Twelve is the sort of place you visit with a pre-dinner drink in mind and end up staying the entire night - and we're absolutely not complaining. Every corner of this hangout is picture-perfect, so expect to brush shoulders with plenty of selfie-snappers. Insider tip: if the vodka lemon sorbet is on the evening desert menu, order it.
That friend who constantly asks you to join them on a stomp around the nearby park. They'll appreciate the blustery beach walks.
Despite its diminutive size, Tenby is blessed with a plethora of cultural events. Coincide your visit with the famous Tenby Beer Festival (this year's takes place on 11-12 March), where independent distilleries serve an impressive selection of their best beers and ciders. Sure, we're usually more likely to order a pink G&T than a lager, but a chance to taste-test some world-class Welsh brews? You'll find us at the front of the queue.
