Britain's 'best' seaside town has jaw-dropping beaches just like the French Riviera

With its four stunning beaches just a pebble's throw from the lively town centre, quaint cobbled lanes that could rival those in Italy or the French Riviera, it's no wonder the coastal jewel of Tenby has soared in rankings as one of the UK's "best" seaside towns. This idyllic harbour town in Wales has long been a favourite for those seeking a quintessentially British seaside holiday, with local hotspots often bustling with visitors during peak times.

Regularly featuring on the UK's list of most beautiful seaside towns and as a highly desirable place to live, particularly by The Sunday Times, which has included it in its 'Best Places to Live' guide, this Pembrokeshire spot is hard to beat. Tenby has reinvented itself to cater to the modern tastes of a classic British seaside getaway, boasting a perfect mix of breathtaking vistas, golden beaches, a plethora of activities, and contemporary dining options, shaking off its former image as a haven for rowdy stag and hen dos.

Stepping beyond its historic 13th-century walls, Tenby offers sun-drenched beaches, dramatic cliffside panoramas over the sea to the mesmerising Caldey Island, a vibrant food and pub scene, its very own brewery, and enchanting cobbled streets where tourists can enjoy a pint or sample local treats.

The town's colourful homes, which overlook the breathtaking harbour, are instantly recognisable. With a history that dates back to the Norman Conquest, Tenby has been a beloved seaside resort since the Victorian era.

Today, it's as renowned for its narrow cobbled streets as it is for its quintessential British seaside charm.

Beach lovers will adore the three miles of sandy expanses surrounding the town. Castle Beach was crowned the UK's best beach in 2019 and currently holds a 4.8 out of 5 rating on Google.

Uniquely, unlike almost anywhere else in the UK, it's just a few steps from the town centre.

Wondering why Tenby ranked so high? Here's what else this delightful Welsh seaside town offers.

The town boasts numerous gastropubs and boutique eateries. Given its coastal location, it's also a fantastic spot for fresh seafood.

With an overall score of 4.5 on TripAdvisor, The Billycan is an independent bar, restaurant and hotel situated in the heart of Tenby. Offering a delicious range of pub classics and innovative bistro-style dishes, this popular spot also serves up a fantastic Sunday roast.

It's perfect whether you're visiting as a couple or as a family with kids of any age.

Another must-visit for food lovers is the Tap and Tan. This independent craft beer taproom and live fire cookery, which boasts high ratings on TripAdvisor, is famed for its meaty feasts and carefully curated menu made from locally sourced ingredients.

The beer menu appears to be as thoughtfully put together as the food menu.

Other top spots to eat in Tenby include Indie Burger, known for its gourmet burgers, Bramleys Tea Rooms for a hearty full English breakfast, or The Baytree Restaurant with its fresh seafood menu.

A seaside holiday wouldn't be complete without a pint in the sun. Tenby offers plenty of places to enjoy everything from a quiet drink to a lively night out with karaoke.

Harbwr Tenby is a gem in this popular seaside town, boasting a 4.5 overall score on TripAdvisor. Visitors love the friendly atmosphere.

Patrons can freely walk into the on-site brewery and see the beers being made, or enjoy some first-class pub grub in the attached pub. Other popular pubs include the Hope and Anchor and the Coach and Horses.

There are numerous hotels and B&Bs scattered throughout the town, with rooms to suit visitors on every budget.

According to TripAdvisor, the Broadmead Boutique B&B is the top-rated accommodation in town, boasting a perfect score of 5 out of 5. Visitors rave about the charming period building and its location in a leafy suburb, just a brisk 20-minute walk from the historic walled town of Tenby.

If you're in the mood for a touch of luxury, the Heywood Spa Hotel is just the ticket for guests wanting to indulge during their stay. Alternatively, the Penally Abbey Hotel and Restaurant offers breathtaking views and complimentary tea and cake.

For larger groups, why not book a stay in one of the famous clifftop homes?

Tenby is home to not one, not two, but an impressive four public beaches. With two Blue Flag awards to its name, Tenby isn't just a looker - it also boasts some of the UK's most pristine beaches.

Take your pick from North Beach, South Beach, or the more intimate Castle Beach and Harbour Beach, both tucked between the harbour and the cliffs. Whichever you opt for, you're bound to be charmed.

As per the Visit Pembrokeshire website, North Beach is "a superb, sheltered, sandy beach with the pinnacle of Goskar rock sticking out of the sand in the middle". It's one of Wales' most photographed spots, thanks to its scenic harbour views at the western end.

But take note, it can get crowded when the sun shines. From May to September, there are dog restrictions on the beaches.

Harbour Beach may be the smallest of Tenby's trio, but it certainly doesn't skimp on charm. Tucked into the harbour and framed by the town's iconic coloured cottages and castle, it's a favourite with families who appreciate being able to keep a close eye on their little ones.

From Harbour Beach, you're spoilt for choice with a variety of boat outings. Whether it's a day trip to Caldey Island, a Tenby sea safari, or getting wet on kayaks and paddleboards, there's something for everyone.

For a quintessential British seaside experience, South Beach is the place to be. With its mile-and-a-half stretch of golden sands and dunes, there's plenty of space even at high tide.

The shallow waters make it an ideal spot for a splash about, creating a paradise for paddlers.

Castle Beach offers an intriguing sight, just a short stroll down a man-made ramp to golden sands. The imposing St Catherine's Island and its fort emerge from the water at high tide.

Those who have ventured on the boat trip to Caldey Island, home to a medieval church, a well-kept monastery and a unique chocolate factory, disembark at Castle beach.

There are also cafes dotted along the sand offering refreshments and ice cream. Tenby is easily reachable via public transport, with Tenby Station being serviced by the Pembroke Dock branch railway.

How Tenby achieved the 'best' rating and what others say about it.

The picturesque seaside gem of Tenby has been crowned the ultimate coastal hotspot for holiday fun, scoring a stellar 7.71 out of 10 in a recent study by OLBG. The Welsh town clinched the top spot based on a variety of factors including the number of pubs, eateries, museums, green spaces, zoos and aquariums, water and amusement parks, arcades, beach quality, accommodation costs, Google search popularity, climate, precipitation levels, and local transport links.

Enthusiastic visitors have been singing Tenby's praises, with one family who vacationed there in April 2023 calling it a "beautiful town". They shared their experience, saying: " It is a place of beauty, a working environment with walkways, restaurants, cobbled streets and archways, smells and sounds. I loved it. It is so interesting to wander around from the lifeboat to the shore to see its working heritage. To the more modern aspects of tourism and restaurants, people queuing for boat tours and sea food kiosks. The cobbled streets with arches of shops and curios. Well worth a visit."