In Welsh Tenby’s name is Dinbych-y-Pysgod, which translates to ‘little town of fishes’, which is a moniker as pretty as this pastel-painted town, which sits atop a headland and spills down to two beautiful sandy beaches along the spectacular Pembrokeshire coast. Tenby is one of the best loved seaside resorts in Wales, there’s so much to appreciate, from the medieval town walls to the pedestrianised centre and the ice cream shops along the front. The best places to stay in Tenby are traditional and charming, perfect for that authentic stay.

What not to Miss

• Stroll along the coast and admire the pretty pastel houses being sure to stop to admire the bright, white Georgian mansions too.
• For a longer jaunt consider walking a stretch of the Pembrokeshire Coast walk, which is well signposted.
• Explore the medieval centre, which has the full complement of cobbled streets, shops, galleries and boutiques, cafes, pubs and ice cream parlours, all constrained by the town’s Norman walls. 
• Make time to visit St Mary’s Church too, this gracefully arched building was built in the 13th century and has some wonderful carved decorations and a slightly frightening tomb topped with a cadaver.
• Get out onto the water and sail across to Caldey Island to meet the grey seals, seabirds and the local order of monks.
• Visit the Lifeboat Station and see when their last rescue took place - it’s probably more recently than you might imagine.
• Tenby also has a preserved Tudor Merchant’s house now operating as a museum.

Don't forget that this seaside town is very busy during the peak summer months, so if you want to be sure of a room in one of the best places to stay in Tenby in July or August, you'll need to get organised and book well ahead.

The best places to stay in Tenby

For a central spot

• The Billycan is a chic restaurant with five equally smart rooms with luxurious ensuites. Excellent location right in the centre of historic Tenby.

For a B&B

• The Broadmead is a 15 room, boutique B&B on the outskirts of town. Surrounded by pretty gardens and rural views, this is a charming spot from which to explore the region. The rooms have been individually styled, with original features and luxurious bathrooms.

For a country house hotel

• Penally Abbey is a Victorian beauty turned 11 room, family-friendly boutique hotel. The views over the beach and the water are wonderful, and the rooms and suites have been recently refurbished in a classically luxurious style, taking advantage of plenty of original features. The restaurant is well-regarded too.
• Close to the coast, Trefloyne Manor is a lovely, country hotel with 12 elegant rooms and beautiful views from private balconies. Here you’re well located for walking trails along the scenic Pembrokeshire coast. Rooms start from around £110 per night.

For an apartment or villa

• If you’d prefer to stay in an apartment or private villa we recommend you visit our online partner, booking.com.

Travel Information

• Pembrokeshire doesn’t have a big airport, it has a small one, Haverfordwest, which has very limited connections. So, if you’re flying you’re better off coming in to Cardiff Airport. Pembrokeshire doesn’t even have a motorway, and is served in a rather limited capacity by rail, with lines running to Pembroke Dock, Milford Haven and Fishguard. Tenby is connected by local rail to Swansea, Cardiff and Pembroke Dock, and in the summer months there are a few services from London, Paddington. You might consider arriving by ferry to, into Fishguard or Pembroke.
• If you’re thinking about hiring a car we recommend checking what our online partners, Rentalcars have to offer.
• Most visitors come to Pembrokeshire for the summer, which is sunnier and warm-ish, with temperatures in July and August hitting 19 or 20°C most days.

Still not sure?

• Expand your search to include all the best places to stay in Pembrokeshire?
• Or consider one of the best places to stay in Saundersfoot just across the bay?
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.