Tenby at a glance
Tenby is a walled harbour town on the south coast of Pembrokeshire, in Wales. The Normans fortified Castle Hill in the 12th century, and the town walls followed about a century later. Today the old town has narrow streets, a working harbour and three sandy beaches within a short walk.
Most visitors come for a day on the sand, a walk along the walls and a boat to Caldey Island. If you want to be out on the water, see our Pembrokeshire boat trips for the wider choice.
Our pick: kayaking along the Tenby coast
It starts in the town at Castle Slip, so it is an easy way to see the cliffs and beaches of Tenby from the water.
Hand-picked tours, booked through Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in British pounds (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Tenby tours and day trips
Boat trips, coastal tours and activities from Tenby and around Pembrokeshire, with live prices and availability.
The walled town and the harbour
Give the old town a couple of hours.
Start at the harbour, where fishing boats sit on the sand at low tide, and walk up to Castle Hill for views over South Beach. From there the town walls lead you into the old streets. The walls help you see how the town was laid out.
The Tudor Merchant's House is a 15th-century merchant's home run by the National Trust. Adults pay £7 and children aged 5 to 17 pay £3.50, under 5s are free. A family ticket for two adults and up to three children costs £17.50. Prices can change, so check them on the day, and check the opening days before you plan around it.
Tenby beaches
Three beaches, each with its own rules for dogs. See also all Pembrokeshire beaches.
| Beach | What it is | Dogs 1 May to 30 September |
|---|---|---|
| North Beach | Large sandy beach beside the harbour | Banned |
| Castle Sands | Sandy beach below Castle Hill | Partly restricted |
| South Beach | Sandy beach south of Castle Hill | Partly restricted |
Parts of the coast can disappear at high tide, so do not rely on a beach shortcut without checking the tide. Tenby South and Tenby Castle hold 2026 Blue Flag awards. A Blue Flag is an award, not a daily swimming clearance, so follow the flags and signs on the day. Follow the Pembrokeshire Coast Path if you want to walk on to Saundersfoot.
For most visitors, North Beach suits a day by the harbour without a dog, and South Beach suits a longer stay on the sand.
Caldey Island from Tenby
Seasonal boats, tickets on the day.
Caldey Island has a Cistercian community and a short boat ride from Tenby Harbour. The 2026 season runs from 4 April to 30 September, Monday to Saturday, with Sundays only from 28 June to 30 August. The island closes for the winter and reopens at Easter 2027.
You buy tickets only on the day of travel, at the blue booth at Castle Square. Cash and card are accepted. Boats can be cancelled in bad weather. Entering the island does not include a guided visit inside the monastery.
| Ticket (2026) | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult, 16 to 64 | £24.95 |
| 65 and over, or carer | £21.95 |
| Child, 4 to 15 | £12.95 |
| Under 4 | Free |
| Family, 2 adults and 2 children | £64.95 |
Getting to Tenby and parking
Train, car and the summer rules in the old town.
By train
Tenby has a railway station. The trip from Cardiff Central takes about 2 hours to 2 hours 50 minutes depending on the service. Check the timetable for your day before you book.
By car
From Cardiff Airport (CWL) allow about 2 hours by road. See the getting to Pembrokeshire page for train, airport and car hire.
Walled Town access
In summer the Walled Town is split into zones with limits on vehicle access from 11:00 to 17:30 daily (6 July to 11 September in 2026). Permits differ by zone, so do not assume the whole town is car-free or that you can drive up to your door.
Multi-storey car park
Since 1 May 2026 floors 1 to 3 are charged around the clock. Summer rates run from 1 March to 31 October and start at £1 for 1 hour, rising to £10 for 24 hours. Winter rates apply from 1 November. The ground floor is charged 09:00 to 19:00.
Need a bed? Our places to stay in Pembrokeshire compares Tenby with the other bases.
Questions about Tenby
Can I visit Caldey Island in winter?
No. The 2026 season runs from 4 April to 30 September and the island reopens at Easter 2027. Crossings can also be cancelled in bad weather.
Where do I buy Caldey tickets?
Only on the day of travel, at the blue booth at Castle Square. They accept cash and cards.
Are dogs allowed on Tenby beaches?
North Beach has a full ban from 1 May to 30 September. South Beach and Castle Sands have partial bans in that period. Assistance dogs follow the local rules, so check the signs.
How long does it take to get from Cardiff to Tenby?
By train, about 2 hours to 2 hours 50 minutes depending on the service. By car from Cardiff Airport, plan around 2 hours.
Can I drive into the old town in summer?
In summer access to the Walled Town is zoned (6 July to 11 September in 2026), daily 11:00 to 17:30, with different permits. Do not expect to drive to any door in those hours.