The picturesque Welsh town of Tenby, situated within Carmarthen Bay in Pembrokeshire, is well-known for its vibrant houses, beautiful natural surroundings and fascinating history. In Welsh, the town is known as Dinbych-y-pysgod, translating to ‘Little Fortress of the Fish’.

Wales Online journalist and self-proclaimed ‘history buff’ Shaurya Shaurya took a trip to the tourist hotspot. She was thrilled to find “four beaches to its name, stunning views from atop its hills, the pastel-coloured buildings that adorn the city and medieval city and castle walls that still remain”. Setting out on the very apt St David’s Day, Shaurya was keen to absorb the local history, but it was Tenby’s beauty that left him ‘smitten’. 

A view of “houses and buildings, coloured vibrant pastel colours” welcomes visitors from the high street, with Castle Beach beyond. 

St Catherine’s island, which was once owned by Jasper Tudor, uncle of Henry VII, can be reached from Tenby Castle Beach during low tide and offers breathtaking views.

For centuries, the only structure on the island was a small church, which was demolished to make way for a Palmerston Fort in 1867 – which, interestingly, has also been a zoo at two different times. It is open to the public for a cost of £5.

Back on the mainland, Tenby Museum and art gallery houses artefacts found on the beach and also pays homage to the famous writers from Tenby.

Castle Hill is a short walk from the museum and offers you a view of the sea, the beach, and most of Tenby. Remains of the castle and the statue of Prince Albert can be viewed alongside these striking panoramas.

According to Shaurya: “You can hear the gentle sound of water as it reaches the beach, get a beautiful view of the beach and the sea, experience history as you gaze onto St Catherine’s Island – and just take a breath and experience Tenby at its fullest.”

The town has a number of local, niche shops, restaurants and eateries – with Shaurya recommending a visit to Old Town Market, to soak up more of the town’s fascinating past. 

So, for a UK-based trip that fulfills interest and beauty, Tenby might just be one of the nation’s top choices.