Serious Travel Article (STA) 6: Tenby

Here's a funny old article I wrote when I was studying in Swansea, Wales. Many many years ago.

 Here in South West Wales, we're spoiled with some of the most stunning landscapes in the UK. A large number of students are only going to be living here for three years, and need to make the most of it! No Swansea University experience is complete without a trip to Tenby. Probably most famous for being home to Robert Recorde, the man who invented the equals sign, Tenby has a lot more to offer than one quirky fact. It is undoubtedly one of Britain's most exquisite sea side towns, wedged between two of the best beaches in Wales and bulging with picturesque, pastel coloured, grand Georgian and Victorian houses. But more importantly than any of this, its easy to get to being only 33 miles away from Swansea, or a 1½ hour train ride, making it a perfect place for a day out.

Hot, tropical Tenby

Tenby is a walled town dating back to the Norman Conquest, its walls which have survived intact until the present day were built to repel the Welsh in 1264, thankfully these days, the Welsh are very welcome in Tenby. Despite Tenby's long and rich history, it relatively isolated location meant it didn't become popular as a tourist resort until the Victorian era, with rich industrialists from Swansea taking advantage of the majestic cliffs, shimmering blue seas and golden, sandy beaches that Tenby has to offer.

Ariel view of Tenby

There are 4 beaches in Tenby, North Beach, overlooked by the promenade and by the town of Tenby itself, North Beach offers spectacular views over Carmarthen Bay and the Gower in the Distance. North Beach has also been awarded a Blue Flag for its crystal clear waters and impeccable sands. Be warned however, North Beach can get very busy during the summer, not surprising considering all the cafés, shops and hire shops offered on the beach or in the nearby town. Just to the south of North Beach is Harbour Beach, a small and sheltered beach surrounded by cobbled streets and colourful buildings. From the Harbour you can catch a ferry to Caldey Island.

Pastel coloured houses around the harbour in Tenby

Owned and run by the Reformed Order of Cistercian monks, the Island is dominated by and imposing monastery and is famous for selling its own, home-made chocolate and ice cream. A short hop from Harbour Beach is Castle Beach, another access point for Caldey Island, Castle Beach is patrolled by a lifeguard during the summer if you're feeling brave enough for a dip. At low tide you can walk over to St Catherine's Island, but be careful you don't get stranded! Stretching the 2km between St Catherine's Island and Giltar Point are the expansive and vast golden sands of South Beach. Backed by sand dunes, this beach is much less commercialised that Tenby's other beaches and is a lot less crowded.

A Monk having a nice sit down after a hard day down pit on Caldey Island

Away from the beaches, Tenby boasts an array of Pubs, Restaurants and shops, all hiding away, waiting to be discovered along the narrow, cobbled streets of the Town Centre. Well worth a visit is Upper Frog Street, with its indoor market and many craft stores and gift shops. Tenby has a lot to offer and you might not be able to pack everything you want to do into one day trip, but you can always go back.