Tenby has come up trumps in the Telegraph’s list of ‘best seaside towns’ published this month - with the Pembrokeshire coastal resort listed the best in Wales, making it to number eight on the list of UK destinations.
Beating the likes of Southend-On-Sea, Blackpool and Weston-Super-Mare across the UK too, The Telegraph's destination expert, Chris Moss wrote: "Southwest Wales is sometimes characterised as a ‘Little England’, reflecting the fact that the Normans once held the coast and the Landsker line – demarcating which language was spoken where – sliced through central Pembrokeshire,”
“Once you pass the Gower, Tenby is the first – and arguably only – substantial seaside resort on this lovely coast, and it has long benefitted from beautiful beaches protected by cliffs from the winds.
“A recent hoo-hah over the Harbwr Brewery’s renting of a former stables as a seating area, without planning permission, epitomises Tenby’s problem. How can a major, commercially vital resort town keep its medieval layout and cosy vibe?
“The answer is inside the question, as the layout of narrow lanes and alleys – the walled town is basically car-free in summer – means that there’s room for all the independent shops, pubs and small chains, but not for grim developments.
“Being on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path protects the natural setting, and nearby Saundersfoot is a bit more bespoke and exclusive for those who need it. Tenby’s gradual evolution into a popular, mid-market beach town feels about as natural and normal as you get,” he added.
The top three beaches on the list, ranking almost 100 were Whistable on the north coast of Kent, Southwold on the coast of East Suffolk, and St Ives.