Holiday rentals and lettings in Tenby

Table of contents

• At a glance: what should you know about renting a holiday rental in Tenby?
• Holiday rentals in Tenby: find your perfect retreat
• Exploring Tenby: our top recommendations
• Activities: what are the top things to do and see in Tenby?

• Self-catering choice: From colourful Georgian apartments inside the town walls to spacious cottages near the harbour, there's accommodation in Tenby to suit everyone.
• Where to stay: Base yourself near North Beach, South Beach or the harbour for easy access to the old town, the sandy shores and the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.
• Guest favourites: Guests praise Tenby accommodation for sea views, central locations and handy amenities.
• Best time to visit: Summer brings warm beach days and boat trips to Caldey Island, whilst spring and autumn offer quieter streets and excellent coastal walking.
• Things to do: Sail to Caldey Island, join a ghost walk, explore the Tudor Merchant's House and cast off on a mackerel fishing trip from Castle Hill.

Within the medieval walls you'll find colourful Georgian and Victorian apartments in Tenby, many with sea views, alongside charming holiday cottages and roomy holiday homes a short walk from the harbour. Most rentals come well equipped for a comfortable, self-catering holiday, with popular touches including:

• Fast Wi-Fi throughout
• Fully-equipped kitchens
• Gardens and balconies
• Dog-friendly holiday lets for guests travelling with pets

Whatever your party size, there's a Tenby rental to match, from compact seafront flats to grand four-bedroom houses, with plenty more cottages across Wales if you fancy a wider tour.

What are the best areas to stay in Tenby?

The best base depends on your plans, though staying within or just outside the town walls keeps you close to the beaches, shops and harbour. The table below details regions for specific interests:

What do our guests say?

Holidaymakers consistently praise Tenby's rentals for the hosts' warm welcomes, their spotless interiors and unbeatable proximity to the beaches and old town.

Here are our top-rated holiday rentals from the past year:

1. St. Julians View - 1 bedroom apartment - 10.0: A stylish bolthole for two with lovely sea views and a sunny terrace, set moments from the harbour and old town in the heart of Tenby.
2. Maytree Cottage - 4 bedroom holiday home - 10.0: A spacious, pet-friendly home for eight with an enclosed garden and terrace, ideal for large family gatherings.
3. Top Sail Apartment - close to town and seafront - 10.0: A bright, family-friendly apartment with sea views, within easy reach of Tenby's seafront, shops and sandy beaches.

Tenby is a walled harbour town on the south coast of Pembrokeshire in west Wales, sitting within Britain's only coastal national park and fronted by three sandy beaches.

✈️What is the best way to get to Tenby?

Getting to Tenby is straightforward, with options by road, rail and coach. Here are the most common ways to get to the town:

• Car: From the M4, follow the A48 and A477 west through Pembrokeshire before joining the A478 into Tenby; the drive from Cardiff takes around two hours. No traffic is allowed within the medieval town walls in summer, so park outside and walk in.
• Train: Tenby has its own station on the West Wales line, with services from Swansea and Carmarthen and connections from Cardiff and London Paddington. The station is a short, downhill walk from the harbour and old town.
• Coach: National Express coaches serve nearby Carmarthen and Haverfordwest, with local buses on to Tenby. Once there, the coastal bus services run up and down the Pembrokeshire coast.

🥗Where to eat in Tenby?

According to Google Maps data and reviews, Plantagenet House is the best-rated restaurant in Tenby. Below is a table showing the top 5 highly-rated restaurants hand-picked by our travel experts.

⭐Our guests' recommendation: Our guest travellers Carys and Owen recommend Top Joe's in Tenby: a cheerful, family-run spot just off the high street where generous portions and friendly service are ideal after a day on the beach.

☀️When is the best time to visit?

Tenby is a year-round destination, but July and August bring the warmest weather and the full buzz of the seaside season, with boat trips to Caldey Island in full swing. For quieter beaches and excellent walking, aim for late spring or September, when the crowds thin and the Coast Path is at its very best.

Spring

• Best for: Coastal walking and quiet beaches
• Weather: Mild days of around 12–16°C, with the occasional shower
• Atmosphere: Calm and uncrowded as the town wakes for the season

Summer

• Best for: Beach days, swimming and boat trips
• Weather: Warm and bright, often 18–22°C
• Atmosphere: Lively and festive, with busy sands and a full events calendar

Autumn

• Best for: Walking, foodie breaks and peaceful escapes
• Weather: Cooler and breezier, around 11–15°C
• Atmosphere: Relaxed and golden, with empty beaches and cosy evenings

⭐Our hosts' recommendation: Our Tenby local expert, Bryn of Maytree Cottage, recommends spending a morning sailing to Caldey Island to meet the Cistercian monks and walk its quiet shores, then returning for fresh crab down on the harbour.

1. Sail to Caldey Island
2. Step back in time at the Tudor Merchant's House
3. Join Tenby's ghost walk
4. Cast off on a mackerel fishing trip
5. Walk the Pembrokeshire Coast Path

1. Sail to Caldey Island

   Just 20 minutes by boat from the harbour, Caldey Island is one of Britain's holy islands and home to a community of Cistercian monks. Day visitors can wander its peaceful lanes, climb to the lighthouse, visit the monastery and pick up the island's famous chocolate and perfume. Boats run throughout the summer season, weather permitting.

2. Step back in time at the Tudor Merchant's House

   On Quay Hill above the harbour, the Tudor Merchant's House is one of Tenby's oldest buildings. Step inside to discover how a wealthy 15th-century merchant and his family lived, with the kitchen, living quarters and shop recreated in period style.

3. Join Tenby's ghost walk

   As dusk falls, join a light-hearted, family-friendly ghost walk through the old town's narrow, cobbled streets. Local guides spin tales of witches, pirates and smugglers against a backdrop of floodlit medieval walls and harbour views.

4. Cast off on a mackerel fishing trip

   Tenby's Welsh name means 'Little Fortress of the Fish', so it's only fitting to head out on a mackerel fishing trip. Local boat operators set off from beside Castle Hill, taking you into the bay where catching your own supper is part of the fun.

5. Walk the Pembrokeshire Coast Path

   Tenby sits on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, part of the Wales Coast Path and the heart of Britain's only coastal national park. Stroll north towards Monkstone Point for views over Saundersfoot Bay, or head south past the beaches towards Penally and Giltar.