If you’re looking for the best beaches in the UK, an array of cuisines that represent the perfect mix between the local and global, and countless leisure, culture and entertainment opportunities, then look no further than Tenby.

Combining all the best parts of the old and new, Tenby is one of the best staycation spots you could hope to frequent in the UK, and here are just five reasons why.

The gorgeous beaches.

If you’re looking for a beach getaway then you’ll be spoiled by Tenby, the town with a ton of gorgeous beaches nearby, including The Sunday Times 2019 ‘Beach of the Year’ winner Tenby Beach proving incontrovertibly that Tenby is the ultimate staycation spot.

Or, just a twelve minute drive from Tenby town, enclosed by moss-covered cliffs, is Skrinkle Haven Beach, an oceanic secret garden and the neighbour of Church Door Cove, so-called because of the unusually shaped rock formation that has to be seen to be believed.

A Unique Shopping Experience.

A huge part of Tenby’s local economy is dependent on it’s wonderfully diverse set of independent retailers. Beautifully curated galleries and unique small stores, often pin their focus on the fabulous produce created within the surrounding area and neighbouring Welsh Counties.

Making Tenby an all year round shopping destination, this historic town has become a treasure trove for stylish outdoor clothing, beautifully curated artworks, delicious local food produce, and a great range of gift ideas that include contemporary Welsh craft and handmade Welsh jewellery.

Quintessential seaside dining.

Tenby’s dining haven is situated on Upper Frog street in an area known as ‘The Food Quarter’: a locale replete with cuisine from across the globe, made from locally sourced ingredients for unbeatable freshness and taste.

You could sample the bistro meals at The Billy Can, washed down with one of their fine craft ales, or you could go to the Twelve Bar and Restaurant for fine dining to be enjoyed alongside the greatest wine selection that Tenby has to offer.

If that doesn’t tempt you, how about the satisfying Japanese dishes at Umi or the eclectic international creations at The Qube Restaurant?

If you just want a light lunch you can chow down on while you enjoy the Tenby experience, you could try a pie, pasty or sausage roll at the award winning Pembrokeshire Pie and Pasty Co. Or, pop into the Loafley Bakery and Deli for mouthwatering fresh cakes and sandwiches, which you can choose to eat outside the shop or take down the beach for your most gourmet picnic ever.

Of course, you can’t talk about seaside town dining without mentioning fish and chips, and the award winning D. Fecci & Sons has the best around, which even offers gluten free batter alternatives for wheat intolerant fish and chip lovers.

Experience more by boat.

If it’s a special occasion and you have the funds to do so, take a coast and island cruise with a private boat charter, to get an intimate view of the Atlantic ocean bordering the south of Wales, as well as the accompanying wildlife, which can include sharks, orcas, dolphins and turtles.

Moreover, to escape the mainland and explore a historical island, you can board a boat on Tenby Castle Beach, for a 30-minute boat ride that will deliver you to Caldey Island.

The island is home mainly to Cistercian monks, who rely on tourism – in addition to the sales of their homemade perfume and chocolate – to fund their practices. Aside from the monks, there are less than fifty permanent residents who live on the island.

On the island, you can visit Caldey Abbey, as well as the island’s church, lighthouse, chocolate factory, perfume shop and woods, not to mention the peacefully picturesque walk you can take around the island’s edge.

Soak in the culture.

When you visit Tenby, you’re well in reach of some amazing castles, like Pembroke castle and St. Davids Bishop’s Palace, and there are plenty of other castle ruins dotted around for you to explore.

Tenby is also home to the oldest independent museum in Wales: a 15^th century Tudor Merchant’s House which you can tour to get a taste of authentic Welsh Tudor life.

Moreover, the Tenby Museum and Art Gallery is home to two major art installations: a permanent collection and a second which is transient, changing frequently to house different exhibitions. The permanent collection houses artefacts from prehistory right through to the 20^th century, while ‘The Story of Tenby’ gallery tells the story of the seaside town from the 9^th century until the present.

Chic drinking spots.

When you’ve finished sampling some of Tenby’s incredible local cuisine – or to quench your thirst after a long walk on one of Tenby’s stunning beaches – you can find a range of trendy, quirky and sea view drinking spots to quell your drinking appetite.

There are numerous taverns and pubs – such as the Bush Inn and Cross Inn – that offer a lively day and night time atmosphere.

Along with Off Upper Frog street, Sandbar and Cwlbox serves a range of global street food in addition to the Tenby Brewing Company’s original craft beer.

Just a stone’s throw away from here, on the gorgeous Tenby harbour, lives the Harbwr Brewery Tap & Kitchen: the perfect spot to enjoy a range of different fresh beers – brewed in-house – in addition to a range of wines and spirits that you can enjoy in their outdoor seating area, overlooking a stunning sea vista.

Evening street scene by Joanna Czernik.