Terrace Jacuzzi Villa in SaundersfootN°001
Pembrokeshire, United Kingdom
Sea View
From $930 per night
Tenby is a walled medieval harbour town on the Pembrokeshire coast of west Wales, framed by pastel Georgian houses and golden beaches. Renting a luxury villa in Tenby pairs a celebrated seaside setting with space, privacy and concierge service, ideal for families and groups seeking the Welsh coastline.
- Within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, the only coastal national park in Britain
- Four sandy beaches including South Beach, Castle Beach and the harbour-side North Beach
- Boat trips to Caldey Island, home to a working Cistercian monastery
- Intact 13th-century town walls and a colourful Georgian harbour
- A curated collection of luxury villas with sea views and concierge service
Known forPastel-coloured harbour houses, medieval town walls, golden Blue Flag beaches and the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park
Best time to visitMay to September for warm, dry coastal weather and beach days; spring and autumn for quieter walks
Nearest airportCardiff Airport (CWL); Bristol Airport also serves the wider region
Ideal forFamilies, multi-generational groups and couples seeking a refined coastal escape
Poachers Cottage & Old Tom Cottage | Sleeps 12 | Dog Friendly | Pool, Tennis & Family FacilitiesN°002
Pembrokeshire, United Kingdom
SaunaGym
From $421 per night
Charming Five Bedroom Retreat in TenbyN°003
Pembrokeshire, United Kingdom
From $421 per night
Hall House Estate - 4 Properties- St FlorenceN°004
Pembrokeshire, United Kingdom
garden
From $374 per night
The Coach House - 3 Bedroom - Penally - TenbyN°005
Pembrokeshire, United Kingdom
Ocean ViewHot Tubjacuzzi
From $372 per night
Waters Edge - 2 Bedroom Apartment - TenbyN°006
Pembrokeshire, United Kingdom
Ocean ViewBalcony
From $364 per night
21homes available
2–6bedrooms
up to 14guests
Events not to miss in Tenby
- Early July
Long Course Weekend
A three-day festival of swimming, cycling and running that takes over Tenby's harbour and the Pembrokeshire lanes, drawing thousands of athletes and supporters.
- September
Ironman Wales
One of the most celebrated races on the Ironman circuit starts with a dawn swim off North Beach. The whole town turns out, and the atmosphere is remarkable.
- November
Tenby Blues Festival
Pubs, hotels and halls across the walled town host a weekend of blues, a good reason for an out-of-season coastal escape.
- 26 December
Tenby Boxing Day Swim
Hundreds of costumed swimmers charge into the sea off North Beach in one of Wales's best-loved festive traditions, watched by crowds along the harbour.
Tenby through the seasons
- Spring (March – May)
Coast path and puffin season
Wildflowers line the Pembrokeshire Coast Path and boat trips to Caldey and Skomer islands resume, with puffins arriving from April. The beaches are blissfully quiet.
- Summer (June – August)
Classic seaside at its best
Golden sands on North, South and Castle beaches, harbour boat trips and long evenings. A villa near the walled town gives families space away from the bustle.
- Autumn (September – November)
Storm-watching and empty beaches
The crowds ebb, the light turns dramatic and the coast path comes into its own. Ideal for walkers, sea swimmers and anyone after a quiet coastal retreat.
- Winter (December – February)
Cosy harbour-town escapes
Pastel Georgian streets, log fires, bracing beach walks and the famous Boxing Day Swim. Tenby in winter suits couples and families seeking calm.
The Area
Tenby, or Dinbych-y-Pysgod in Welsh, sits on a headland on Carmarthen Bay within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. The town is encircled by some of Britain's best-preserved medieval walls and crowned by tiers of pastel Georgian townhouses overlooking the harbour. Narrow lanes lead to four sandy beaches and a working fishing quay where boats depart for Caldey Island. Beyond the walls, the landscape opens onto the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, cliff-top meadows and quiet coves. A luxury villa here places you within reach of both the lively town centre and the wilder stretches of coastline, combining heritage, sea air and a famously relaxed pace.
Where to Stay
Smiling House offers a curated collection of luxury villas in Tenby and the surrounding Pembrokeshire coast. In and around the old town you will find characterful homes within walking distance of the harbour, restaurants and beaches, many with sea views across Carmarthen Bay. For greater seclusion, properties sit along the coast towards Saundersfoot, Penally and Manorbier, offering gardens, generous living space and easy access to the coast path. Families and groups gravitate to villas near South Beach for its long sands, while couples may prefer a quieter cliff-top setting. Every booking is supported by concierge service, arranged directly for a seamless arrival.
Things to Do
Tenby rewards both active and gentle days. Walk the medieval walls and Tudor Merchant's House, then follow the Pembrokeshire Coast Path along the cliffs towards Giltar Point. Take the short boat crossing to Caldey Island to visit its Cistercian monastery and tranquil beaches. The town's beaches suit swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking and rock-pooling, while families enjoy Tenby's harbour and traditional seaside atmosphere. Golfers can play the links course at Tenby Golf Club, among the oldest in Wales. Nearby, Manorbier Castle, Carew Castle and the dunes at Pendine offer easy day trips into the wider Pembrokeshire landscape.
Dining & Nightlife
Tenby's dining leans on the sea, with fresh local catch, Welsh lamb and Pembrokeshire produce featuring across its restaurants and harbour-side cafes. You will find seafood spots near the quay, relaxed bistros within the town walls and traditional pubs pouring Welsh ales. Saundersfoot, a short drive north, adds further waterfront dining. Evenings are easygoing rather than late, centred on good food, a coastal pub and the glow of the harbour at sunset. A villa with its own kitchen and dining space also lends itself to private chefs and long, unhurried meals, easily arranged through concierge.
When to Visit
Late spring through early autumn is the prime window, with May to September bringing the warmest, driest weather and long beach days. July and August are liveliest, ideal for families wanting the full seaside experience. June and September offer a gentler balance of good weather and fewer crowds, while spring and autumn are perfect for walking the coast path under softer light. Winter is quiet and atmospheric, with bracing clifftop walks and cosy villa evenings. Whatever the season, a luxury villa provides a comfortable, private base for the changeable Welsh coastal climate.
Getting There
Tenby lies in south-west Wales and is reached by road via the M4 and A477, roughly a two-and-a-half to three-hour drive from Cardiff. The town has its own railway station on the West Wales line, with direct services from Swansea and connections from Cardiff and beyond, making car-free arrival straightforward. The nearest major airport is Cardiff, with Bristol serving the wider region for international arrivals. Once in Tenby, the walled old town is compact and walkable, though a car is useful for exploring the coast path, nearby castles and quieter beaches. Concierge can assist with transfers and car hire.