A stunning beach town just three hours from Bristol is home to colourful homes and boat tours to an island run by Cistercian monks.
The picturesque Welsh town of Tenby, nestled within Carmarthen Bay in Pembrokeshire, is renowned for its vibrant houses and is a must-see destination. In Welsh, the town is known as Dinbych-y-pysgod, translating to ‘Little Fortress of the Fish’.
This name becomes apparent when you visit the bustling harbour of this quaint town. At the harbour, visitors can indulge in fishing, bask in the sun at Tenby Harbour Beach, or embark on a boat journey to the unique Caldey Island, one of Britain’s holy islands.
Caldey Island, managed by a community of Cistercian monks, welcomes visitors. However, it’s advisable to confirm if boats are operating on your intended day of visit.
The island’s first monastery, belonging to the Benedictine order, was established in the 12th century. It was dissolved during Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries in the 1500s, reports Wales Online.
The current monastery was founded in 1929 by Reformed Cistercians from Scourmont Abbey in Belgium. Another island off Tenby’s coast is St Catherine’s Island, once owned by Jasper Tudor, uncle of Henry VII.
St Catherine’s Island can be reached from Tenby Castle Beach during low tide. For centuries, the only structure on the island was a small church, which was demolished to make way for a Palmerston Fort in 1867.
The fort was constructed in response to the invasion threat posed by Emperor Napoleon III of France, and it remains a visible landmark on the island today. Back on the mainland, Tenby offers relaxation opportunities at its North and South beaches, or visitors can ascend Castle Hill to view the remnants of Tenby Castle.
Established by the Normans in the 12th century, Tenby Castle has been a battleground for numerous sieges throughout history. It was seized by Welsh forces in 1153, 1187, and 1260, and also served as a battle site during the English Civil War when Royalist forces captured it for 10 weeks before surrendering.
This extensive history has led to the castle’s deterioration, with only a small tower left standing from the original structure.
Other notable attractions in Tenby include the Tudor Merchant’s House, Manor Wildlife Park, and the Second World War era Carew Cheriton Control Tower.