What to Do in Tenby if it Rains
A little bit of rain needn't dampen your holiday spirits
The seaside destination of Tenby is a popular place to visit no matter the season but of course, typical British weather does implicate that there may be a spot of wet weather during your stay, especially if you're staying during the winter months.
That being said, that’s no reason to let that put you off planning a getaway to this part of the coast as there are plenty of activities and attractions in this area to keep you occupied on those rainy days. With our Tenby holiday cottages and these great recommendations for where to spend your days when the sun isn't shining, you are guaranteed to have a wonderful stay.
Tudor Merchant’s House
Nestled in Quay Hill, a side street branching off from Tudor Square just a short walk from the harbour, is where you will find the Tudor Merchant’s House. Managed now by the National Trust, this building showcases the old merchant industry from way back in the 15th Century.
During the 1400s, a local merchant lived in this three-storey house trading imported goods on the ground floor and living with his family on the upper floors. These imported goods would have made their way into the country from boats sailing into the harbour, and would have included items such as salt, wine and sugar.
Nowadays the Tudor Merchant’s House is a wonderful visitor’s attraction illustrating the rich industrial heritage of Tenby. With activities and interactive displays, children can enjoy dressing up in traditional dress and playing with replica toys from the Tudor times whilst learning about the fascinating merchant trade during the Tudor era.
Tenby Museum & Gallery
Located high on Castle Hill overlooking some of Tenby’s most beautiful beaches, Tenby Museum is the perfect place to spend a couple of hours on a drizzly day. Here you can discover the history of this wonderful town in the Story of Tenby gallery. Watch a short film depicting times gone by and take a look at olden artefacts connected to the seaside resort.
There is plenty at the museum to keep the kids occupied with interactive displays, interesting exhibits and even storytelling throughout school holidays. Tenby Museum & Gallery often hosts special events such as talks and special displays, and you can pick up a souvenir in the gift shop before you leave.
By purchasing just one ticket, you receive entry to the museum as many times as you like within one year plus children receive free admission alongside one paying adult, so there really is no reason not to pay a visit!
Heatherton World of Activities
Heatherton in St Florence on the outskirts of Tenby is a family favourite day out all year round, whatever the weather. With a plethora of activities, there is something here to suit everyone. One of the newest attractions is the Tenby Escape Rooms, a collection of three escape room challenges each with a different theme - one is an abandoned asylum, another is pirate-themed and the third is magical.
Shelter from the rain and try your hand at archery or pistol shooting, head to the driving range to practise your golf swing or embrace the water and head to the bumper boats where you might get splashed. A spot of rain will only intensify the adventure on the ten-acre paintballing course as you dart through woodland, bushes and marshland. Compete with your friends for first place at the Pembrokeshire raceway with 1/24 scale slot car track and take the little ones to enjoy the indoor soft play complete with ball pools, climbing frames, tunnels and slides.
Many of Heatherton’s activities are offered through a credit pass system where you redeem your credits against your chosen activities, individual and group passes are available online. Be aware though, certain activities are not part of this credit system such as the Escape Rooms, the 18-hole Golf Course and the TreeTops High Ropes Course.
Not forgetting, this attraction is dog friendly so you are more than welcome to bring your furry four-legged friend along too. Entry to the park itself is free, so you can bring along gran and grandad (or anyone else) even if they don’t want to take part.
The Asylum-themed Escape Room
Folly Farm Adventure Park & Zoo
Also situated just a short drive from Tenby in Begelly is Folly Farm Adventure Park & Zoo. In 1988, this family of dairy farmers opened the doors to their farm and welcomed in passers-by to explore the farm and say hello to their livestock.
A beloved attraction now for over thirty years, this countryside day out is a must-visit for locals and visitors alike and with it growing year upon year, there is often something new to see each time you go. Discover traditional farmyard animals such as pigs, chickens and cows in the barn – you can even have a go at milking a goat!
Venture outdoors for sightings of the more exotic zoo animals including lions, monkeys, rhinos and penguins. You can even book on to special animal experiences and get the chance to feed a giraffe!
The real lure on a rainy day has to be the indoor vintage funfair. Completely covered in a cosy wooden shed, here you will find nearly twenty rides such as dodgems, a ghost train, bumper cars, a carousel and more. You may also wish to pay a visit to the undercover Follies Theatre for a spot of live entertainment.
Tenby Lifeboat Station
A visit to Tenby Lifeboat Station is always worth it if you’re in the area. Standing proudly next to its predecessor which you will notice with the iconic red roof, the Tenby Lifeboat Station can be seen at the southern end of North Beach.
Managed by the RNLI, the gallery is open for public viewing Monday to Friday all year round and offers a fascinating insight into the work the local RNLI do. Discover the history of the lifeboat station at Tenby and find out more about the members who have made up past and present crews.
Use your visit to learn more about the RNLI and if you can, show your support with a donation or purchase a memento from the gift shop.
Grab a Bite to Eat
On those grey rainy days, there is nothing we locals prefer than settling down in one of Tenby's fantastic eateries or coffee shops and watching the world go by. People-watching is just as hypnotic as watching the tide ebb, and where better to people-watch than in one of Wales' busiest holiday destinations?
If you're travelling solo, you might want to reach for your current read and head to the charming Caffi Llew on Tudor Square, where you to relax with a steaming hot cappucino and a slab of homemade carrot cake. For fuss-free hearty meals, stroll down to Dennis Cafe on the slipway at Castle Beach and soak in views of St Catherine's Island.
After wearing the children out in the Tudor Merchant's House, make a pit stop just a couple of doors down in The Plantagenet Inn for a spot of freshly caught local seafood or book a table at The Baytree on the High Street for a spot of Sunday lunch.
