Tenby Castle Beach

Tenby Castle Beach is one of four wonderful beaches in the seaside resort of Tenby. It is situated on the south side of the cobblestoned town between East Cliff and Castle Hill, and is a fantastic sandy beach ideal for family days out.

The scenic coastal views here are extraordinary with beautiful golden sands, weather-worn cliffsides, the ancient ruins of a 12th Century castle towering above the shore and a unique island fortress standing centre-stage at Castle Beach. It’s no wonder then that this very fortress was chosen as a filming location for the BBC’s Sherlock starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman.

Newcomers to Tenby may struggle to find Castle Beach as the bay is entirely enveloped by the water at high tide but at low tide, the sands here merge with Tenby South Beach creating a stunning wide bay nearly 2 miles long. It's no wonder then that it's one of the best-loved towns for a getaway with cottage holidays in Tenby, Wales being an annual tradition for many who visit.

Activities

Tenby Castle Beach attracts families of all different shapes, ages and sizes. The soft sand near the entrance of the beach is the go-to for those clutching at their buckets and spades, whilst beach games like cricket and rounders are more suited to the firmer sand nearer the water’s edge. Extend your collection of beach games by introducing egg and spoon races but with bucket and water, or challenge your pals to tug of war – the losers fall in the sea!

Sun-worshippers from all over flock to this bay for sunbathing as the blue skies and warm winds are truly idyllic here. It’s just a short walk from the town and if you stroll down via Tudor Square, you’ll pass by Tenby Bookshop where you can pick up your new read for the day.

Bathers love to make the most of this shallow shoreline which is known to be safe enough for a dip. You might even wish to swim out to St Catherine’s Island for a closer look, do be careful though as undercurrents can be surprising.

You could say watersports are more suited to the larger bays in Tenby, however you may still spot one or two kayakers in the shore here paddling across the waters on their way out to explore St Catherine’s Island and South Beach. The waves can also sometimes be suitable for body boarding and surfing.

Ferries to Caldey Island run from Tenby Castle Beach at low tide, with a mobile jetty being put in place to access the boat. (At high tide, the boats depart from the harbour). Purchase your ticket from the wooden hut at the top of the harbour and enjoy a twenty-minute sailing across to the monk-inhabited island where you can learn all about the history of the island, explore the village and spend a couple of hours on Priory Bay Beach.

No visit to this beach is complete until you’ve taken the walk up to Castle Hill and explored the old castle ruins. Even if you’re not a heritage buff, the panoramic views from here are second to none. Take a seat in the bandstand and watch the sunset or enjoy a spot of homemade afternoon tea with a picnic.

On your way up the hill, you will pass by the Tenby Museum and Art Gallery. Stop off here to delve into the interesting history of the town at The Story of Tenby gallery and see artefacts from times gone by, like a penny-farthing bike. Continue around the headland to meet the two lifeboat stations; a modern new lifeboat station stands alongside the original lifeboat station with its iconic red roof, now a holiday home.

Facilities

On the path down to the beach, you’ll find the family-run Dennis Café, a local favourite for hearty meals and tasty refreshments. Call in for breakfast, lunch, ice cream or simply a coffee and cake. You can even hire a beach wheelchair from this dog friendly café – what a hidden gem!

A beach shop stands opposite Dennis Café offering a selection of beachside goodies and clothing, and on those warm summer days, expect a mobile ice cream van to appear on the sands – a popular addition at high season! Deckchairs, windbreakers, parasols and more are available for rental, and you’ll find public toilets and showers here too.

Further afield, you’ll find a selection of wooden huts nearby at the harbour offering sea fishing trips, Caldey Island cruises and watersports equipment hire. There’s also Simply Seafood, a fishmonger offering locally-sourced fresh seafood including Pembrokeshire crabs and lobsters.

Tenby Castle Beach lies just a short walk from the main town where amenities are in abundance. Pubs, cafes and restaurants are everywhere you look with meaning you’ll never struggle to find somewhere to eat. Independent art galleries, gift shops, retail stores and grocers line the streets and are well worth a browse whilst you’re in the area.

There is no parking at Tenby Castle Beach meaning you will need to park in one of the main car parks in the town. The multi-storey by Sainsbury’s is a good choice, or you can opt for the large one-level car parks at Tenby North Beach and Tenby South Beach.

Access

Access from the harbour is via a wide concrete slipway and as mentioned, wheelchair users can hire a specific beach wheelchair from Dennis Café which is adapted to the sandy terrain of the beach. Alternatively, you can take the steep steps from The Paragon towards South Beach or Castle Hill.

Is Tenby Castle Beach Dog Friendly?

Tenby Castle Beach imposes a full dog ban during the summer months between 1st May and 30th September, and much of the town requires them to be kept on a lead through the streets and along the promenades.

If you are visiting Tenby with your pooch, it is recommended that you head for South Beach and keep to the Penally side of the bay as this has no restrictions all year round.

Award-Winning

Tenby Castle Beach was recently crowned Beach of the Year by the Sunday Times in 2019. It is also a frequent recipient of the Blue Flag and Seaside Awards, both nationally- recognised accolades highlighting excellent beach conditions. Castle Beach is also on the list of recommended beaches compiled by the Marine Conservation Society. 

Stay in Tenby

Make the most of your visit to Tenby Castle Beach and enjoy a seaside getaway by booking one of our Tenby holiday homes for a relaxing escape or an activity-filled adventure. Don't forget to sightsee the other three bays in this resort whilst you are in the area.

Holiday Cottages in Tenby