When the Napoleonic Wars of the Nineteenth Century ravished many of the fashionable spa resorts across Europe, small British resorts became a popular second choice for a holiday by the sea. Amongst these resorts Tenby in Pembrokeshire, South West Wales, with its pristine sandy beaches and medieval town walls, became the perfect location for rest and respite.
The walls surrounding the town date back to the thirteenth century, and once sheltered the future King Henry VII before his exile during the Wars of the Roses.
A visit to Tenby today shows that despite the passage of over two hundred years since that time, not much has changed for the small town. Fishing boats dance on the frothy waves of the harbour as men haul in the catch of the day, young children frolic on the seashore, and ice-cream parlours tempt with an array of delicious desserts. In the warmer months of June, July and August, Tenby experiences hoards of summer visitors.
My visit to Tenby took place as the winter waned, with the sun shining brightly despite a biting Atlantic wind. With no crowds to worry about, it was the perfect day to explore this picturesque town. Tenby is the sort of place that you visit to wander. It doesn’t take long to walk around the town, but there is plenty to see including the harbour, 2.5 miles of sandy beach, Victorian style promenade, St Mary’s Church, St Catherine’s Island, and the multi-coloured pastel facades of tall Victorian town-houses.
After your leisurely stroll around the town eating fish and chips is a must, for what British seaside trip is complete without sampling this traditional British cuisine?
Have you ever visited a British beach resort? Would you like to? Feel free to leave a comment below.
