A visit to Tenby cottages

An assortment of colourful Tenby cottages fringes the clifftops and the harbourside around this pretty Pembrokeshire resort. You could go in search of one of those to be close to the beaches and the enticing Welsh cafes that line the promenades. Or, you could head down the shores or inland, to find somewhere a little more remote in the depths of the coastal national park. This guide can help you pinpoint the place that’s perfect for you.

Areas to look for Tenby cottages in the town

Tenby town has a few distinct parts, each with its own style of cottage, whether that’s a sea-view fishing hut or an elegant Georgian mansion with leafy gardens.

Crackwell Street atop Tenby Harbour

If you love to wake to visions of bobbing fishing skiffs and the call of seagulls, there’s really nowhere better in this charming port town than the wiggling road of Crackwell Street. As it bends around the main marina, it hosts pastel-painted Tenby cottages and a few enticing little surf-shack cafes.

The younger part of town

There’s usually a little more space to spread out in the Georgian-era cottages that pepper the blocks of Tenby’s newer district. That sits beyond the stone-built Norman walls, interspersed with grassy greens and boules pitches to the south-west of the castle.

The historic centre

Just behind Crackwell and beneath the crumbly ruins of Tenby Castle, the medieval middle of the resort still pulses with life. Tenby cottages here tend to be the most sought-after in the summer months, when the cobbled lanes bustle with families and couples alike.

Where to get Tenby cottages with a sea view

While it’s possible to get a Tenby cottage that has views of the salty harbour in the middle of the town itself, you might just want to head along the Pembroke coast a little to see what other gems await on the cliffs and by the shimmering beaches.

Beachfront cottages in Lydstep Haven

Less than 15 minutes’ drive to the west of Tenby, the holiday rentals of Lydstep Haven cascade down green hills to meet a wide bay of beige-hued sand and seaweed-caked stones. The spot is ringed on one end by high cliffs that beckon sea kayakers, while rock pools unfold below for those keen on crabbing when the tide’s out.

Penally has Tenby cottages by the sands

The smaller village of Penally studs the headland on the far end of Tenby South Beach. That means you can walk from here to get to the old Norman centre of the resort, all while enjoying a little more seclusion in a quieter Pembroke village.

Choose Saundersfoot for your trip

Sandwiching the impossibly-wonderful Monkstone Beach between its harbour and Tenby’s high castle, Saundersfoot is a fine alternative place to seek out your Welsh cottage this year. You can pick from a whole host of rentals that have sweeping views of the Pembrokeshire coast, not to mention enjoy plenty of home-grown Celtic seafood restaurants along the lively Strand walkway.

What sort of Tenby cottages are available?

Because Tenby is such an accomplished summertime escape for Welsh locals and staycationers from all over the UK, you can expect a wide array of cottages in these parts. Just some of the features they might include are listed below.

Dog-friendly policies in Tenby cottages

While Tenby’s beaches often have restrictions on when pooches can roam free, there are loads of other bays and inlets where you can leave the lead off. Beautiful Barafundle, 30 minutes’ drive to the west, is just one of the prime examples. If you’re keen to bring the barker, you’ll need to home in on a rental that has a pet-friendly policy.

A Tenby cottage with a hot tub

Some of the most luxurious of all Tenby cottages come with a bubbling hot tub. You might not want to even leave your rental if you manage to secure one of those, especially as many of the spa baths are located outside, so as to offer views of the Pembroke beaches and the slate-roof tops of the old Norman town.

Historic cottages in Tenby

Because Tenby enjoys a history that goes all the way back to the days of the Normans and beyond, there’s a chance you’ll bag a cottage stay here with real character. Even on the newer side of town, the homes tend to be from the Georgian era, which gives them a handsomeness of their own. Meanwhile, the older builds in the centre have traditional Welsh features, like stone-built walls and interior fireplaces.