Tenby, a fairytale seaside town in Pembrokeshire, Wales, has been named the most beautiful place in Britain. The accolade comes from a list compiled by travel experts at Time Out, which placed the town at the top spot ahead of landmarks and beauty spots across the country.
Historic charm and colourful seafront
The popular coastal destination impressed with its historic streets and pastel-coloured buildings. Georgian and Victorian townhouses line the coastline, painted in baby blues, buttery yellows and pale pinks, according to Time Out travel editor Grace Beard. She described Tenby as "a halcyon dream of the Great British Seaside".
She added: "Skinny streets strung with fairy lights snake through the centre, and thirteenth-century medieval town walls – some of the best-preserved in the UK – still stand strong." These historic features give parts of the town a feeling of being frozen in time, while its harbour and colourful seafront have made it one of Wales's best-known coastal destinations.
Golden beaches and island views
Tenby is surrounded by four golden Blue Flag beaches. North Beach is among the busiest, while South Beach offers a quieter two-kilometre stretch with views towards Caldey Island. Harbour Beach sits within the town's historic harbour walls, and at low tide visitors to Castle Beach can reach St Catherine's Island, which is home to a 19th-century fort.
Away from the sand, the town offers restaurants and independent businesses dotted through its narrow streets. Visitors can pick up a fresh Welsh cake from Loafley, try small plates at The Mews, or find locally caught mackerel and lobster at The Baytree.
Pembrokeshire coastline appeal
Tenby is also close to Saundersfoot, which Time Out previously named its favourite seaside town of 2026, making the stretch of Pembrokeshire coastline particularly appealing for a weekend break. Another Welsh attraction also made Time Out's top 10 most beautiful places in Britain: Castell Coch, the fairytale Gothic Revival castle near Cardiff, was included thanks to its distinctive turrets rising above the surrounding woodland.
