Tenby, a harbour town in Pembrokeshire, Wales, has been named the 'most beautiful place in the UK to visit in 2026' by Time Out, outshining famous Cotswolds villages such as Bourton-on-the-Water, Bibury and Broadway.
Picture-postcard harbour and golden sands
Nestled along Pembrokeshire's 186-mile coastline, Tenby is characterised by immaculate golden sands, a postcard-perfect harbour surrounded by colourful townhouses, and a thriving independent scene. Time Out described the town as a "halcyon dream of the Great British Seaside".
The publication highlighted its blue, yellow and pink Georgian and Victorian houses lining the waterfront and its sweeping beaches that "skirt the town on all sides". The town features narrow cobbled streets, twinkling fairy lights that "snake through the centre" and remarkably preserved 13th-century medieval walls, considered amongst the finest in Britain.
Thriving high street and food scene
A variety of seaside cafés, bars and restaurants provide al fresco dining during warmer months, alongside establishments serving classic fish and chips. Away from the waterfront, numerous independent and unique shops can be found along the winding pedestrianised lanes, which remain closed to traffic throughout the summer.
Multiple walking routes highlight the town's stunning scenery, while a selection of B&Bs, hotels and self-catering apartments offer the ideal base for a coastal break. Time Out recommended: "Tenby's handsome appeal draws big crowds, particularly in the summer, but that popularity has given rise to an exciting food scene. Grab a Welsh cake hot off the griddle at Loafley; head to The Mews on Upper Frog Street for wine bars and small plates; and head to The Baytree for local grub, including freshly caught mackerel and lobster."
Award-winning beaches
Tenby Castle Beach has previously secured the title of 'UK's Beach of the Year' by The Sunday Times, offering soft golden sands, tranquil azure waters, St Catherine's Island, and ancient castle remains. Visitors can traverse the sand to discover the island or take a vessel to Caldey Island.
Tenby South Beach features golden sands bordered by rolling dunes, providing panoramic vistas of Caldey Island. It holds the Blue Flag Award and ranks as one of Tenby's most expansive beaches. Tenby North Beach showcases a pastel-coloured harbour with delightful prospects of Goscar Rock, complemented by pristine waters. Nestled just beyond lies Harbour Beach, a compact sandy inlet that has regularly been recognised as among Europe's most outstanding.
Holidaymakers have continually lauded Tenby for its virtually impeccable landscape. "Most beautiful location in Wales, maybe even the UK. This town is the most beautiful seaside town I've ever seen worldwide," one visitor hailed on TripAdvisor. Another remarked: "Beyond beautiful on a sunny day. Tenby was a total gem to come upon. Beautiful place and beaches, lovely place to stroll, have a coffee and just relax." One visitor even likened Tenby to the Mediterranean, commenting: "In the summer season, Tenby beach is just like a beach in Spain. Perfect place to visit if you do not want to travel abroad. Everyone should visit Tenby just once in a lifetime."
