Incredible UK seaside town named among top travel hotspots in the world

If you fancy a fun-filled then look no further than this gorgeous. Tenby was voted one of the Rough Guide’s top UK 2025 destinations – and offers visitors a once-in-a lifetime experience.

Many already know the for its breathtaking coastline, colourful townhouses and whimsical harbour. However, the town is also now home to the Tenby Steampunk Festival: an event which allows partygoers to get up in their best Victorian era clothing, all the while partaking in extravagant peacock parades and tea-drinking competitions.

The Rough Guide highlighted the town's eccentric appeal. They wrote: "Thanks to a fabulous new festival that offers a window into British eccentricity in one of the UK’s best seaside towns, Tenby is also a top spot in which to experience something new — and very different — in 2025."

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Of course, the excitement doesn’t stop there. Wandering through the winding stone lanes of the old town will make any visitor feel as though they’ve been transported back several centuries.

For an even more immersive experience, history buffs can step inside the famous Tudor Merchant’s House. Distinctive for its stone facade and wonky windows, the house dates all the way back to the fifteenth century.

Inside, the quaint stone-floored rooms are filled with period furniture, ceramics and wall-hangings. According to a TripAdvisor reviewer: "The staff were very knowledgeable and keen to talk about the history of the place. Lots of interesting facts learnt!"

Even better, the town also offers a 20-minute boat ride to the nearby Caldey Island. With a history extending over 1500 years, the small island remains one of Britain’s oldest holiest sites. Once on Caldey’s sandy shores, you can walk around the entire island in just over two hours. Make sure to take a stroll inland, too: the islet contains the famous Caldey Abbey, home to roughly 40 Cisestercian monks.

All of the sightseeing is bound to get tiring – so rest assured, Tenby is also home to some of Britain’s best pub grub. There are few things better than settling down after a long afternoon to a hearty roast and a refreshing pint.

One of its top-rate pubs is the Harbwr Tap & Brewery, which offers a cosy atmosphere and a delicious range of seasonally brewed beers and ales. Plus, reviewers also commend its steak and sea bass.

Local Matthew Evans, who runs Coastal Cottages of Pembrokeshire with his wife, reinforced Tenby’s draw as a tourist destination. He told : "There are four epic sandy beaches and a picture-perfect harbour paired with idyllic cobbled streets, plenty of seaside activities, and independent bars, restaurants, and cafes."

For beach-lovers, Tenby is a haven. The small town rests by four beaches, including the well-loved Priory Beach. You can either stretch out on the soft sand or partake in water activities like surfing and kayaking. The rugged coast is also perfect for a day of cave exploration. Rowing out from the shore to dip into hidden coves will truly make you feel as though you’re living out a storybook adventure.

So, looking for a place to stay? Penally Abbey hotel in Tenby was rated highly at the 2024 AA Hotel and Hospitality Services. Situated beside a twelfth century church, the charming hotel offers visitors an enriching starting point for exploration.