Explore Pembrokeshire
Your complete guide to Tenby from South View Glamping near Pembroke, beaches, harbour, history, and everything in between.
Drive from South View
From South View Glamping
Award-winning beaches
Medieval town walls
Open all year
Overview
One of Pembrokeshire’s most beloved coastal towns, this colourful harbour destination sits just 20 minutes from South View Glamping near Pembroke, making it the perfect day trip for guests staying in the Pembrokeshire countryside. Georgian townhouses tumble down to golden sandy beaches, medieval walls frame cobbled streets, and the harbour buzzes with boats heading out to Caldey Island throughout the summer months.
Few places in West Wales pack as much character into one small town. Whether you are after a lazy morning on the beach, a brisk walk along the coast path, fresh crab by the harbour, or an afternoon exploring independent shops and galleries, this seaside destination delivers every time.
Many guests staying at South View Glamping enjoy spending a full day here, with lunch by the harbour, a walk along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, an ice cream on North Beach, and then heading back for a relaxing evening in the hot tub. The best of both worlds on the Pembrokeshire coast.
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North, South & Castle Beach
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Boat trips Easter–October
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Best preserved in Wales
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Harbour restaurants & cafés
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Pembrokeshire National Trail
Beaches
Tucked beneath Castle Hill, this beach is smaller and more sheltered, ideal on windier days along the Pembrokeshire coast. The views towards St Catherine’s Island, an old Victorian fort accessible only at very low tide, are among the most photographed in all of Wales. A short walk from the town centre and well worth the descent down the steps to get there.
Activities
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The National Trail passes directly through the town. Even a short 30 minute clifftop walk in either direction gives you spectacular views across the bay. One of the most dramatic sections of the entire 186 mile trail and completely free to enjoy year round.
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Boats depart regularly from the harbour between Easter and October. The island is home to Cistercian monks who produce their own perfume, chocolate and shortbread. A genuinely unique West Wales experience. Allow 3 to 4 hours and book ahead in peak season.
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The walls date back to the 13th century and are among the best preserved in all of Wales. Walking the remaining sections gives you elevated views over the rooftops and a real sense of the remarkable history and character of this Pembrokeshire coastal town.
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Housed in the old castle ruins on Castle Hill, the museum covers the town's maritime history and includes work by Augustus John who was born locally. Affordable entry and an excellent option on a rainy afternoon on the Pembrokeshire coast.
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Several operators offer equipment hire and guided sessions from the beaches during the summer months. The calm waters of the harbour and South Beach are ideal for beginners, while more experienced paddlers can explore further along the Pembrokeshire coastline.
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Tudor Square and the surrounding lanes are full of independent retailers, galleries and gift shops, everything from handmade jewelry to local artwork and Welsh produce. Far better than anything you would find in a chain shop elsewhere.
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The harbour at golden hour is one of the most beautiful scenes in West Wales. Colourful Georgian buildings, boats in the bay and the golden evening light combine to create a moment worth staying for every time you visit the Pembrokeshire coast.
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Accessible on foot at very low tide from Castle Beach, St Catherine's Island is home to a Victorian fort. Check tide times carefully before visiting as getting cut off is a real possibility if you spend too long on the island.
Explore More of Pembrokeshire
One of the finest medieval castles in Wales and the birthplace of Henry VII. Just 6 minutes from South View Glamping, a fascinating half day visit that pairs perfectly with a trip along the Pembrokeshire coast.
Food & Drink
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The restaurants around the harbour are your best starting point for fresh seafood. Crab sandwiches, locally caught fish and Welsh mussels are regular menu staples. Look for daily specials boards for the freshest catch of the day.
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The independent cafes in the town centre offer better value and more character than the seafront spots. Perfect for a morning coffee and pastry before heading to the beach. Look in the side streets off Tudor Square for the best options.
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Book ahead in summer as the better restaurants fill up quickly in peak season. A meal watching the sun set over this beautiful harbour is genuinely one of the best experiences on the Pembrokeshire coast. Many guests at South View combine dinner here with a relaxing hot tub evening back at their glamping stay near Pembroke.
Visitor Tips
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This seaside town gets very busy in July and August. Arriving before 10am gives you the best parking and the beaches at their most peaceful and enjoyable.
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Boat trips to Caldey Island sell out in peak season. Check the timetable and book in advance if visiting between June and August for guaranteed places.
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St Catherine's Island is only accessible at low tide. Check tide times before visiting if you want to walk across as getting cut off is a real possibility.
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Paid car parks on the outskirts are cheaper and less busy than those near the beach. A short 5 to 10 minute walk saves both time and money in peak season.
Getting There
Minutes by car
Miles from South View
Train from Pembroke station
The drive from South View Glamping takes you through the quiet lanes and rolling countryside of south Pembrokeshire. Paid parking is available on the outskirts of the town. Arrive early in summer to avoid queues at the car parks.
Accessible by train from Pembroke station, with regular services along the scenic Pembrokeshire coast line. The journey takes around 25 minutes and offers beautiful views across the estuary. A great option to avoid parking stress in peak season.
Tenby is beautiful year round, but May, June, and September offer the best combination of good weather and fewer crowds. July and August are the busiest months — if visiting in peak summer, arrive early to get the best parking and most peaceful beach experience.
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