Tenby is one of Britain's most attractive holiday resorts. Surrounded
by a 13th century wall, this unique Victorian town
has escaped modernisation. The narrow cobbled streets with a variety of
good restaurants, shops, pubs, the picturesque harbour with its fishing
trips, and the nearby Caldey Island, all add to its popularity.
Tenby is without
doubt one of the most popular resorts in Wales. Its name in Welsh,
Dynbych-y-pysgod, means 'The little fort of the fishes'.
Tenby used to be a fishing village but tourism is now its main
industry. The South and North beach provide excellent bathing
from beautiful sandy beaches and watersports are popular here. The
coastal path is a scenic route showing South Pembrokeshire in all its
glory and linking many of its beaches and coves.
The Tenby Museum and
Gallery was founded in 1878 and is situated on the site of the old
castle overlooking Castle Beach. The exhibits and information cover the
geology and archaeology of Pembrokeshire, a history of the development
of Tenby and an art gallery.
After the civil war,
the plague of 1650-1651 killed off more than half of the population of
Tenby. This had a devasting effect on the once prosperous and
successful trading town and many of the buildings became empty,
abandoned and destroyed.
The town remained poor and in a state of decay for over a hundred years
until the mid 18th century when seaside resorts became the destination
of the wealthy and doctors recommended the sea air as a cure to all
manner of ailments.
Caldey Island is
certainly worth a visit. Advertised as an island of peace and
tranquillity, with unspoiled beauty, it is just three miles away from
Tenby and regular daily boat trips take tourists across the calm
waters. The monastery which is owned by the Reformed Cistercian Order,
supports a community of around 20 monks. The island has good sandy
beaches and excellent walks, some shops selling the island produce and
a post office.
If you are looking
for a place to put your feet up for a week or so and want to avoid too
much travel on your holiday then Tenby is the ideal location.
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