Tenby Beaches
In 2006, Tenby boasted three Blue Flag awards for it's clean beaches and Pembrokeshire had 11 Blue flag beaches making it one of the cleanest holiday destinations in Wales and the U.K.
As Pembrokeshire's main holiday resort, Tenby maintains a high standard for it's beaches, offering plenty of facilities and boasting various environmental awards. The four main bathing areas are summarised below.
South Beach
The South beach's 2 kilometres of golden sand spans the shoreline from St. Catherine's Island to Giltar Point. The beach is backed by sand dunes and looks out toward Caldey Island. The South Beach has won a Tidy Britain Group Seaside Award.
Facilities
South beach is less commercialised than
North beach, but still boasts several shops
and and hire facilities at the north end
of the beach, plus toilets (with disabled
access), and telephones in the nearby car
park. Lifeguards operate daily (10am-6pm)
throughout the summer.
Castle Beach
Castle Beach lies
in the cove between Castle Hill and the East Cliff.
At low tides it is
possible to walk out to St. Catherine's island,
but take care that the tide does not cut you
off.
Facilities
Castle beach is only a short walk from town
but the slipway sports a café, hire
facility, deck chair rental and toilets.
The beach is patrolled by a Lifeguard (10am-6pm)
during the summer season and boat trips
to Caldey Island
run from the beach at low tide.
Harbour Beach
Harbour beach
is a small yet picturesque beach found sheltered at
the rear of the harbour
bay. There are steps and paths back up to
the town on either side of the beach, plus
a raised walkway along the cliff base around
to North beach.
Facilities
Harbour beach is minutes from the town centre,
but provides toilets and food vending facilities
as well as being home to the Sailing Club
and the Fishermen's Chapel. Boat trips run
from the harbour itself to Caldey
island at high tide.
North Beach
Tenby North is a golden stretch of sandy beach, dotted with occasional rock pools and the prominent Goskar Rock itself. Situated between the harbour beach and the north cliffs, North beach is overlooked by a promenade and Tenby town itself. The beach offers great views over Carmathern Bay and is accessed by the north cliff steps or through the harbour. During the summer this beach is often crowded due to it's popularity and ease of access.
The beach holds an EC Blue Flag award and the water quality is excellent, complying with EC guideline standards. A dog ban is in effect on the beach from May to September.
Facilities
Directly above the beach is a shop, cafe,
toilets, and various hire facilities, besides
all of the general facilities offered by
Tenby town itself. A lifeguard service operates
in summer daily (10am-6pm) and there is
a Tourist information Centre above the beach,
along the promenade.
