Tenby, Wales Coast Path

Entering the town of Tenby, I was struck by the imposing St Catherine’s Fort situated on an island just off the mainland with an equally imposing sheer cliff face. Its rectangular design and solid masonry made it look forbidding as if its purpose was not only to protect the harbor but also to deter any potential threat. The fort was built in response to concerns about an amphibious invasion by the French. It was meant to be part of a chain of forts along the Pembrokeshire coast. However, only this fort was ever built, and it appears it never saw any action. The island is easily accessible from the gorgeous sandy beach during low tide. 

Next, I hiked up to Castle Hill, where only a small tower of Tenby Castle remained. A manicured lawn surrounded the tower, and a bandstand stood to one side, providing shelter from the scorching sun or high winds. The views from here were fabulous, as the sea enveloped most of the hill. Gazing over the town, I was greeted by a row of pastel-coloured townhouses and a church spire stretching along the shoreline.

Leaving Castle Hill behind, I continued southeast. I followed the road downhill, the back uphill and turned onto Quay Hill, where I stopped to visit the Tudor Merchant’s House. This triple-storey stone house was built in the 15th century when Tenby was a busy commercial port. The merchant occupying the house conducted business on the lower floor, reserving the upper floors for his private residence. As the oldest house in Tenby, it was donated to the National Trust. Following restoration, the house was decorated with period furnishings and opened to the public, providing an experience of life during the Tudor era. 

Inside, the main living room was adorned with painted cloths, one depicting medieval Tenby and the other featuring a ship from the Middle Ages. At the rear of the house was the kitchen with a large open fire where food would have been cooked in a cauldron. The kitchen had a table, benches, and a seat carved out from a barrel. Upstairs, in the bedchamber, was a four-poster bed and pew-like bench. The view from the window led directly to the coastline and harbour, a delightful scene to wake up to. All the furniture in the house was beautifully crafted and were locally sourced reproductions.

Tenby is a gorgeous coastal town with great beaches and a mix of medieval, Georgian and Victorian architecture. With its long maritime history, it invites deeper exploration, one that I am sure would fill many pages of writing. For now, I will indulge in a brief stroll before pressing on toward Rhossili Bay.