Tenby

Little has changed in Tenby since wealthy Victorians provided the finance to develop the town into one of Britain's most attractive holiday resorts.  The Victorians came here for the good of their health, but it was the birth of the coming railway in 1866 which saw the growth of tourists.  Were those early visitors to return today, they would no doubt be surprised to discover that Tenby is almost as they had left it.  The 13th century wall which surrounds Tenby is still intact and the narrow streets, freshly recobbled to imitate a bygone age are still packed tight with shops and places to eat.  The picturesque harbour is unchanged except for the boats.  In Victorian time Tenby's link with the sea was dominated by the boats of a once thriving fishing industry as opposed to the leisure craft, which now shuttle visitors to Caldy Island, home to a Reformed Order of Cistercian Monks.

Castle Hill overlooking Tenby harbour with panoramic views across Carmarthen bay to Worms Head and the Gower Peninsula, is whee you will find the Welsh national memorial to Prince Albert, Consort to Queen Victoria, inaugurated by Prince Arthur in 1865.

Tenby's 15th century Tudor Merchant's House is the oldest furnished residence in the town.  Standing on Quay Hill, between the harbour and Tudor square, its authentic furniture and fittings recreate the atmosphere of the period and illustruate the manner in which a successful Turor merchant and his family would have live.  Three of the interior walls bear the remains of early Frescoes.  Owned and managed by the National Trust, the house is open between March and October.

St Catherine's Fort lies on a small island just off Tenby's South Beach. It was built in the 1860s to protect the Pembrokeshire coast from possible invasion by France. There are gun embrasures down both the Northern and Southern sides. It was never called to action and was eventually sold and has been many things since including a zoo. While it is now inaccessible to the public it is an impressive structure and is easily visible from the South Beach.

Caldey Island is like stepping onto a different world.  The monastery and ancient churches combine with the sea air and quiet, beautiful surroungings to create a unique atmosphere of timeless peace.  You can explore the Old Priory and the island's simple but inspiring churches, the Lighthouse spectacular views of the Pembrokeshire coast and beyond.