Tenby South Beach, a two-mile stretch of soft golden sand in Pembrokeshire, is a Blue Flag-awarded destination renowned for its family-friendly atmosphere, calm waters, and proximity to the charming cobbled resort town of Tenby.
Backed by soft sand dunes and offering stunning views of Caldey and St. Margaret’s Islands, this beach is a favorite among holidaymakers and dog owners.
Location and Accessibility
Tenby South Beach is located in Tenby, Pembrokeshire, with the postcode SA70 7EG. An alternative postcode, SA70 7DU, is also associated with the beach. Its OS grid reference is SS 1321 9997, aiding precise navigation.
The beach is within walking distance of Tenby’s town centre, making it easily accessible. Access is facilitated by a slipway, with disabled access available at the northern side.
Beach Features and Natural Beauty
Tenby South Beach stretches for a mile and a half, backed by soft sand dunes, from St. Catherine’s Island to Giltar Point, with a gently sloping expanse of clean golden sand extending to Penally in the east.
At low tide, it joins Tenby Castle Beach to the west, revealing a huge stretch of sand ideal for beach games and sandcastles. At high tide, a large expanse of beach remains for enjoyment.The sand shelves gently into clear, calm seas with no rocks or deep ledges, making swimming safe.
The beach is shielded by cliffs and the natural curve of the coastline, protecting it from fresh Welsh winds.Views from the beach include Caldey Island and St. Margaret’s Islands in the distance.
Facilities and Amenities
Tenby South Beach offers a range of amenities, including toilets, a cafe/restaurant, a shop, a first aid point, and disabled facilities. The Beach Box Cafe, located on the edge of the car park, serves drinks, snacks, and ice creams.
Salty’s Beach Bar & Restaurant, next to the car park, offers meals from breakfast to dinner, with an outside seating area popular for drinks and meals overlooking the beach. Salty’s Shack, a small kiosk next to the restaurant, provides drinks, snacks, and ice creams.
The South Beach Shack serves sandwiches and ice creams, and an ice cream van operates during the summer season from June to September. Deckchair and sunbed hire is available from June to September, enhancing relaxation options.
Activities and Attractions
Tenby South Beach is ideal for family-oriented activities, with ample space for ball games and sandcastle building, especially at low tide. Popular water activities include swimming, kayaking, canoeing, bodyboarding, sailing, windsurfing, and surfing, with calm summer seas suited for leisurely pursuits and rougher winter seas favoring surfers.
Sunbathing is a favorite activity, enhanced by the scenic views of Caldey and St. Margaret’s Islands. The beach’s proximity to Tenby allows easy access to Tenby Harbour for sea fishing trips, Caldey Island trips, or purchasing fresh seafood.
Visitors can stroll to Tenby Castle Beach at low tide to watch the Caldey ferry or sightsee St. Catherine’s Island, or explore Tenby Harbour Beach for iconic views of moored boats and Tenby North Beach, known for hosting the swim legs of the Long Course Weekend and Ironman Wales.
Events
The car park at Tenby South Beach hosts the Pembrokeshire Street Food Festival, a weekend-long event in June celebrating local and Welsh street food, including milkshakes, tacos, ice creams, and pies.
This relatively new addition to the Pembrokeshire events calendar attracts foodies for its diverse offerings.
Safety and Regulations
A seasonal lifeguard service operates at Tenby South Beach from 10:00 to 18:00, covering April 19–22, 2019, weekends and Bank Holidays from May 4 to May 19, and daily from May 25 to September 1, ensuring family safety.
Dog restrictions apply to the beach below the cliffs, east of the beach car park/café, from May 1 to September 30, but dogs are allowed at the far end of the beach year-round, though no dog bins are provided. The beach’s water quality is highly rated, contributing to its Blue Flag and Marine Conservation Society Recommended status.
Awards and Recognitions
Tenby South Beach is regularly awarded the Blue Flag Award for its clean and quality landscape.,It is also recommended by the Marine Conservation Society, recognizing its environmental standards.
Dog-Friendly Features
Tenby South Beach is a favorite among dog owners, as it has fewer summer dog restrictions compared to other Tenby beaches, with dogs allowed at the far end year-round.
Historical and Cultural Significance
Tenby South Beach is part of Tenby, a popular cobbled resort town known for its vibrant seaside culture and four distinct beaches, including Castle Beach, Harbour Beach, and North Beach. Its proximity to St. Catherine’s Island and the historic Tenby Harbour enhances its cultural appeal.
Accommodation
Tenby offers a vast array of holiday cottages and sea-view apartments, such as those at Harbour Heights, ideal for getaways at any time of year.
Conclusion
Tenby South Beach is a premier Pembrokeshire destination, offering a two-mile stretch of soft golden sand, calm waters, and family-friendly amenities within walking distance of Tenby’s cobbled resort town. Its Blue Flag status, vibrant Pembrokeshire Street Food Festival, and activities like kayaking, surfing, and sandcastle building make it a haven for holidaymakers.
With dog-friendly policies, lifeguard patrols, and stunning views of Caldey and St. Margaret’s Islands, Tenby South Beach promises an unforgettable coastal experience for all ages.