UK’s best seaside town in autumn with cosy cafes and £50 rooms | UK | Travel
Portia loves visiting seaside this UK town in Autumn (Image: Portia Jones)
Just because the summer season has ended, it doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy sandy beaches and charming seaside towns. The UK’s coastlines are among the most stunning in the world and can be appreciated all year round – particularly during autumn when you can explore the coastal path and indulge in hot chocolates at cosy beachside cafes.
Senior Journalist, Portia Jones, admitted that autumn is her preferred time to visit the seaside towns of Wales as it tends to be quieter, and accommodation could potentially be cheaper (especially if you manage to secure a fantastic deal). She shared: “Tenby, widely regarded as one of the best seaside towns in Wales, is one of my favourite destinations during the off-peak season.”
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Tenby’s cluster of tiny streets and pastel-coloured buildings hide its best restaurants and cafes down the narrowest of alleys. (Image: Portia Jones)
With beautiful beaches just a short walk from the bustling town centre, quaint cobbled streets that could compete with those in Italy or the French Riviera, and a collection of striking, brightly-coloured houses that many British towns would envy, it’s hardly surprising that this coastal gem consistently ranks as one of the “best” seaside towns in the entire UK.
Known as the ‘jewel in the crown’ of the ‘Welsh Riviera’, Tenby has long been a popular tourist destination and is one of the most beloved seaside towns in Wales. Here, you’ll discover a picturesque harbour, Victorian architecture, sandy beaches, independent cafes and scenic coastal walks along the enchanting shoreline, reports Wales Online.
Venturing beyond its historic 13th-century walls, you’ll be met with sun-kissed beaches and dramatic cliffside views over the sea towards the captivating Caldey Island. Portia shared: “I have visited Tenby many, many times over the years, from childhood holidays to grown-up escapes with friends and my significant other, and I love it a bit more with each visit.
“While summer is perfect for sea swimming and long wine-filled afternoons on sun-trap pub terraces, I have come to appreciate Tenby more in autumn. Sure, the weather might not be as sunny, but this is Wales. Frankly, you can have a torrential downpour in August and a mini-heatwave in late September.
“It’s completely unpredictable, so you may as well chance a cheaper autumn visit and hope the weather gods smile upon you. I love that if you visit Tenby during the week, say, mid-October, you can escape the crowds and wander the pretty streets and sandy beaches in relative peace.
Tenby, widely considered one of Wales’ best seaside towns, is one of my favourite places to visit in the off-season (Image: Getty Images)
“Just wrap up warm, buy a hot chocolate, and watch the waves roll in from a chilled-out seaside cafe. Lush.”
She continued: “Accommodation-wise I’ve found that you can get some pretty good deals in the off-season – especially if you visit midweek rather than at a weekend. One of my favourite spots is YHA Manorbier – a very affordable stay that’s a short drive from the town centre.”
This budget-friendly hostel, located in a former military facility, offers glamping and camping facilities and charges less than £50 for a private en suite room for two (YHA members pay even less). Accommodation options include reasonably priced private rooms, unique American Airstreams, adorable camping pods, and pitch-up camping.
Portia typically reserves a spotless private en suite room for merely £45 for two guests, and as a YHA member, she receives an additional 10% discount. Admittedly, the private rooms may have restricted space for substantial luggage, which estate agents might describe as “bijou” and ordinary folk might term “compact.”
Nevertheless, for just over £20 each, it represents exceptional value – particularly in the costly Pembrokeshire region.
YHA Manorbier has become my favourite budget stay in Wales (Image: YHA)
Portia noted: “Let’s be honest; you’re not checking into a YHA expecting a concierge, Egyptian cotton sheets, and a robe monogrammed with your initials. You’re here for the vibes. A community-spirited atmosphere fostered by shared kitchens, mismatched mugs, and conversations over wine in the lounge.”
Fancy staying nearer to the town centre? Explore autumn offers on Booking.com and secure a hotel for approximately £75 for two adults. The Premier Inn Tenby Town Centre establishment costs merely £68 per night for two in October and provides a comfortable base right in the heart of all the excitement.
There are still loads to enjoy in Tenby once the hectic summer period has concluded. You can march along the coastal path, sample craft beers in local pubs, explore independent shops, and collect all your festive presents.
Tenby boasts several golden beaches where you can take a bracing autumn sea plunge if you’re feeling courageous or sip hot chocolate whilst gazing over the windswept coastline. South Beach, a dune-backed sandy beach near the town centre, boasts the prestigious Blue Flag status.
For dining options, Salty’s Beach Bar and Restaurant, located directly on the beach, is worth a visit. Castle Beach, just a stone’s throw from the town centre, was named the UK’s best beach in 2019 and currently holds an impressive 4.8 out of five rating on Google.
I am a huge history buff, and a large part of my travels is a desire to learn more about medieval and ancient history. With four beaches to its name, stunning views atop its hills, the pastel coloured buildings that adorn the city and medieval city and castle walls that still remain — going to Tenby had been on my list for over two years now.So when a Sunny weekend finally graced West Wales at the start of this month on St David’s day, I did not think twice before booking a ticket for one of the country’s best known seaside towns. As mentioned earlier, I went mainly for the history, but it was Tenby’s beauty instead that leaves you smitten.As soon as I got off the train and made my way into the town, the slew of houses and buildings coloured vibrant pastel colours set the scene for what was to come. It was when I reached the High Street when the real magic started to happen.Caption: A panoramic view of the Castle Beach as seen from the Castle Hill (Image: Shaurya Shaurya)
North Beach, located in Pembrokeshire, has previously been voted the most photogenic beach in the UK, surpassing other stunning locations such as Durdle Door in Dorset and Brighton seafront.
Harbour Beach may be the smallest, but it offers a picturesque backdrop of colourful houses, bobbing boats, and a road leading back to the town centre.
Autumn is an ideal time to explore the Tenby Coast Path. This scenic section of the larger Pembrokeshire Coast Path provides breathtaking views of Tenby’s vibrant harbour, Caldey Island, and St Catherine’s Island.
Popular routes include the four-mile walk to Saundersfoot, a moderate nine-mile loop returning inland, and a challenging 10.9-mile point-to-point path to Freshwater East.
If the weather turns sour, consider a visit to Tenby Museum and Art Gallery, the oldest independent museum in Wales. Established in 1878, this vintage museum boasts a diverse collection of local geology, biology, archaeology, and maritime artefacts to discover.
You can still get blue skies in September! (Image: Portia Jones)
Many of the exhibits also relate to the culture and heritage of South Pembrokeshire, offering you a glimpse into local history and art. A quaint gift shop near the entrance sells local books and gift items.
The museum’s admission price is £6.50 for adults and £3.50 for children. It also operates a reusable ticket scheme – all tickets can be used for one year after purchase so you can make as many return visits as you like within that time at no additional charge.
There are two local breweries in Tenby for Welsh tipples. Both produce quality beers and supply local bars and restaurants. Tenby Brewing Co., which took over from Preseli Brewery, has multiple stockists in Tenby and is one of the leading craft breweries in Wales.
The award-winning brewery was born when two friends decided (over a pint) to quit the rat race and start their own brewery. The Yard is their trendy venue here at the brewery with a 150 capacity and an exciting rotating food offering from fantastic pop-up food vendors, draft beer lines from their range, and some of their favourite brewers.
The newer brewery on the scene, Harbwr, is a craft brewery and taproom that brews a range of cask and bottled ales just above Tenby harbour. Food-wise Tenby’s cluster of tiny streets and pastel-coloured buildings hides its best restaurants and cafes down the narrowest of alleys.
Tenby has the most photogenic harbour (Image: Portia Jones)
Plantagenet House is a hidden gem, boasting flagstone floors, exposed beams, and a 40ft medieval Flemish chimney. If you’re quick enough to book, you might even secure a table by the fireplace.
“A recommended dish is their vegan Thai coconut curry, which features squash, chargrilled spring onion, spiced rice, and roasted almonds,” said Portia.
Links restaurant, situated on the ground floor of Tenby Golf Club, offers Michelin-starred dining, making it an excellent choice for food enthusiasts visiting Pembrokeshire.
The menu, curated by a skilled local chef, focuses on simple yet incredibly delicious dishes made with top-quality Welsh produce. Kick off your meal with their freshly-baked ale bread served with whipped Marmite butter – believe me, it’s the perfect starter.
The atmosphere strikes a balance between relaxed and refined, and the menu perfectly blends unpretentious and exciting. From hot smoked salmon with cucumber and buttermilk to heritage tomatoes paired with buffalo mozzarella, there’s something to tantalise every taste bud.
For sweet treats, pop into Môr Tenby, a swish family-run coffee shop and gift sho (Image: Portia Jones)
For the main course, savour locally-sourced delights like Pembrokeshire beef or Cornish cod in a bisque sauce, or indulge in a tender rump of Welsh lamb served with all the right accompaniments.
And make sure to leave room for dessert – whether it’s a rich dark chocolate fondant with tarragon ice cream or a tangy lemon meringue with almond cake and blueberry sorbet, you won’t leave unsatisfied.
D. Fecci and Sons may just serve the best fish and chips in Wales, having catered to both locals and tourists since 1935. With potatoes cultivated locally in Pembrokeshire and groundnut oil creating wonderfully crisp haddock, cod, and calamari, the chippy also offers fresh mackerel during summer months.
For delectable treats, visit Môr Tenby, an elegant family-operated coffee house and gift boutique selling their signature coffee blend (“Coffi Môr”), confectionery items, delicatessen goods, home scents, household items, presents, and Welsh specialities.
The Links delivers an experience that feels both personal and polished (Image: The Links Tenby)
A cherished establishment in Tenby, Top Joe’s remains the premier destination for pizza enthusiasts. This former ’60s eatery has evolved into an artisanal pizzeria offering freshly-prepared pizza, pasta, and salads featuring premium Italian components.
Situated in the centre of this charming seaside town, it’s a steadfast favourite amongst residents and tourists alike.
Chef Giovanni Recchia, recently recognised as among the world’s finest at the Pizza World Championships, contributes his skill to the offerings.
He creates pizzas utilising locally-ground flour and exceptional ingredients, including cured meats from Trealy Farm Charcuterie.
