Day trip ideas from Tenby for your clients

These suggestions are generally suitable for FITs and groups but we have noted if any are not applicable. We have also included coach parking information where relevant.

Coach parking information for Tenby, Pembroke and St Davids.

Tenby has one of the iconic views in Wales - the fishing boats by the harbour with grand Georgian pastel coloured buildings as a backdrop. The medieval town is located on the Pembrokeshire coast, the only coastal national park in Britain. It became popular as a tourist resort in the 18th and 19th century and is still popular today. There are even three beaches and one of these, Castle Beach, was named best beach in Britain in 2019 by the UK publication The Times. Visitors can explore the narrow streets of the town with its many shops, pubs, cafés and restaurants. Guided Tours Wales offer themed walks including a ghost walk delivered by a Blue Badge Tourist Guide. Brewery tours can be arranged by prior appointment at Harbwr for groups of up to 40 people.

Tenby Boat Trips provide a range of adventures out at sea including seal watching and rib rides. The island ranger carries a maximum of 90 passengers, the seal Safari 23 passengers and the Topaz 12 passengers. You can charter a boat for private groups (maximum 12 passengers).

Caldey Island is a holy island inhabited by Cistercian monks. Tickets for trips to the island can be purchased from Tenby Harbour from Easter to October and depart every 20-30min. The final crossing departs 2hr prior to final boat leaving the island. Crossing time is around 20min. This is more suitable for FITs.

The Tenby Coaster is a great way to travel between Tenby and Saundersfoot. Clients can hop on and hop off along the route all day, seven days a week. It operates from April to mid September. Visitors to Saundersfoot can explore its coal industry heritage at the Welcome and Heritage Centre. 

Aberglasney Gardens is known as the ‘Garden Lost in Time’ and this historic garden is located near Llanarthne in Carmarthenshire. There are 10 acres of gardens including the Cloister Garden, Asiatic Garden, The Alpinum Garden, Upper and Lower Walled Gardens, The Pool Garden and the 18th century Yew Tunnel. Your clients can visit the ground floor of the grade II listed mansion. There is also a café available on-site. Coach parking is available and the driver gets free entry and a meal voucher. 

The Stackpole Estate has a Grade 1 listed landscape and the parkland was created by The Cawdor Family that surrounded their home. Although Stackpole Court was demolished there is still plenty to explore. Bosherton Lily Ponds are a focal point to the grounds and famous for the annual display of waterlilies. These man-made ponds are supplied by an underground reservoir and are a haven for wildlife watching – look out for the otters! Nearby is Lodge Park Woods that also has a summer house, walled garden and ice house. There are many paths and as they are mainly flat are accessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs. There is limited coach parking at the Stackpole Centre for £20 per day and visitors can walk to Bosherton Lily Ponds from there (from the Centre to the lily pond part of the lakes is about 2/3 of a mile along a reasonably flat path that follows the lakes). Another option is to drop off your passengers, and then park up at St Govans (a free National Parks car park) which is just 10 minutes drive away. The Boathouse Tearooms at Stackpole Quay can accommodate groups, enquire directly on +44 (0)1646 672687.

Carew Castle overlooks a 23 acre millpond, it is architecturally diverse with a Norman fortress on one side and an impressive Elizabethan mansion on the other. Your clients will also find the only restored Tidal Mill in Wales, an 11th century Celtic cross and a medieval bridge. There is a lovely mile-long circular walk around the site. Coach parking is available. Coach parking is available.

Nest, the tea room in the Walled Garden, is named after Princess Nest, one of the castle’s most famous residents. There is also a gift shop on-site. The tea room can cater for groups. Note that there is seating for approximately 25 indoors but there is plenty of outdoor seating, some sheltered. Your clients can visit the tea room without purchasing a ticket for the castle.

Colby Woodland Garden is located in a ‘secret’ valley. It has an industrial past, but today is known for the colourful flowers throughout the year including rhododendrons camellias, azaleas, and summer hydrangeas as well as the woodland walks and wildflower meadow. There is a cafe and bookshop on-site. Self-directed groups are welcome. Coaches need to book in advance. Please call +44 (0)1834 811885 (option 2). Note that access and roads are not suitable for coaches larger than 12 metres. For group booking at the cafe Bothytearoom@outlook.com 

Laugharne was home to the famous Welsh poet, Dylan Thomas and more recently was a big feature of the BBC drama series, 'Keeping Faith', starring Eve Myles. It is dominated by the picturesque Laugharne Castle ruin with stunning views of the Tâf Estuary and the Gower Peninsula in the distance. Dylan Thomas wrote much of his work, including the play 'Under Milk Wood' here. Visitors can see the Dylan Thomas Boathouse and writing shed which is now a museum and shop and the tea room serves snacks and light lunches with limited seating that overlooks the estuary. Coaches can drop off next to the car park by the estuary and park in St Martin’s Church car park. Group rates are available. For more on Dylan Thomas see our three day itinerary exploring locations associated with the poet, In the footsteps of Dylan Thomas.

Llys-y-Frân Lake is located near the foot of the Preseli Hills and is the perfect place to visit for a day of adventure whether it be on land or water. A range of watersports can be enjoyed on the lake, including canoeing, fishing, kayaking, supervised open water swimming, sailing and stand up paddleboarding and pedalboarding. On land, there are walking trails and 8.7 miles (14 km) of mountain biking trails including the Pump Skills Track. Learn how to fire a crossbow, throw an axe or knife or have a go at archery. The Outdoor Activity Centre and Waterside Cabin has changing facilities and cycle hire. There is a visitor centre, café and toilets on-site. Coach parking is available and the cafe welcomes groups. It is advisable to book in advance.

Melin Tregwynt is a working mill and has been owned by the same family since 1912. Located in a wooded valley between St Davids and Fishguard, this ‘white washed’ woollen mill stocks a wide range of products made from the unique Melin Tregwynt fabric woven in the mill. Items include blankets, throws, cushions, gifts, clothing and accessories. Visitors can see the mill working Monday to Friday. The on-site café serves refreshments using local produce. Not suitable for groups.

Travelling inland is the little market town of Narberth. Its high street has been named one of the best in the UK and is lined by pretty pastel coloured buildings. There are many independent shops, antique shops, galleries cafes and restaurants for your clients to visit. For the history and culture seekers, there’s Narberth Museum, Narberth Independent Bookshop and castle (which is only visible from the roadside). There is no coach parking available in Narberth.

In Llanarthne your clients can discover the National Botanic Garden of Wales with its impressive great glasshouse, the world’s largest single span glass structure. It is set in 600 acres of 18th century parkland with exotic flowers, lakes and waterfalls. It is also home to The British Bird of Prey Centre with 20 native birds of prey, including falcons, hawks, eagles, kites and buzzards. It offers daily flying and hands-on experiences. The centre also offers a unique flying experience with three of the UK's largest birds of prey. Eagle Experience Wales will give clients 1hr 45mins of private handling and flying with a falconer. There are a number of trails and apps available to help your clients make the most of their visit. Coach parking is available and the driver and tour guide get free entry and a meal voucher. A group discount is available for 10 or more.

Just a 30 minute drive from Tenby is Pembroke Castle, Henry Tudor’s birthplace (the first Tudor King of England). The castle is dominated by a five storey central keep which stands at 80 feet high with great views of Pembroke from the top. Not to be missed is the Wogan’s Cavern, a subterranean cave under the castle. If your clients count the number of steps to reach the cave the number when climbing back up is never the same! One of the few remaining medieval gaols can still be seen inside the dungeon tower. It offers daily guided tours, is dog friendly and has a gift shop and café. A group discount is available for 20 or more and guided tours for groups are offered at a fee (maximum 25).

Tenby is located in Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, the only coastal national park in the UK. The coast path stretches 186 miles (299 km) from St Dogmaels to Amroth. It’s perfect for walking, wildlife spotting, taking in the spectacular scenery and there’s plenty of varied attractions, historic sites and places to eat along the way. The website features over 200 circular web walks including easy access, gentle strolls and half day routes. The more adventurous may prefer to walk the whole of the path and afterwards, with the ascents and descents they will have climbed the equivalent of Mount Everest (without the altitude sickness!) or perhaps simply find a favourite beach to relax and enjoy. There is also a useful fact sheet and frequently asked questions to help plan your client’s visit.

Pendine Sands, a beautiful seven mile stretch of sandy beach overlooking Carmarthen Bay. The flat beach was made famous in the 1900s by a series of car and motorbike races, including record breaking attempts including Sir Malcolm Campbell and Welshman J G Parry-Thomas in his car named Babs. Visit the new modern state-of-the-art Museum of Land Speed for an interactive experience of this historic occasion. Clients will also be able to see exhibits including Babs and a collection of motorbikes. They offer a multi-site ticket that will give individuals entry to both the Museum of Land Speed and the Dylan Thomas Boathouse in Laugharne. Coach parking is available near the museum, enquire directly. A a 10% discount for groups is offered for four or more people. 

St Davids is the smallest city in Great Britain, it’s more like a lively village than a city. There are many craft shops, galleries, cafés and restaurants to visit. In medieval times, two pilgrimages to St Davids was the equivalent to one to Rome and three was the equivalent to a pilgrimage to the Holy Land illustrating the historic importance of the city. It got its name from Saint David, the patron saint of Wales and his shrine can be found in St Davids Cathedral.

Next to the cathedral is St Davids Bishop’s Palace, a ruined medieval palace with lots hideaways to explore with an exhibition where the story boards brings it to life. There is a gift shop on-site. This is a Cadw site and Travel Trade rates are available - Cadw’s Tour Operator Scheme.

Visit MamGu Welshcakes located in the ruins of St Marys Chapel  within the cathedral for refreshments. They currently don't take bookings but can cater for private groups. 

Oriel y Parc is the national park’s visitor centre. It also has exhibitions by local artists and the National Museum Wales. It is a good place for your clients to plan walks along the coast path. There is a gift shop selling books, prints and local crafts, a café and parking with links to the coastal bus services.  Coach parking is available here. 

A number of companies run offshore island boat trips from St Davids such as Voyages of Discovery and Thousand Island Expeditions offering an opportunity for you clients to get close to sea life and look out for seals, porpoises, dolphins, puffins and gannets and of course great views of the coastline. Maximum number per boat is 12.

The more adventurous can try out coasteering, which was invented in Wales, with Celtic Quest Coasteering or TYF Adventure. They also offer a range of other adventure activities.

For more ideas about days out in the area go to Visit Pembrokeshire and Discover Carmarthenshire.

For more inspiration visit the Celtic Routes website, a new way to discover West Wales and Ireland’s Ancient East, highlighting local culture, heritage and natural environment.

Exploring the outdoors is fantastic fun, but please ensure that your clients read up on the risks and make sure they are prepared.

• find safety advice for exploring Wales' National Parks and RNLI's safety tips for staying safe on the Welsh coast on the Visit Wales website;
• visit AdventureSmart.uk for information on how to stay safe whilst exploring Wales.