Tenby South Beach

If you’re after a spacious, classic seaside stretch with plenty of room to breathe, Tenby South Beach is a brilliant choice. It’s roughly 2km long, backed by soft dunes, and framed by beautiful coastal scenery.

South Beach is less commercialised than Tenby’s North Beach, but it still offers an excellent family beach. At low tide, you have a massive expanse of beach, but even at high tide, plenty of beach space exists. The beach is one long stretch, but the northern end is Castle Beach at St. Catherine’s Island, and the southern end is Penally Beach at Giltar Point.

What Makes South Beach Special

• Wide, gentle sands: The slope into the sea is gradual, which makes swimming safer and more family-friendly.
• Dune-backed landscape: Gives a sense of space and tranquillity, especially further from the town end.
• Views to Caldey Island: On clear days, you can look out across the water to this historic little island.
• Water sports: The beach is popular for windsurfing, sailing, canoeing, and even beginner windsurfers love the gentle conditions.
• Coastal walking: The Pembrokeshire Coast Path runs near here, so you can combine a beach day with a lovely cliff or dune walk.
• Dog-Friendly: This is the only stretch of Tenby beach available in the summer.

Facilities include toilets (disabled access), lifeguards in the summer and at the northern end, several shops and hire facilities. There’s a Pay & Display car park right behind the north end of the beach (postcode SA70 7EG).

Things to Do Nearby

• Walk part of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path — you can head east toward Giltar Point or west into town.
• Take a boat trip to Caldey Island (depending on tide) — the view from South Beach is a reminder of how close you are.
• Explore Tenby town — cobbled streets, historic walls, café, shops … it’s cosy but full of character.
• Relax in the dunes — bring a book, or lie back and watch the waves.