Woodland camping near Tenby, Pembrokeshire

With beautiful Blue Flag beaches and plenty of nearby campgrounds, Tenby is a Pembroke destination for outdoor adventurers and campers in its own right and an ideal base from which to explore the wider South Wales region. With hills and mountains to the east, miles of coastal path to the west, and nearby islands such as St. Catherine’s Island and Caldey Island, visitors are spoilt for choice in Tenby, which is also within driving distance of other Welsh seaside towns such as Manorbier and Saundersfoot. Campers aren’t short on options either, whether you prefer caravanning, en-suite glamping sites with yurts and bell tents, or family-run campgrounds.

Where to go

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, within which the town of Tenby is set, is dotted with family-run campsites and caravan parks offering views over the Irish Sea, as well as upscale glamping options. Plus, birdwatchers, horseback riders, and hikers are well-catered for within the park, which is also a hotspot for water-based activities like surfing and canoeing. If you have the time, you can also walk the length of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.

Cardigan Bay

While Cardigan Bay extends almost the entire length of the West Wales coast, the southern portion—from Aberystwyth down—is easily accessible in under two hours from Tenby. There, walk the southern portion of the Ceredigion Coast Path, enjoy the Blue Flag beaches, or try a wealth of watersports, such as coasteering and canoeing. Whichever stretch of the Bay you choose to explore, you won’t be short on full-service holiday parks complete with hook-ups and wifi, campervan sites, and campgrounds in which to pitch your tent.

Brecon Beacons National Park

Bike the Taff Trail, hike the miles of well-signposted rights of way, and stargaze after dark in the Brecon Beacons National Park, the only International Dark Sky Reserve in Wales. Just over an hour and a half east of Tenby, this national park is home to several family-friendly campsites and caravan parks—ideal during the winter months—that will suit most campers. Plus, enjoy inland water activities such as windsurfing and canoeing on Llangorse Lake.

When to go

Tenby is a pleasant seaside town which enjoys peak beach season during the sunny summer months of May to September. For outdoor pursuits, the cooler spring and autumn months are excellent, as well as quieter and cheaper. However, you should expect rainfall throughout the year, particularly during November, December, and January.

Know before you go

Tenby town centre may be small, but there are plenty of high-quality camp supply stores, such as Trespass and Mountain Warehouse.
St. Catherine’s Island is a tidal island, so access depends on the sea and the season. Check times and dates in advance before planning your visit.
Tenby hosts an annual Iron Man contest in September and a Long Course Weekend in July. During these dates, the town is overrun with visitors so make sure to book accommodation well in advance.
There’s a train station in Tenby although routes from Birmingham, Manchester, and London require at least one change in Swansea.