Castle Beach Tenby
A charming, clean sandy beach below Tenby's Castle Hill, offering stunning views and access to St. Catherine's Island at low tide.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Unlocks beach walks & island access
Castle Beach Tenby
Best Time
Unlocks beach walks & island access
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming, clean sandy beach below Tenby's Castle Hill, offering stunning views and access to St. Catherine's Island at low tide.
"A simply beautiful beach! Beautiful sand like silk."
Check Tide Times 🌊
Essential for exploring St. Catherine's Island and walking to South Beach. Don't get caught out!
Lifeguard Service 👁
Seasonal lifeguards ensure safety. Swim between the red and yellow flags for the best protection.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Castle Beach Sands
Tenby
Silky smooth sand perfect for relaxing or building sandcastles, especially when the tide is out.
St. Catherine's Island Views
Off Castle Beach
Explore this tidal island and its historic fort for panoramic views of the coastline.
Coastal Path Access
Adjacent to Castle Beach
Connects to the Pembrokeshire Coast Path for stunning scenic walks and exploration.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Tides and Safety First
Pack for All Weathers
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Tide Times 🌊
Essential for exploring St. Catherine's Island and walking to South Beach. Don't get caught out!
Lifeguard Service 👁
Seasonal lifeguards ensure safety. Swim between the red and yellow flags for the best protection.
Toilets & Cafe 🍱
Public toilets (40p) and a cafe are conveniently located near the beach.
Dog-Friendly 🐶
Dogs are welcome, but check local restrictions during peak season.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Tide Times 🌊
Essential for exploring St. Catherine's Island and walking to South Beach. Don't get caught out!
Lifeguard Service 👁
Seasonal lifeguards ensure safety. Swim between the red and yellow flags for the best protection.
Toilets & Cafe 🍱
Public toilets (40p) and a cafe are conveniently located near the beach.
Dog-Friendly 🐶
Dogs are welcome, but check local restrictions during peak season.
Wear Sturdy Shoes 🥾
For exploring rocky areas and the coastal path, comfortable footwear is a must.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Castle Beach for its beautiful, clean sand and picturesque setting, often comparing it favorably to Mediterranean beaches. The convenience of nearby amenities like cafes and toilets, along with seasonal lifeguards, enhances the experience. Some note the 40p charge for public toilets and the need to check tide times for full exploration.
"Clean sandy beach, with toilets nearby and clearly labeled signs for safety. Was decent empty the day I was here, due to the wind and occasional rain. A few visitors with dogs taking in the views. Beautiful location and surrounded by cliffs and gardens all around."
Alyssa Becker
"Lovely beach, nice sand, plenty of places to explore when the tide is out and clean water. Toilets are 40p behind the beach, so bear that in mind. Very photogenic location and when the tide is out you can walk the beach for miles in either direction."
Kevin Arscott (The Walking Kev)
"A simply beautiful beach! Beautiful sand like silk. There is a nice cafe next to the beach with a beautiful sea view."
I colburn
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Castle Beach is easily accessible on foot from Tenby town center. It's located below Castle Hill and near the Tenby Museum & Art Gallery. Parking is available in Tenby town, with a short walk down to the beach. 
While there's no direct parking at Castle Beach, several car parks are available in Tenby town, a short walk away. Be prepared for a walk down to the beach itself.
Yes, Castle Beach is a short and scenic walk from Tenby town center, making it very accessible for visitors staying in the town.
Access to the beach itself can be challenging due to sand and steps. However, the promenade above the beach offers accessible viewpoints.
Tenby is well-connected by train, with a station in the town. Driving is also an option, with various car parks available.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Castle Beach is a public beach and there is no entrance fee to access it.
Castle Beach is accessible at all times, but its usability is dependent on the tide. The seasonal lifeguard service has specific operating hours.
No booking is required for Castle Beach. It's a natural beach open to the public.
Public toilets are available near the beach and have a small charge of 40p, payable by cash or card.
St. Catherine's Island is a tidal island and is only accessible by walking across the beach during low tide.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Relax on the sandy shores, explore the rock pools at low tide, walk to South Beach, or visit nearby St. Catherine's Island. It's also a great spot for photography.
Yes, Castle Beach is known for its placid waters, making it suitable for swimming, especially when lifeguards are on duty.
When the tide is out, Castle Beach connects directly to South Beach, allowing for a long and scenic beachfront walk.
Dogs are generally allowed on Castle Beach, but it's always wise to check local signage for any seasonal restrictions.
Be aware of strong rip currents near St. Catherine's Island and the risk of tidal cut-offs. Always swim between the lifeguard flags.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there's a cafe located next to the beach serving ice creams, drinks, and food with a beautiful sea view.
The cafe offers essentials like ice creams, drinks, and light meals, perfect for a beach day.
Picnics are welcome at Castle Beach, allowing you to enjoy your own food with the scenic backdrop.
Tenby town has a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, and pubs offering diverse culinary options.
The cafe operates independently, and prices for food and drinks will vary.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the beach at low tide, the iconic St. Catherine's Island, the Tenby Harbour, and the surrounding cliffs. Sunrises and sunsets are particularly stunning.
Early mornings for sunrise and late afternoons for sunset offer beautiful light. Low tide provides the most interesting beach landscape.
Yes, St. Catherine's Island and its fort are very photogenic, especially when viewed from Castle Beach.
Generally, photography is permitted for personal use. Be mindful of other visitors and any private property.
The combination of golden sand, the historic island, dramatic cliffs, and the charming town of Tenby makes it a photographer's delight.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The convenience of a nearby cafe for snacks and the ability to explore rock pools at low tide add to the family-friendly appeal. Remember to check tide times to maximize beach exploration and be mindful of the steps leading down to the sand. Tenby itself offers a charming and engaging environment for families, with attractions beyond the beach. The town's character and the surrounding natural beauty make it a well-rounded destination for a family holiday.
🚶♀️ Walkers and Hikers
You can enjoy leisurely strolls along the shore, taking in the sea air and the stunning coastal scenery. From Castle Beach, you can easily join the Coast Path for more challenging hikes with breathtaking views. The path winds along dramatic cliffs, offering panoramic vistas of the coastline and the Bristol Channel. Remember to wear sturdy footwear, as the terrain can be uneven, and always be prepared for changing weather conditions.
📸 Photographers
+1 The beach is particularly beautiful during sunrise and sunset, when the light creates a magical atmosphere. Don't miss the chance to capture the unique perspective of St. Catherine's Island accessible only at low tide. Consider visiting during different tide levels to experience the beach's transformation. The charming Tenby Harbour nearby also offers excellent photographic potential, complementing the coastal scenes.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Tides and Safety
+1Safety is paramount at Castle Beach. While the waters are often placid, strong rip currents can be a concern, particularly around St. Catherine's Island. The RNLI lifeguards, present seasonally, are there to ensure your safety. It's vital to swim between the red and yellow flags and heed any warnings. Be aware of the potential for tidal cut-offs between Castle Beach and South Beach, reinforcing the need to check tide times.
Beyond the immediate beach, the Pembrokeshire Coast Path is easily accessible from Castle Beach, offering breathtaking views and further exploration opportunities for hikers.
+1Family Fun and Accessibility
When the tide is out, the beach expands, providing ample space for kids to run around and explore. The nearby cafe offers convenient access to snacks and refreshments, making it easy to keep little ones happy. While the beach itself is sandy, access points and the walk down can involve steps, so it's worth considering for families with very young children or those with mobility challenges. However, the promenade above the beach offers lovely views and is more accessible.
+1Tenby town itself is also very family-friendly, with plenty of attractions and amenities to complement a day at the beach. The charming atmosphere and the variety of activities make it a well-rounded family holiday destination.
Photography Paradise
+1The surrounding cliffs and the charming Tenby Harbour add to the visual appeal, offering opportunities for landscape and architectural photography. Sunrises and sunsets here are particularly spectacular, casting a warm glow over the beach and sea.
+1 Capturing the interplay of light and shadow on the sand and the island is a rewarding experience for any photographer. For those interested in capturing the essence of the Pembrokeshire coast, Castle Beach provides a perfect starting point. The connection to the Pembrokeshire Coast Path also offers elevated viewpoints for sweeping coastal vistas.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit