How to spend 48 hours in Tenby

With picturesque beaches just a short stroll from the lively town centre, quaint cobbled streets that rival those in Italy or the French Riviera, and a collection of brightly coloured houses that many towns across Britain would envy, it's hardly surprising this coastal jewel consistently tops the list of the best seaside towns in the UK, says Portia Jones

- says Portia Jones

THE "jewel in the crown" of the "Welsh Riviera", Tenby has long been a tourist hotspot and is one of Wales' most popular seaside towns. Here, you'll find a picturesque harbour, Victorian houses, sandy beaches, independent cafes and coastal walks along the charming shorelines. Here's my guide to having a lush weekend in Tenby...

WHAT TO DO IN TENBY

Stepping beyond its historic 13th-century walls, you'll be greeted by sun-drenched beaches and dramatic cliffside vistas over the sea towards the mesmerising Caldey Island.

Tenby also has a vibrant food and pub scene, its very own brewery, and enchanting cobbled lanes where one can enjoy a pint or sample local treats.

There are plenty of independent shops to keep you occupied - it's definitely worth taking a look around Tenby High Street and St Julian's Street to find a decent selection of shops.

You'll also find plenty of local walks, sandy beaches and lots of foodie options that feature the very best of Pembrokeshire produce.

THE HISTORY OF TENBY

The colourful town has a long timeline stretching back to the Iron Age, and began to develop after the Norman Conquest, when the county was invaded and colonised, in around 1093. A surprising amount of the imposing medieval castle walls, built by the Pembrokeshire Earls in 1264 to fortify the town from Welsh rebellion, have survived intact to the present day.

According to Coflein, Tenby was a major merchant and shipping town up to the Elizabethan period, but fell into decay after the English Civil War, due to its remoteness and a dramatic population decline after a plague outbreak.