Visited August 2010

Location	Tenby, Pembrokeshire
Entrance Fee	No
Railway Station	Tenby Station approx 1/2 mile
Parking	Yes
Facilities	Various Facilities in the Town
Map

Review

There is not much left of Tenby Castle itself, a single solitary tower sits on the hill top, from where there is a good view over to St Catherine's Fort, which can also be visited. Halfway down the hill  you will see the original castle entrance and the barbican.

The ruins date back to the twelfth century, when the Normans were asserting their power in Wales. The castle was built on the highest point in the town, and would have been surrounded by a curtain wall, fragments of which survive today. The castle was sacked at least three times by the Welsh, Tenby was strategically important so control of it was essential. By the fourteenth century the need for a castle in the area had diminished, ironically because the town walls were now providing the necessary defence of the town.

Nearby is the museum- which is housed in a building built on top of the great hall. The museum is certainly worth a visit. Also on Castle Hill is a bandstand, and a pleasant circular walk which takes the route of the original curtain wall.

Tenby Town walls are as impressive as they are well-preserved. Built to defend the town, they survive in almost all their glory. They were built in the thirteenth century and constantly updated until the Elizabethan period when the Five Arches Gate was added amidst fears of a Spanish invasion. This was the final gate to be built and  the only one to survive today, although there are six surviving towers.

We followed the walls along Florence Parade to the sea-front, then took a walk onto the beach, the town walls continue along the sea-front but they are mostly incorporated into the walls of private residences at this point. Tenby is a pleasant seaside town with many facilities and fabulous beaches which are ideal for children.

More info:  Tenby Castle