Observer Summer Guide 2018


— 4 — — 3 — HOLIDAY GUIDE 2020 WHERE TO GO, WHAT TO DO, WHAT TO SEE IN SOUTH PEMBROKESHIRE


What a view! looking over North Beach you can see past Monkstone Point to Amroth and the long sands of Pendine, Cefn Sidan beach at Pembrey, round to Gower and Worm’s Head; from St. Catherine’s Rock in the foreground to Devon, visible only on the clearest days, and finally Caldey Island with its lighthouse


and the Giltar


peninsular at the end of South Beach.


As you climb up Castle Hill, past seats and grassy slopes towards the tower, take a look at the mosaic mural on the back of the museum, created in 1991 by Jonah Jones, celebrating the sea with literary quotations.


There had been some kind of settlement in Tenby as early as the 9th century, and in the 12th century


there was a castle


which was captured by the Welsh under brothers Maredudd Gruffydd


and Rhys in 1153. After ap the


Norman invasion of Wales, Tenby grew and became a major port. The castle tower and fragments that remain today are Norman, 13th century; they are all that remain after being besieged during the Civil War.


In the 19th century a National School was built into castle remains which in turn became the home of Tenby Museum and Art Gallery, founded in 1878.


It is mostly run by


volunteers. A ticket lasts a year, entitling you to return visits, children can visit for free, as can carers of disabled visitors. Summer opening hours are 10am to 5pm.


Reaching the very top of the hill you can look up above the limestone plinth and admire ‘Prince


beloved consort of Queen Victoria;


Albert the Good’, a


Sicillian marble


statue designed by John Evan Thomas. This Welsh National Memorial was unveiled by Prince Arthur in 1865 and states Anorchfygol Ddraig Cymru - ‘The Dragon of Wales is invincible’.


Like the mural, the bandstand on Castle Hill dates from 1991. It was during Queen Victoria’s Jubilee (1897) that a bandstand was first established here, but that one had been pulled down for metal to help the war effort.


To the harbour side of Castle Hill there are two lifeboat houses, their slipways pointing out to sea. The older of them, the


red-roofed one, whose


slipway is beached at the lowest tides of the year, was built in 1905 and is now a private residence. (Its conversion was featured on the television programme Grand Designs).


The current lifeboat station was built on the site of the long demolished Royal Victoria Pier, which was once popular for angling


passengers of


competitions the


and frequent


paddle steamers plying between Bristol and Tenby. The 230-foot-long


pier had been


built in 1897 and had a royal unveiling in 1899 but eventually fell


into disrepair and was


slowly dismantled between 1946 and 1953.


In addition to the Haydn Miller, Tenby has a D-Class inshore lifeboat, housed near the Quay, below Crackwell Street. The lifeboats


are manned by a


brave volunteer crew; crew and staff number over 40; they performed 32 rescues in 2017.


Strong defences... a castle on the beach and a fort on St. Catherine’s Island! Sandcastle and deckchairs on Castle Beach.


Everyone can have fun in and near the sea, but it is important to respect the power of sea currents, especially near the White Back sandbank, South Beach. Avoid stepping on razor shells or jellyfish, check that you


are not going to get


stranded by the incoming tide. Swim safely between flags and always follow lifeguards’ instructions.


WHERE TO GO, WHAT TO DO, WHAT TO SEE IN SOUTH PEMBROKESHIRE


With four safe, sheltered sandy beaches to choose from, sunny days promise extra pleasure for young and old alike. The evenings are likewise full of life, with many shops and restaurants open late and frequent events such as male voice choir concerts at the town’s churches.


Observer Summer Guide 2020


Each main beach has refreshments, parking and WCs, earning a Blue Flag for water quality, lifeguard assistance and facilities.


Castle Beach is always popular with visitors Tenby Arts Festival


The 2018 Tenby Arts Festival takes place between September 22 – 29.


Prince Albert’s view of Tenby.


Above and below: The present lifeboat station was built in 2006 and houses the Haydn Miller, the first Tamar Class Lifeboat. It is open to visitors and includes a gift shop.


This September Tenby Arts Festival will be in its 27th year and it continues to provide a varied, stimulating and entertaining late summer programme.


If you are


looking to spend a week with great entertainment, and often good weather, than the Arts Festival week is a good week to take off from work, or just come along for a day and enjoy some great entertainment. All of the festival is good value for money, with prices held as low as possible and season tickets are available.


This year’s festival includes a new drama, ‘Heroes without Parachutes; The Swansea City Opera are back by popular demand; Alison Neil will be bringing a new play to the festival


Museum, Castle tower and old coastguard house.


BESIDE THE SEASIDE, BESIDE THE SEA


Whether you’re looking for a relaxing break or celebrating a special occasion we have a warm welcome waiting for you. Our beautiful Victorian Hotel is situated on the Esplanade in Tenby overlooking the stunning views of the South Beach and the monastic Island of Caldey.


Come and relax in our beautiful restaurant over looking the sea towards Caldey. Our Executive Chef and his team are committed to using local Pembrokeshire produce to design a contemporary menu where the freshest of ingredients are simply cooked, making the best use of natural flavours.


Meat and game come from local estates through our vigilant butcher, and the majority of fish direct from the Pembrokeshire coastline.


We are open for lunches and


dinner in the evening, as well as the traditional Sunday Lunch.


Traditional Cream Teas served from 12 - 4pm


The old lifeboat station


Relax in our Cwtch lounge and enjoy a drink with our delicious fish and chips, served against the stunning backdrop of the South Beach, Tenby.


9 Esplanade, Tenby | 01834 842507 | www.giltar-hotel.co.uk North Bay from St Mary’s Church tower


BESIDE THE SEASIDE, BESIDE THE SEA


22 nd Highlights include:


Swansea City Opera | Viv McClean | classical piano | Tenby Male Voice Choir Alison Neil | Phil Okwedy | WWI drama, plus much more


Lots of fascinating talks on subjects such as


The German Resistance, Colette, The Davies Sisters Art Collection, Wines of the world, Quilting, Pembroke Dock Shipbuilding and World Maps.


Festival favourites - The Sandcastle Competition, Pint size plays, Poetry Please, Jazz Brunch, Graham Hadlow Watercolours


A rooftop view of the town looking torwards Penally and Giltar Point. The rear of the Five Arches can just be seen in the middle of the picture.


For more details www.tenbyartsfest.co.uk or phone - 01834 218408


RNLI mascot Stormy Stan who can be found at the lifeboat station - 29 th September 2018


A week long festival of quality entertainment in beautiful surroundings


Looking down on Tenby’s bustling High Street


and the wonderful pianist Viv Mclean will entertain with a classical selection.


Tenby’s own Male Choir will, as usual, attract many visitors to their special festival concert. Talks on many subjects, classic and jazz music, drama, art workshops will all contribute to a balanced and enjoyable week in Tenby this coming September.


More information can be obtained from the website – www.tenbyartsfest.co.uk


A printed brochure will be out in early July and will be available from local businesses and all public libraries in Pembrokeshire. If you would like to request a brochure to be sent to your home or business, the number to phone is 01834 218408.


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