The Cotswolds have long held the reputation as one of the most beautiful regions in the UK, famed for idyllic villages such as Bourton-on-the-Water, known as the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’, Bibury with its iconic Arlington Row, and Broadway, celebrated as the ‘Jewel of the Cotswolds’. However, a new contender has emerged to challenge their standing.
Teetering just beyond Gloucestershire and its enchanting villages, the delightful harbour town of Tenby in Wales has been named the ‘most beautiful place in the UK to visit in 2026’ by Time Out. Nestled along the stunning 186-mile Pembrokeshire coastline, Tenby captivates visitors with its pristine golden sands, a picturesque harbour lined with vibrantly painted Georgian and Victorian townhouses, and a thriving independent cultural scene.
Time Out hailed Tenby as a “halcyon dream of the Great British Seaside,” noting its distinctive blue, yellow, and pink waterfront houses and expansive beaches that embrace the town on all sides. The town’s charm is further enhanced by a maze of narrow cobbled streets illuminated by twinkling fairy lights winding throughout the centre, alongside well-preserved medieval walls dating back to the 13th century, regarded among the finest in the UK.
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In warmer months, numerous seafront cafés, bars, and restaurants offer al fresco dining, while traditional fish and chip shops continue to delight visitors, according to Wales Online. Beyond the harbour, pedestrianised lanes-closed to traffic during summer-invite exploration of independent shops and boutiques.
For those wishing to take in the natural splendour, various walking trails showcase the breathtaking coastal scenery. Convivial B&Bs, hotels, and self-catering accommodations provide ideal bases for a seaside getaway.
Time Out also highlighted Tenby’s evolving culinary scene, drawing in visitors particularly during summer. Recommendations include Loafley for freshly made Welsh cakes, The Mews on Upper Frog Street for wine bars and small plates, and The Baytree for local dishes featuring fresh mackerel and lobster.
Tenby’s appeal is not limited to its charming townscape. Its beaches have garnered significant acclaim: Tenby Castle Beach, with its soft golden sands, gentle blue waves, St Catherine’s Island, and historic castle ruins, was previously named ‘UK’s Beach of the Year’ by The Sunday Times. Visitors can walk across the sand to St Catherine’s Island or catch boats to nearby Caldey Island.
Complementing this is Tenby South Beach, the town’s largest beach, recognised with the Blue Flag Award for its clean and scenic shores bordered by rolling sand dunes, offering panoramic views of Caldey Island. Tenby North Beach features a pastel-hued harbour and views of Goscar Rock against crystal-clear waters. Nearby Harbour Beach, a small sandy cove, has frequently been ranked among Europe’s finest.
Visitors continue to praise Tenby for its near-perfect scenery. TripAdvisor testimonials describe it as “the most beautiful seaside town I’ve ever seen worldwide” and “a total gem to come upon”. Some even draw comparisons between Tenby and Mediterranean destinations, with one visitor remarking, “In the summer season, Tenby beach is just like a beach in Spain. Perfect place to visit if you do not want to travel abroad. Everyone should visit Tenby just once in a lifetime.”