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A couple of years ago when we first visited Tenby
I wrote "Many of the Tenby's streets are not really suitable
for today's automobiles....". This is obviously a view
that is shared by the local councillors for this year during
the summer months, all traffic has been banned from within the
town's historic walls between 11am and 5pm. Apparently this has
met with a mixed reception and while I can appreciate the inconvenience
experienced by some people - the disabled in particular - I must
say that for the average holidaymaker and pedestrian it does
make for a much more pleasant and safer environment. In the picture
below the line of parked cars (left) and prohibition notices
(right) fade into insignificance when viewed against the magnificence
of the town wall and the floral displays. Note the use of an
old rowing boat in the flower bed. |
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If you do find the vehicles and notices too much
of a distraction, just roll your mouse over the picture above
to see a cropped version of the same picture.
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Once within the walls, it soon becomes apparent how
narrow some of the streets are. It is very unlikely though, that
visitors unfamiliar with the layout of the town will become lost
in the narrow streets and alleys for the landmark spire in the
town centre of St Mary's Church, the largest parish church in
Wales, is never far from view.
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And in the other direction all roads seem to lead
to the cliff top with views of St Catherine's Island |
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The island was purchased in 1866 by the War Office
with the intention of constructing defences against a possible
attack by Napoleon III. The attack was not forthcoming and the
fort fell into disuse but in the interim period it has been used
as a luxury residence and even a zoo although it now forms only
a picturesque and much photographed ruin. The Welsh name for
Tenby is Dinbych y Pysgod which means Little Fort of the Fishes.
The name for the town was acquired from a poem that described
the area and an Iron Age fort composed about 875AD by the Celtic
bard, Taliesin. |
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Tenby is the anglicised version of Dinbych and today
the holiday resort boasts two popular beaches. The cliff top
on this side of the town provides access by means of a long flight
of steps to the extensive and popular South Beach and those who
choose to spend their holiday in one of the hotels or guest houses
overlooking the beach can make their way down to the terraces
cut in the cliff face to enjoy the views. For the less energetic,
access to the beach is also possible from a car park at sea level.
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If a day on the beach is not your choice there are
a multitude of places to just sit and relax among the plants
and flowers in the public gardens.
 Perhaps you'll contemplate visiting
some of the other historic attractions in the town like the Tudor
Merchants House or a boat trip to Caldey Island (centre left
of the picture below), just three miles off shore, where a group
of Cistercian monks have developed a thriving industry manufacturing
shortbread, chocolate, perfume and toiletries inspired by the
many wild flowers and herbs that grow there.
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Or maybe you'll follow William Henry Davies' advice, lean on
the iron railings look out to sea and enjoy your leisure.
"A poor life this if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare".
from "Leisure" by W. H. Davies (1871-1940) |
