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.
![](06%20Tenby/T02.jpg)
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Once within the walls, it soon
becomes apparent how
narrow some of the streets are.
![](06%20Tenby/T04.jpg)
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.
![](06%20Tenby/T06.jpg) ![](06%20Tenby/T07.jpg)
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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.
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.
![](06%20Tenby/T09.jpg)
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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.
![](06%20Tenby/T10.jpg)
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.
Or maybe you'll follow William Henry Davies' advice, lean on
the iron railings look out to sea
and enjoy your leisure.
![](06%20Tenby/T12.jpg)
"A poor life this if, full of care, We have no time to
stand and stare".
from "Leisure" by W. H. Davies (1871-1940)
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