Tenby is a classic seaside destination and one of the top places to visit in West Wales. There’s no denying that a beach town is best enjoyed under the glorious sun, however, this is Wales and you can’t always rely on such luxuries.
In this guide, I’ve compiled a list of the 11 best things to do in Tenby in the rain so that you can enjoy this popular Welsh town, come rain or shine.
1. Learn About Local History at Tenby Museum & Art Gallery
Although Tenby Museum & Art Gallery looks quite small from the outside, inside this building which is housed near Tenby Castle, you’ll find no fewer than 6 rooms where you can learn about the history of Pembrokeshire, from its geology, archaeology, and natural history right through to it’s social history.
This includes photos and artefacts from some important events in Tenby’s history including when Henry Tudor escaped through the town, how war and plague impacted the area, and how Robert Recorde, a Tenby local, invented the equals sign which is now used across the world.
2. Visit the Lifeboat Station
The Lifeboat Station in Tenby is a modern station that houses two lifeboats. It has a public viewing gallery where you can go and watch the lifeboats launch into the sea. I had never seen a lifeboat launch down a slipway like this before so it was certainly an experience for me.
Even if you don’t see a launch, getting up close to the boat is worthwhile. Apparently, they also offer tours of the boats when they aren’t on call at certain times of year although this wasn’t an option for me.
There is also some information about the history of the station in both written and video format.
3. Explore a Home From the Middle Ages at the Tudor Merchant's House
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Whether it’s raining outside or not, the Tudor Merchant's House is one of the top things to do in Tenby. Owned and managed by the National Trust, this is a typical example of a 15th-century merchant's house.
The three-storey house still has many original features that have stood the test of time, including original roof trusses and garderobe. Inside, it has been designed to look exactly like a house where a merchant and his family would have lived in the middle ages.
This includes the furniture, wall hangings, and ceramics, all of which have been replicated based on other findings in the area dating back to this time.
Keep in mind that you will need to book in advance on the National Trust website and you should try to do this as early as possible because it can get fully booked. If you’re expecting rain during your visit, it would be a good idea to reserve tickets.
4. Shoot Some Arrows at Pembrokeshire Archery
If you fancy something a little more competitive, why not give archery a go? With this experience, you’ll learn how to use a bow and arrow, then take part in some challenges designed to improve your technique.
When the weather is not good, the activity takes place in a large barn so you can stay dry. However, the barn can get quite chilly so you should still wear warm outdoor clothes.
The archery is run by Jon, a professional sports instructor, near Llanteg which is around 15 minutes away from Tenby by car. You can book it via Airbnb experiences here.
5. Make Your Own Glassware with a Glass-Blowing Experience
Gift of Glass is a small independent studio in Tenby where they make handcrafted glass products. They also run a glassblowing (or lamp-blowing) experience which is a great indoor activity where you’ll learn how to manipulate glass with an oxygen and propane torch to create drinking straws, drinks stirrers, a pendant and blown baubles.
To ensure an intimate and expert-led experience, only 2 people can take part at any one time and they must be adults. The session last 2 hours and take place from mid-February to October. For more information and booking details, visit their website.
6. Win Prizes at Serendipity Arcade
Fun for all the family, Serendipity Arcades is a small arcade in Tenby town centre but with enough variety when it comes to the games and machines that you could easily spend an hour in there while you wait for the rain to pass.
Games include coin pushers, claw machines, throwing and hitting machines and more. You can win tickets at some of the machines which can be exchanged for prizes. Although most of the prizes are quite small, it’s a nice challenge for children.
The arcade is located on Creswell Street and it’s open until 10pm most nights. There’s also an over-18 section for adults.
7. Try Craft Beer From Local Breweries
What better indoor activity could there be other than drinking craft beer? Luckily, Tenby has a thriving craft beer scene with several options to choose from.
My top pick is HARBWR who brew a range of ales at their brewery near the harbour. You can try some of these in their tap room just around the corner. I’m a pale ale fan and can recommend the MV.Enterprise if they have it on. They also have tons of other local beers and spirits available from Aber Falls Gin to Penderyn Whiskey.
Another option is Tenby Brewing Co Tap Yard which is an outdoor venue although it’s under a huge canopy so it’s still suitable for rainy days. However, this is only open on weekends during the summer, check their site for the latest opening times.
If you want more evening activity ideas, check out my full guide on things to do in Tenby at night.
8. Have a Spa Day at Heywood Spa Hotel
While it’s raining outside, why not treat yourself indoors to a luxury spa day at Heywood Spa Hotel. They have an extensive spa menu from facials to massages and even a full body polish.
Afterwards, you can relax in their indoor hot tub or take a swim in their 20-metre pool. The hotel is located less than 20 minutes walk from Tenby town centre so you can send the rest of the family off to the amusements or a bar while you relax in peace.
9. Visit St Catherines Island
St Catherine’s Island is a small limestone tidal island found on castle beach. The island is home to a wide variety of wildlife and St. Catherine’s Fort, a Napoleonic fortress which was completed in 1870 and fully armed 16 years later.
It was used as a zoo in the 1960s but is currently empty but open for tourists to visit. Although you’ll need to venture out into the rain to reach the island, the fort itself is all indoors.
St Catherine’s Island recently shot to fame when YouTuber Joe Weller decided to attempt to stay on the island for 24 hours with some friends who were all attempting to scare each other throughout the night. You can watch the video here.
You don’t need to take a boat up to the island, just wait until the tide goes out and you can simply walk across. The entrance fee is £5 and they accept both cash and card. Keep in mind that it is usually closed between January and mid-March.
10. Challenge Yourself at Tenby’s Great Escape
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If you’ve never tried an escape room before, it’s a bucket-list activity. You’ll be locked in a room with a group of 2-6 of your friends or family (bear with me it gets better I promise) and then you’ll have to solve clues to find out how to escape.
The clues might be looking for keys or other objects, breaking codes, or solving puzzles. There are several different rooms at Tenby’s Great Escape which is located at Heatherton World of Adventures just outside of the West Wales town. Each of the rooms has a different difficulty level from family-friendly for beginners up to seasoned pros.
11. Enjoy the Serendome at Bluestone Resort
Just outside Tenby is the Bluestone resort, a giant family-orientated holiday park in the Preseli hills with lodges to stay in and lots of different on-site activities. It’s very similar to Centre Parcs.
At the resort, you’ll find the Serendome, a giant transparent dome which they like to call the ‘UK's biggest umbrella’. Here you’ll find racing carts, climbing walls, a rope adventure park, and a theatre where you can enjoy live music and performances.
Now for the downside, unfortunately, you’ll have to stay at the resort to access the Serendome (or if you know someone staying there, they can get you a day pass for £25 per person). You’ll also have access to the Blue Lagoon which is a giant indoor water park and all of the other resort activities.
If you’re visiting Tenby and expecting rain, it might well be worthwhile staying here.
Related Questions
What is There To Do in Tenby At Night?
Some of the best things to do in Tenby at night include the Tenby ghost walk, escape rooms, and sampling the local beer at HARBWR taproom.
Published: 15 November 2022