About
When most people think of Tenby, they picture colourful houses, golden beaches, and bustling streets filled with holidaymakers. It’s easy to see why. But if you’re looking for somewhere quieter to stretch your legs with your dog, Castle Hill offers a welcome change of pace.
Perched between North Beach and Castle Beach, this small headland is one of Tenby’s hidden gems. It won’t take long to explore, but that’s part of its charm. Whether you’re looking for an early morning stroll before the town wakes up or a relaxing evening walk as the sun starts to set, Castle Hill is the perfect place to escape the crowds without leaving Tenby behind.
Castle Hill sits on the site of Tenby’s original Norman castle. While very little of the castle remains today, the elevated position gives you some of the best views anywhere in the town.
As you climb the gentle paths, the sounds of the busy streets quickly fade away. Instead, you’ll hear the call of seabirds, the waves breaking against the cliffs below, and perhaps the excited sniffing of your four-legged companion checking every corner.
Unlike the beaches, which can become busy during the warmer months and have seasonal dog restrictions, Castle Hill provides a relaxing alternative where you can slow down and enjoy the scenery.
Castle Hill may not be the longest walk in Pembrokeshire, but sometimes the shortest walks leave the biggest impression.
For us, it’s somewhere to pause rather than rush. A place where both you and your dog can enjoy fresh sea air, breathtaking coastal views and a quieter side of one of Wales’ most loved seaside towns.
If you’re visiting Tenby with your dog, don’t just head for the beaches. Make time for Castle Hill. Whether it’s the first walk of the day or the last, it’s a peaceful, calm escape that reminds you there’s always another view waiting just around the corner.
Dog Access and Rules
Castle Hill isn’t a long walk, but it’s packed with interesting sights, smells and gentle paths that make it surprisingly rewarding for dogs.
Your dog will enjoy:
- Open grassy areas to explore.
- Plenty of interesting scents along the paths.
- Cool sea breezes on warmer days.
- Opportunities to pause while you take in the views.
Although there are steep drops beyond the paths, most of the walking area is easy to navigate. Keeping dogs on a lead is sensible, particularly if they are easily distracted by birds or other visitors.
What's On Offer
One of the biggest reasons to visit Castle Hill is the scenery.
From the top, you can look across:
- North Beach and the sweeping Carmarthen Bay coastline.
- The colourful Georgian houses lining the harbour.
- St Catherine’s Island and its historic fort.
- Castle Beach stretching out towards the South Beach.
- The old and new lifeboat stations.
- Boats gently bobbing on the water during calmer tides.
Every direction offers another postcard-worthy view. It’s one of those places where you naturally stop to admire the landscape every few minutes.
If you enjoy photography, you’ll find yourself grabbing your camera more than once.
Perfect at Sunrise
An early morning visit transforms Castle Hill.
Before the cafes open and the beach fills with visitors, the paths are wonderfully peaceful. The soft morning light catches the pastel-coloured buildings of Tenby while the sea often sits almost perfectly still.
It’s an ideal time if your dog prefers quieter walks or you’re hoping to capture photographs without crowds.
Watching the town slowly come to life from above is a lovely way to begin the day.
Equally Beautiful at Sunset
Castle Hill becomes just as magical in the evening.
While the sun lowers over the coastline, gentle golden light washes across the cliffs, beaches and harbour. The pace of the day begins to slow, and the atmosphere feels calm and unhurried.
It’s the perfect time for a final walk before settling down for the evening.
On clear evenings, you may even catch one of Pembrokeshire’s famous sunsets, with the sky glowing orange, pink and purple above the sea.
A Great Stop Between Beach Walks
If you’ve already spent time exploring Tenby’s beaches, Castle Hill presents a refreshing change without needing to drive anywhere.
It’s especially useful during the summer, when the beaches get busy, or if you’re looking for a shorter walk before breakfast or after dinner.
You can easily combine Castle Hill with a wander around Tenby’s historic town walls, harbour or one of the nearby cafes that welcome dogs.
Access and Facilities
- Located within the town.
- The walk is relatively short but includes some gentle uphill sections.
- Paths are generally well maintained, although sturdy footwear is helpful after wet weather.
- Keep dogs under close control near cliff edges.
- Bring water during warmer months, as there are few shaded areas.
- Sunrise and sunset offer the most peaceful experience and the best light for photography.
