I’ll never forget the drive down to Tenby – what should’ve been a straightforward jaunt from Carmarthen turned into a proper comedy of errors. Sat-nav decided to play silly buggers, rerouting us through some narrow lanes that had me white-knuckling the wheel as branches scraped the sides of the car. Then, just as we crested the hill with the sea glittering in the distance, the heavens opened. Torrential rain bucketed down, turning the windscreen into a blurry mess and soaking us as we dashed from the car park with bags flying everywhere. My other half yelled something about packing a brolly next time, and I couldn’t argue – classic me, forgetting the one essential in Wales.

But oh, what a payoff when we finally stumbled through the door, dripping and laughing. This bright, spacious retreat in the heart of Tenby welcomed us like an old mate, all cosy and inviting with everything you’d need for a family getaway. First impressions? Spot on. The open-plan living area felt airy and lived-in, perfect for kicking off soggy shoes and collapsing on the sofa with a cuppa. From the big windows, you could already glimpse the sandy beaches and that colourful harbour buzzing below – Tenby’s charm right there, pulling you in.

We barely unpacked before heading out, the rain easing just enough to tempt us down to the South Beach. The kids – well, my two teenagers who still act like they’re five on holiday – raced ahead, building lopsided sandcastles while I paddled in the shallows, toes numb but grinning like an idiot. Tenby’s got that magic, doesn’t it? Those historic town walls looming protectively, harbour boats bobbing gently, and chip shops wafting tempting smells. We wandered the walls at golden hour, wind tousling our hair, pretending we were explorers in some Enid Blyton tale. Dinner was fish and chips from a harbourside spot, eaten on a bench overlooking the calm sea – simple, salty perfection.

Next morning, after a fry-up in the well-kitted kitchen (bless the coffee machine that saved my sanity), we hit Caldey Island via the little boat from the harbour. Seals popping up alongside, the abbey’s peacefulness – it was pure bliss. Back in town, we mooched through the quirky shops on Tudor Square, picking up fudge and postcards. One evening, we even caught a bit of live music from a pub spilling out onto the street – shanty songs that had us humming along.

Looking back, that chaotic arrival was the best icebreaker. It forced us to laugh off the mishaps and dive straight into the good stuff. Holidays like this make you reflect: why do we rush life when places like Tenby remind you to slow down, breathe the sea air, and just be? If you’re after a comfy base smack in the middle of Pembrokeshire’s coastal gems, this is it – we’re already plotting our return.