I’ll never forget the drive down to Tenby – we’d packed the car to the gills with wellies, board games and enough snacks to feed a small army, only for the sat-nav to chuck us into a cheeky detour through some narrow lanes that had me white-knuckling the wheel. Just as I was starting to mutter about why we didn’t fly, we crested a hill and there it was: Tenby’s colourful harbour twinkling in the sun, with the sea sparkling like it was showing off just for us. My heart did a little flip – after months of grey skies back home, this felt like proper holiday magic.

Pulling up to the house, we were chuffed to bits. It’s one of those lovely, cosy family homes tucked close to South Beach, the Pembrokeshire Coast Path and even an 18-hole golf course if you’re that way inclined (I’m not, mind – my swing’s more of a wild flail). From the outside, it had that welcoming vibe, all neat and inviting, perfect for us two to kick back without the usual cottage chaos of kids underfoot. We’d booked it for a chilled couple’s break, dreaming of lazy mornings and seaside rambles.

First impressions? Spot on. Stepping inside, it was all light and airy, with everything you need for a proper unwind – comfy sofas for Netflix binges, a kitchen stocked for fry-ups, and windows framing views that made you want to ditch the kettle and head straight out. We dumped the bags and wandered down to South Beach that afternoon, toes in the sand, breathing in that salty air. Tenby’s got this brilliant mix of history and holiday buzz – those medieval walls you can stroll along, the ruined castle peeking over the cliffs, and the Victorian fort standing guard like an old mate. It’s all within half a mile, so no faffing about with maps.

Evenings were the best bit, really. We’d mooch into town for a pint at one of the friendly pubs – nothing fancy, just cracking banter with locals over a game of darts. Then supper at a cheerful cafe, tucking into fresh fish and chips that tasted of the sea itself. One night, we splashed out on a boat trip to Caldey Island, chugging out past seals lounging on the rocks, the monk’s chants drifting over as we sipped tea on the beach there. Pure bliss, though I did have a daft moment trying to skim stones and nearly soaked my trainers – classic me, always biting off more than I can chuck.

Don’t get me started on the Coast Path walks; we’d puff along the cliffs, spotting puffins and wildflowers, stopping for pasties from a beachside stall. Water sports tempted us too – a gentle kayak paddle one morning left us giggling like kids, waves lapping lazy-like. There was this one bit of gentle self-reflection over morning coffee, staring out at the harbour: life back home’s a whirlwind of deadlines and to-do lists, but here, in this unhurried nook, I realised how much we needed this reset. No grand adventures, just simple pleasures – cottage mornings with brews in bed, sunset strolls hand-in-hand, and that cosy house waiting with open arms.

Tenby’s got us hooked for life. If you’re after a relaxed family couple’s escape amid Wales’ finest coastal charm, this is your spot. We’re already plotting a return – sans sat-nav shenanigans, hopefully.