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. We’d piled into the car with kids, cool bags, and enough beach gear to kit out a small army, only for the sat-nav to have a right paddy just as we hit the winding coastal roads. It kept insisting we turn left into what looked like a farmer’s field, and in the end, I ignored it, white-knuckling it along the narrow lanes while the other half muttered about my “legendary sense of direction.” By the time we spotted the sea glinting ahead, we were all a bit frazzled, with sand already escaping from a split bag of toys onto the seats. Still, that first glimpse of Tenby’s colourful harbour houses hugging the cliffs had us grinning like idiots – anticipation bubbling up despite the chaos.

Pulling up to the property felt like stumbling into a hug from an old mate. It sits proudly in the much-loved seaside town of Tenby, Pembrokeshire – a bright and spacious retreat offering a comfortable base for families and groups eager to make the most of the Welsh coast. With its sandy beaches, historic town walls and colourful harbour all within easy reach, this property puts you right at the heart of one of Wales’ finest coastal spots. We’d barely parked before the kids were out, whooping at the view over North Beach from the front windows. Inside, it was all light and airy, with rooms that just invited you to flop down and breathe. First impressions? Spot on. The open-plan kitchen-diner was a godsend after our road woes – we cracked open a bag of pasties from a nearby bakery and sorted ourselves out amid the laughter.

That messy arrival got me reflecting a bit, actually. I’m usually the one faffing about with lists and itineraries, but there’s something about Tenby’s laid-back vibe that makes you loosen up. We wandered down to the beach that very afternoon, dodging rock pools and building wonky sandcastles while the sun dipped low. The next morning, we ambled along the town walls, peering at the bobbing boats in the harbour, and grabbed fish and chips from a stall that smelled like heaven. No grand plans, just proper family time – paddling in the shallow waves at low tide, nipping into Caldey Island on the little ferry for a cream tea fix (the kids demolished theirs in seconds), and evenings back at the house playing board games as the sea breeze whispered through the windows.

Of course, there were more mini-mishaps – like when I locked the keys in the car for a nail-biting ten minutes outside an ice cream shop on Tudor Square – but they only added to the fun. Tenby has this magic way of turning little hiccups into stories you’ll retell for years. By the end of our stay, I was gutted to pack up, but buzzing with that warm glow of a holiday done right. If you’re after a spot that feels like home but with sea views thrown in, this is it. We’re already plotting a return – sat-nav drama and all.