Tenby on Boxing Day

As the days hurtle towards Christmas, the Boxing Day swim comes to mind.  I have been a spectator for several years now and have been thinking perhaps it’s time I took part. Well, that’s that thought over. No definitely not.  I love strolling through Tenby towards the North Beach on Boxing Day, everyone is happy and excited, some wearing new jumpers, hats and scarves (you can tell).  Others have their various fancy dress costumes on or some brave hearts have their swimwear on. Brrrr!! The crowds collect on High Street at the top of the cliff and some down on the North Beach itself.  A bonfire is lit on the beach to provide some warmth for the swimmers. From the top of the cliff I watch as they all start running towards the sea, they seem to slow down, as they get closer to the waves (must be their legs telling them not to be so stupid) Some will just run in and quickly come back out, others dive under the waves for a quick swim and then swiftly exit. Tenby lifeboat, The Haydn Miller and the inshore life boat, patrol the area keeping a close watch to ensure no one gets into trouble. aHAt this point I make a quick dash to Blueberry’s café to bag a seat before the hordes descend for a cup of anything hot to warm up. I normally have a large hot chocolate with marshmallows and a mountain of fresh cream on the top. The café fills up quickly with laughing, happy people. Some come through the door with their teeth chattering but soon thaw out with their hands wrapped around steaming mugs.

I am trying to persuade Billy, FBM Holiday’s very own Ironman to take part.  After swimming 2.4 miles, cycling 112 miles, and then running 26.2 miles, all in one day I’m sure he will find the Boxing Day Swim a doddle. 

If you can’t make it on Boxing Day you must pay Tenby and Pembrokeshire a visit later in the year (there’s always something going on) and book a self catering property through FBMHolidays, you won’t be disappointed. 

Christmas Tenby Style

It’s all very festive at the moment in Tudor Square Tenby, the shops and restaurants are all looking very sparkly. Tenby House bar is literally covered in lights and has a rather large Santa with a rather large behind scaling the wall and is pumping out festive tunes. Looking at people walking past and into Tudor Square you can’t help but notice that it is definitely putting a spring in their steps. Spotted one gentleman tripping the light fantastic all the way to St Mary’s Church. Nice one. On Saturday the 15th December, Tenby Christmas Market takes over the square with stalls including paper craft and button jewellery, handmade wooden plaques, Driftwood crafts, hobby horses and children’s clothes, handmade jewellery and semi precious stones, handmade cards and a glass gallery. Anniebee Bags will be there, with their handmade and customized bags and gifts, as seen on ITV’s Loose Women and featured in Take a Break Magazine. So, to all you men out there, you still have a chance to buy gorgeous Christmas gifts and you don’t need to leave it to Christmas Eve. If you are feeling peckish there will be locally produced Christmas foods, hog roast, artisan bread stall. When you buy something hot and tasty. weather permitting up can eat it sitting, over looking the North Beach with the boats bobbing in the surf and the amazing view of Carmarthen Bay. Of course you can also eat drink and be merry in Tenby’s many restaurants and bars. The street entertainment includes Bell ringers, a choir, Punch and Judy. All in all it is looking like a fun festive day. If you are fancying a festive break this weekend or any other weekend, in Tenby or Pembrokeshire it’s not too late. Check out our property availability on our website FBM Holidays special offers are available. Hope to see you soon.