Queen's Diamond Jubilee Weekend in Tenby, Wales

We spent the first three days of our four day holiday weekend enjoying the beach city of Tenby, Wales. We went to Wales without a plan other than to relax and we discovered a gem of a beach community that we may very well return to again.

We stayed at The Imperial Hotel. I think we had the best room in the place, top floor with a bay window so we could look down the beach as well as out to sea. The hotel consists of five old homes built on the ancient city wall that were connected many years ago. The hotel needs some updating but the location is fantastic; near city centre, too.

This is one set of the steps down to the beach.

This is our hotel as seen from the beach at low tide. At high tide, the beach disappears and the waves crash against the rocks. Our room is the top right window in the yellow section. The city wall was built by the Normans to protect the city against Welsh rebellion.

The water was cold but Matthew went swimming....

...and found a crab-like creature in the surf...

...and collected shells with Lori.

At low tide, we walked to an island with a castle on top. This cave extends through the island and the interior is  covered with sea life because it is submerged most of the time.

At low tide, the boats in the marina are stranded. If I owned a boat, I think that I would want to keep it in a place where I could use it at any time.

The city was decorated for Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee weekend.

Horse and carriage rides were only 3 pounds per person.

Matthew picked up a souvenir Wales flag and tried on a traditional Welsh hat (that we later learned for a girl). From the shop owner, we learned how to say "thanks" in Welsh.

The marina was busy at high tide.

All of the road signs were in Welsh. I was surprised as I always thought of Welsh as an ancient and little used language (like Latin).

We had a Queen Tea (instead of cream tea) that came with fresh local strawberries - yum! We also ate in the hotel dining room and had local fish and chips. According to Piper's Fish shop, fish and chips are more nutritious than pizza... really?

Matthew rode the boogie board until his teeth were chattering. On Sunday, since it was raining, we spent the day swimming inside at the Blue Lagoon water park (see link) nearby.

http://www.bluelagoonwales.com/

 

The view down the beach from our room as the tide comes in.

The water reaches the rocks.

Flowers on castle hill.

What are these called?

I think that the Welsh boy with the flag is attacking?

 

The flowers were planted in honor of the Queen.