Tudor Merchant's House, Tenby
Explore the rich history of a prosperous Tudor merchant’s home in the heart of historic Tenby, Wales.
Step back into the 15th century at the Tudor Merchant's House in Tenby, a well-preserved three-story stone home of a prosperous Tudor trader. This historic house museum showcases authentic Tudor life with expertly crafted furniture, a working kitchen, and a charming herb garden. Located in the heart of Tenby, this site reveals the town’s significance as a bustling medieval port and offers a unique glimpse into the domestic and commercial world of a wealthy merchant.
A brief summary to National Trust - Tudor Merchant's House
- Quay Hill, Tenby, SA70 7BX, GB
- +441834842279
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Tuesday 11 am-4 pm
- Thursday 11 am-4 pm
- Saturday 11 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Visit on weekdays to enjoy a quieter experience inside the intimate Tudor Merchant’s House.
- Allow about 30 minutes to fully explore the house, garden, and exhibits.
- Check seasonal opening times, as the house is typically open from February to October with special Christmas events.
- Try on replica Tudor clothes in the bed chamber for an interactive historical experience.
- Note that there are no toilets on site, so plan accordingly before your visit.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus
Take the local bus service from Pembroke or Haverfordwest to Tenby town center, with a journey time of approximately 40 to 60 minutes. Buses run regularly but check schedules seasonally. From the town center, the Tudor Merchant's House is a short walk uphill. Tickets cost around £5-£8 one way.
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Car
Drive to Tenby via the A478 or A4139; parking is available in public car parks near the town center, about a 5-minute walk from the Tudor Merchant's House. Parking fees typically range from £2 to £5 for a few hours. Note that the house is located on a narrow street with limited direct parking.
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Train
Travel by train to Tenby railway station from major hubs like Swansea or Cardiff, with journey times between 1.5 to 3 hours depending on connections. From the station, it is a 15-minute walk to the Tudor Merchant's House uphill on Quay Hill. Train tickets vary but expect £10-£25 one way.
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Walking
If staying nearby in Tenby, a 10 to 15-minute walk through the historic town center leads to the Tudor Merchant's House. The route includes some uphill sections on cobbled streets, so comfortable footwear is recommended.
National Trust - Tudor Merchant's House location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about National Trust - Tudor Merchant's House
A Glimpse into Tudor Prosperity
The Tudor Merchant's House in Tenby stands as a remarkable example of a prosperous merchant’s residence from the late 15th century. Built from lime and sandstone rubble, this narrow three-story house features a distinctive circular chimney stack and exposed roof trusses, architectural elements typical of the period. The merchant who lived here capitalized on Tenby’s status as a thriving port, trading goods such as wool cloth, sea coal, vinegar, salt, linen, and wine imported from France. The house’s location on Quay Hill placed the merchant’s shop at the street front, providing easy access to passing customers and connecting commerce directly with daily life.Authentic Tudor Interiors and Daily Life
Inside, visitors find two floors decorated with faithful reproductions of Tudor furniture and household objects, all meticulously crafted to reflect the local styles and materials of the era. The ground floor reveals the merchant’s shop and a working kitchen centered around a large open fire, complete with ironwork for cooking pots and spits. The kitchen garden, abundant with aromatic herbs like lavender, offers insight into Tudor culinary practices and domestic hygiene, as lavender helped keep flies away and scented pomanders were popular. The main living area on the first floor is adorned with brightly painted furniture and colorful wall hangings, creating an immersive atmosphere of Tudor family life.Views, Comforts, and Innovations
The bed chamber on the upper floor provides one of the clearest views of Tenby’s coastline and harbor, linking the home visually to the bustling port that sustained the merchant’s trade. Replica Tudor clothes displayed here invite visitors to engage interactively with history. Notably, the house features an advanced sanitary innovation for its time: a latrine tower with a cess pit, a vertical shaft leading waste away from the living quarters, comparable to a modern ensuite bathroom. This feature highlights the relative wealth and status of the merchant compared to typical Tudor households.Historic Significance and Preservation
As one of the oldest houses in Tenby, the Tudor Merchant's House offers a rare window into medieval urban life in Wales. Its preservation and presentation by the National Trust allow visitors to appreciate the architectural and social history of the Tudor period in a tangible way. The house’s location in the historic town center situates it among other heritage sites, enhancing its cultural value and providing context for Tenby’s role in regional trade and society during the late Middle Ages.Visitor Experience and Seasonal Highlights
Open seasonally from February to October with special events during Christmas, the house provides a compact but rich visitor experience, typically taking around 30 minutes to explore. Due to its intimate size, visitor numbers inside the house are limited at one time, ensuring a quiet and personal atmosphere. The surrounding garden and the evocative interiors make it a favorite for families and history enthusiasts alike. Although there are no toilets on site, the site’s accessibility and proximity to Tenby’s amenities make it a convenient cultural stop.Connecting Past and Present
The Tudor Merchant's House not only preserves the material culture of a bygone era but also tells the story of Tenby’s economic and social history. It invites visitors to imagine the daily rhythms of a Tudor merchant’s life, from trade negotiations to family moments, set against the backdrop of a vibrant port town. The house’s careful restoration and interpretation foster a deep appreciation for the complexities of medieval urban living and the enduring legacy of Tenby’s maritime heritage.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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William Marshal Statue
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St Clears Castle
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Tŷ Milford Waterfront
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Hubberston Fort
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Pembrey Country Park
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Stack Rock Fort
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Burry Holms
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Chapel Bay Fort & Museum
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Unmissable attractions to see
Equinox
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Hazewell Club
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Tenby Castle
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St. Catherines Island and fort
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St. Catherine's Island
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Caldey Abbey
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The Dinosaur Park Tenby
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Explore prehistoric adventures and family fun at The Dinosaur Park Tenby, where dinosaurs come alive amidst thrilling rides and interactive trails.
Great Wedlock Farm & Deer Park
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Boho Beach House
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Christkindl
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Caldey Island Lighthouse
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Heatherton World of Activities
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Essential places to dine
Billycan
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Stables Restaurant
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Heywood Marigold
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Rhosyn Restaurant at Penally Abbey
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Penally Abbey
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The Mulberry Restaurant
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A refined coastal dining experience in Saundersfoot, serving seasonal British cuisine in a warm, intimate setting near the harbour.
The Stone Crab
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The BoatHouse
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Lan y Môr Restaurant Saundersfoot
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The Smugglers
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The Freshwater Inn
11.7 km
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Best Western Lamphey Court Hotel & Spa
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Fernery Restaurant
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Madtom Land & Sea
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Annwn
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Nook
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Joys Of Tenby
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The Welsh Gift Shop
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Harbour Gifts
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Discover unique local crafts and coastal treasures at Harbour Gifts, Saundersfoot’s charming boutique for memorable souvenirs.
Mermaid Gift Shop
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Elements of Pembrokeshire
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The Outlet
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Useful & Beautiful Things
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The Welsh Farmhouse Company
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The Room
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Bazaar
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The Chapel Emporium
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The Secret Garden Home & Gift Boutique
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Pembroke Castle Shop Ltd
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Pembrokeshire Retail Park
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Lifeboat Tavern Tenby
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Bar 10
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The Five Arches Tavern
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The Cove
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The Bush Inn
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Stage Door Bar
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Cross Inn
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HARBWR Bar & Kitchen
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The Old Chemist Inn
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Templebar Inn
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Amroth Arms
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Cresselly Arms
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Hwb
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Prince Of Wales
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Sands Nightclub
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Comlongon
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Paddles
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Eddie Rocks
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The Basement
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The Rainbow Rooms Bar & Club
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The Cliff Hotel & Spa
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Historic
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
