St Davids Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
St Davids
St Davids is a city in Pembrokeshire, that sits on the Alun River and St Davids Peninsula at the most westerly point of Wales. With around 1,600 people living in the city, it is the smallest city in Britain in terms of both size and population. St Davids received city status in the 16th Century because of its Norman cathedral, but this status was revoked in 1888. In 1995 its city status was restored by Queen Elizabeth II, but in reality it has the feel of a small village.

Sport in St Davids

Whitesands Bay is a sandy beach about two miles from St Davids, ad is a very popular spot for water sports. It has been called one of the best surfing beaches in the country, and is also popular with canoeists and body boarders.

The actions not all on the beach though: St Davids has its own rugby union team St Davids RFC, that is a member of the Welsh Rugby Union and a feeder club for the Llanelli Scarlets.

Shopping in St Davids

St Davids boasts an eclectic mix of independent shops, mostly clustered around Cross Square, that sell everything from fresh local produce to books, clothes, shoes, sweets, gifts, cards, hardware and even surfing and camping gear. There is also a National Trust visitor centre and shop, where you can learn more about the National Trust properties, beaches and walks in Pembrokeshire.

Food and Drink in St Davids

Considering its small size, St Davids has a surprisingly large number of pubs, cafes and restaurants. You can enjoy a locally brewed beer with your meal in one of several cosy pubs, or you can go for a more upmarket dining experience in one of the fashionable restaurants or gastro pubs serving delicious dishes made from locally sourced produce.

Attractions In and Around St Davids

St Davids Cathedral houses the remains of St David, the patron saint of Wales, and the city was an important destination for pilgrims during the Middle Ages. Two pilgrimages to St Davids were decreed to be equivalent to a single pilgrimage to Rome by Pope Calixtus II, and some very famous names once made the journey here, including William the Conqueror and King Henry II.

The Pembrokeshire Coast Path runs for 186 miles along the coast from St Dogmaels to Amroth, and offers incredible walks through a range of marine landscapes, including limestone cliffs, sandstone bays, volcanic headlands, glacial valleys, estuaries and beaches. Along the trail you can see evidence of the region’s neolithic past and a variety of wild coastal flowers and seabirds. You might even be lucky enough to see seals, porpoises and dolphins swimming offshore.

Other sites not be missed include the ruins of St Non’s Chapel and Well and the Bishop’s Palace. St Non’s Chapel is believed to be the birthplace of St David, while St Non’s Well was thought to have healing powers. The ruin of the Bishop’s Palace, built in the fourteenth century, still retains its former grandeur and is now used as an open air theatre.

The Grove Hotel
The Grove Hotel
3.5 out of 5
High Street, Haverfordwest, Wales
The price is £99 per night from 29 May to 30 May
£99
per night
29 May - 30 May
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Haverfordwest. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Oriel y Parc and St. David's Cathedral ...
7.8/10 Good! (89 reviews)
"It was great & so close to everything in St David’s"

Reviewed on 7 May 2024

The Grove Hotel
Birch cottage, Treleidyr farm Holiday Cottage, near coastpath and beaches
Birch cottage, Treleidyr farm Holiday Cottage, near coastpath and beaches
Haverfordwest, Wales
Stay at this cottage in Haverfordwest. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Abereiddi Bay and The Blue Lagoon are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (9 reviews)
A fabulous week
"We absolutely love the location, it is extremely peaceful, the scenery is stunning and so perfect location for visiting Whitesands, St. David’s, Newgale and Solva. The accommodation is spotlessly clean and well equipped with a private garden and patio area. Turn left out of the entrance door and ..."

Reviewed on 6 Sep 2023

Birch cottage, Treleidyr farm Holiday Cottage, near coastpath and beaches
Penrhiw Priory
Penrhiw Priory
5 out of 5
St Davids, Haverfordwest, Wales
The price is £210 per night from 3 Jun to 4 Jun
£210
per night
3 Jun - 4 Jun
Stay at this 5-star luxury B&B in Haverfordwest. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and on-site spa services. Popular attractions Bishop's Palace and St. David's ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (50 reviews)
"A true find and we will be returning. Superb breakfast and luxurious comfort in bedroom and lounge. The gardens have woodland walks that we enjoyed as well as somewhere to sit."

Reviewed on 26 Apr 2024

Penrhiw Priory
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Birch cottage, Treleidyr farm Holiday Cottage, near coastpath and beaches
Birch cottage, Treleidyr farm Holiday Cottage, near coastpath and beaches
Haverfordwest, Wales
Stay at this cottage in Haverfordwest. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Abereiddi Bay and The Blue Lagoon are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (9 reviews)
A fabulous week
"We absolutely love the location, it is extremely peaceful, the scenery is stunning and so perfect location for visiting Whitesands, St. David’s, Newgale and Solva. The accommodation is spotlessly clean and well equipped with a private garden and patio area. Turn left out of the entrance door and ..."

Reviewed on 6 Sep 2023

Birch cottage, Treleidyr farm Holiday Cottage, near coastpath and beaches
Spacious self-catered accommodation in the heart of St Davids.
Spacious self-catered accommodation in the heart of St Davids.
St Davids, Wales
Stay at this holiday home in Haverfordwest. Enjoy free Wi-Fi and a garden. Popular attractions St. David's Cathedral and Oriel y Parc are located nearby.
9/10 Wonderful! (2 reviews)
Mr Julian Roach
"Check-in was simple we contacted the owner for an earlier entry to property which was fine.Overall a pleasant stay the location was excellent all amenities within short walking distance including the must see cathedral.Minor iriitants-we were woken one windy night by a creaking and chafing which ..."

Reviewed on 1 May 2024

Spacious self-catered accommodation in the heart of St Davids.
Cottage in Trefin, Nr St Davids. Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, West Wales
Cottage in Trefin, Nr St Davids. Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, West Wales
Trefin, WLS
Stay at this cottage in Haverfordwest. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and patios. Popular attractions Pwll Whiting and Aber Castle are located nearby.
9.2/10 Wonderful! (77 reviews)
Very good
"Everything we needed. Great location for exploring the area. Good value and very helpful host."

Reviewed on 28 Apr 2024

Cottage in Trefin, Nr St Davids. Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, West Wales
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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