St Davids in the county of Pembrokeshire is one of the most interesting historical places to visit in West Wales and has an extraordinary claim to fame – it is the United Kingdom’s smallest city.
St Davids was awarded city status in 1994 as part of Royal commemorations for the Queen’s 40th anniversary of her accession to the throne. The award marked the role the city played in the history of Christianity throughout the centuries.
Even though the city is small, the great tourist attractions in St David’s make it the perfect place to explore in Wales.
From the Welsh national museum, Bishops Palace, and independent shops that line its cobbled streets to local Welsh beaches and stunning walks along Pembrokeshire’s coast path.
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Best Things to Do in St Davids
Oriel Y Parc #1
At the head of the city is Oriel Y Parc, located in the Pembrokeshire National Park Information Centre. It showcases displays of art and crafts from Welsh national collections alongside the work of local artists.
It can also supply visitors with maps of the local area and recommendations of places to visit and stay in St Davids. The Pilgrims Cafe at Oriel Y Parc is an excellent place to grab a coffee and a slice of homemade cake.
Oriel Y Parc is free to enter and can be found as you approach from Haverfordwest on the A487.
If you feel energetic and want to explore the countryside, St David’s Peninsula’s 20km circular walk starts behind Oriel Y Parc. Another fabulous walk from St Davids is to the beautiful fishing village of Solva.
St. Davids High Street #2
The steep and narrow high street in St Davids is a great place to wander. It is lined with antique shops, local delicatessens, boutiques, galleries, coffee shops and ice-cream parlours.
Chocolate lovers will want to visit Chapel Chocolates selling handmade Welsh chocolates in various flavours. If you are a gelato fan, join the queue of visitors at Gianni’s Ice Cream Shop for some mouthwatering flavours – anyone for Bakewell Tart ice cream!
When it is time for lunch, The Bishops Pub in the city square or the Gin and Kitchen are great places to eat in St Davids.
St David’s Visitor Centre and Shop is at the heart of the city’s High Street, opposite the iconic medieval cross and sells various authentic Welsh, local products – a reminder of your trip to Wales.
And finally, if you are looking for the best place to stay in St Davids, a good suggestion would be Penrhiw Priory, a ten-minute walk from the historic Cathedral and located in the world-renowned Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. The Grove Hotel by the Oriel Y Parc might be a better choice if you want to stay close to the high street.
Visitors can find parking in St Davids at three locations in the city. Oriel Y Parc, Quickwell Hill and Merrivale. Check out paying fees for parking.
St. Davids Cathedral #3
At the heart of the city is St David’s Cathedral, the resting place of the patron saint of Wales – Saint David.
He lived in the area in the 6th century and preached to his dedicated followers until his death on 1st March 589 AD – now celebrated yearly in Wales as St David’s Day. St David’s symbol, the leek, is now the national symbol of Wales.
St. Davids Cathedral is among Britain’s most ancient cathedrals. Its splendour and size seem almost out of place in such a small city, but it is a delight to visit.
The cathedral library houses some of the oldest books on Welsh history and the city of St. Davids.
Constructed in the 12th century on the site of a 6th-century monastery, it is the final resting place of Saint David, the patron saint of Wales. Two visits to St David’s shrine were once considered equal to one pilgrimage to Rome, and three trips were equivalent to a pilgrimage to Jerusalem!
After looking around the Cathedral, head to The Refectory at St David’s and enjoy a spot of tea and a piece of Welsh Cake or Bara Brith.
The Bishops Palace #4
Ruins of the magnificent medieval Bishops Palace stand beside St Davids Cathedral. The Palace was the home to Henry de Gower, the Bishop of St Davids, in the 14th century.
Henry de Gower decided that he should have a palace to match the Cathedral’s splendour following the announcement by the 12th-century Roman pope of the importance of the shrine of St David.
The bishop transformed the previously humble building into the vast structure we can see today, and although parts of the walls are in ruins, it is an enchanting place to visit.
St Davids Flint Cottages #5
As you wander around St Davids, you will notice that the chocolate-box cottages are made from flint. Builders widely used this material for building houses and churches in the 16th and 17th centuries, and the evidence can be seen around the city.
St Non’s Chapel and Well #6
Pembrokeshire is full of ancient myths and legends, and a 20-minute walk from St Davids will take you to St Non’s Chapel ruins – the site said to be where St Non gave birth to St David. The ruins sit above the scenic coastline of St Non’s Bay. The Pembrokeshire coastal path runs along the cliff edge and is a beautiful place to walk after visiting the chapel.
Legend tells of a water well by the chapel appearing at the moment of David’s birth. Whatever the truth is, this is one of several healing holy wells in Wales used throughout the centuries.
Today you can enter a replica chapel near the ruins known as the Chapel of Our Lady and St Non.
A car park is 100 metres from the chapel.
Porth Clais Harbour #7
Head to Porth Clais harbour and take in the stunning views as you hike the circular route around the Treginnis Peninsula, just one of many beautiful coastal walks you can enjoy in the UK.
After your walk, enjoy refreshments at the National Trust’s Porth Clais Kiosk in the red-brick building by the car park (SA62 6RR) – once the pump room for St David’s gasworks!
Best Beaches in St Davids #8
Caerfai is a beautiful beach and a 20-minute walk from St Davids town centre. A car park is available if driving.
Whitesands – a 5-minute drive from St Davids and with easy parking. This is St David’s local surf beach and has a great beach cafe.
Porthseleu – a walk along the coastal path from Whitesands, and you will arrive at this small cove – a great place for sunbathing or rock pooling.
These are the three closest beaches to St David’s; however, if you are holidaying in Wales for longer, you will soon discover even more beautiful beaches in Pembrokeshire to explore.
Boat Trips from St Davids #9
If you are looking for the best outdoor activities near St Davids, you must head out on the water for a marine adventure to Ramsey Island, an RSPB Reserve or Skomer Island.
Pembrokeshire has a diverse ecology with the migratory presence of seals, puffins and whales in the coastal areas surrounding St Davids.
The islands are a haven for shearwaters and puffins, which you will see from the comfort of your boat. Don’t forget to watch for grey seals and porpoises during the boat trip.
Voyages of Discovery Boat Trips depart from St Justinians, a 10-minute drive from St Davids.
At St Justinians, you can also visit the volunteer-run St Davids RNLI Lifeboat Station; they have been rescuing seafarers since 1867.
Best Outdoor Activities in St Davids #10
It goes without saying that with all the amazing open spaces and coastal areas around St Davids, there will be many opportunities to experience some of Pembrokeshire’s best outdoor activities.
From kayaking and coasteering to surfing and climbing, the team at TYF in St Davids will be able to find an activity that you will love to try.
Please Pin for Future Travel to Wales
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Chris
Thursday 13th of July 2023
Visiting St Davids shortly and found your article very useful. I hope the real thing is as good as your description.
WhereAngieWanders
Saturday 15th of July 2023
It is a small, compact and beautiful place to visit and I am sure you will love its historic value and quaintness.
Francia Henriquez Benson
Wednesday 22nd of December 2021
It seems that this place has it all: exquisite architecture, ocean, history, wildlife, outdoor activities, a National Park, boating...I am in love with it already. I am definitely showing this post to my husband. I am trying to convince him to travel more and he does like history and architecture. Your post is well-crafted. It does have good information and goes to the point.
WhereAngieWanders
Thursday 23rd of December 2021
Hi Francia. I'm so glad you enjoyed my post and that it highlighted the beautiful city of St David's. I would definitely recommend a trip to Wales in the Uk for a wonderful holiday.
Agnes
Tuesday 21st of December 2021
I had no idea that St Davids is the smallest city in the UK but I would love to visit it, as it so charming! The scenery looks fantastic. What's more, St Davids Cathedral is so impressive and important, as is among Britain’s most ancient cathedrals. It's so a photogenic and mysterious place. I would also love to see the ruins of the Bishops Palace and Flint Cottages. It's a very inspiring article!
WhereAngieWanders
Wednesday 22nd of December 2021
I am so pleased you enjoyed reading about St Davids and that you found it an inspiring read.
Trisha Velarmino
Tuesday 21st of December 2021
Wow, that St. David's Cathedral is something! It's as if it's speaking and telling the viewers to look at it and come inside. The interior is equally stunning!
Natascha
Monday 20th of December 2021
I visited St Davids years ago while walking the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path and have very fond memories of the place. I loved the historical sites and we also did an evening boat tour to see the shearwater birds. I also remember a car stopping and the driver asked where St Davids is. They had just driven straight throught it!