Nestled in the valley at the lower end of St Davids, the cathedral and the ruins of the Bishops Palace date back to the 6th century.
It is thought that St David (Dewi Sant) was born around AD 462 to AD 512. David's mother Non was allegedly raped by Sandde, a prince of Powys and gave birth to him in a thunderstorm, on the cliff top just outside St Davids.
A church was built in the place of David's birth. Now a ruin, St Non’s Well is said to have healing properties. Worth a visit, just a few minutes walk from the cottage on the coastal path.
David spent most of his life spreading Christianity across Wales, founding several monasteries, including the one which bears his name, around AD 550. The cathedral was built in the 12th century on the site of the monastery. Pope Calixtus II decreed St Davids Cathedral to be a place of pilgrimage and that two pilgrimages to the shrine of St David was equivalent to one to Rome.
St Davids Cathedral has more than 300,000 visitors a year. The medieval architecture is remarkable, especially the intricate carved wooded ceiling. You can explore by yourself, as part of a guided tour, attend a service or one of the many concerts held throughout the year. The annual St Davids Music Festival is held in late May/early June.
The medieval ruins of Bishops Palace across the stream (River Alun) are Grade 1 listed, in recognition of their historical significance. The Palace was built in the C13th, on the site of the monastery founded by St David.
Opening times and admission charges for the Bishops Palace vary throughout the year. Open air concerts, theatre and other events are held in the grounds during the summer months. Children love exploring the grounds and playing hide & seek.
From Solva to St Davids Head
Staying in St Davids you have easy access to one of the most wild and beautiful stretches of the spectacular Pembrokeshire coastline; with Blue Flag beaches, rocky coves and sheltered harbours and the coast path within easy reach.
Surfing, coasteering (invented in St Davids), kayaking are popular water sports and there is a beautiful nine hole links golf course overlooking Whitesands.
Take a boat trip around Ramsey, an important RSPB bird sanctuary and if you lucky you may even spot choughs, gannets, seals and porpoises, who like to feed in the fast currents of the Ramsey Sound. From May to the end of September you can leave your car parked in St Davids and use the coastal shuttle buses to explore.
St Davids has been described as a “thin place” – somewhere in Celtic folklore where the distance between heaven and earth is very close.
From Whitesands, walk along the coast path to St Davids Head, to the the ancient Neolithic burial chamber of Coetan Arthur and Carn Llidi (visible from the cottage). One of our favourite walks; often with only the wild ponies for company.
The Pembrokeshire coastline has been rated as “the second most beautiful coastline in the world” by National Geographic magazine.
-
- Solva
-
- Caefai Bay
-
- Porthclais
-
- St Nons
-
- St Justinians
-
- Whitesands
-
- St Davids Head, overlooking Ramsey
-
- Carn Llidi
The Bishops at the lower end of Cross Square, serves good pub grub. The terrace at the back overlooks the Cathedral is a great place to sit to watch the sun go down.
www.thebish.co.uk
Goat Street Gallery just above the home is home and workshop for Amanda (textile artist) and Dan (ceramicist), two very talented artists, They have filled the converted chapel gallery with beautiful things. The view from their garden of the Cathedral is breath-taking.
www.goatstreetgallery.co.uk
Menevia Beauty & Spa next door is popular with our guests. It is expanding its range of treatments and is another great wellness experience in our lovely city. www.meneviaspa.co.uk
Oriel Y Parc's Brunch cafe has a good menu serving freshly cooked soup, salads and sandwiches for a light lunch, and mouth watering cakes. There are often interesting talks, displays and music nights in Oriel Y Parc, which you can find out on the Friends website.
www.friendsoforielyparc.co.uk
Pebbles Yard we like the Pebbles for coffee; either sitting outside watching the world go by; or upstairs, surrounded by beautiful photographic art.
www.facebook.com/pebblesyardgallery/
We would also recommend Grain, the Mill Cafe, Really Wild Emporium, St Davids Kitchen, Smörgåsboard, board game cafe; as well as our other local pubs.
St Davids Plant Nursery is a treasure trove for gardeners. Bernie grows many of the plants, which are good value but cash only.
www.stdavidsgardennursery.co.uk/
Pick up a copy of the excellent free guide to Pembrokeshire, packed full of ideas for places to visit, activities, events and information about the Pembrokeshire National Park.
An online version is available:
https://www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales