St Davids (Not St David’s)
St David’s is named after the patron saint of Wales, Saint David. St David’s is the smallest city in Britain with a population of just over 1,600. City status was awarded in 1995 although the roots of St Davids go back to the 4th century when St David himself lived. St Davids was designated as a conservation area by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park in 1972.
Picture: St Davids Cathedral
The magnificent Cathedral at St Davids dates back to the 12th century, although several older cathedrals were built before that on the same site. Unfortunately, St David’s was prone to Viking attacks, being so close to the sea. The Vikings destroyed several of the older structures. Modern day St Davids is a quaint and characterful place much loved by everyone who knows it.
Picture: Carol Concert in St Davids Cathedral
St Davids Cathedral is built from a local stone with a beautiful pink and grey colouring. It occupies the valley floor below the village. As you approach from The Square, you can’t see the Cathedral until you get fairly clost. When you pass through The Gatehouse, it’s magnificently revealed in front of you.
Picture: The new cloisters at St Davids Cathedral
The Cloisters have recently been rebuilt and look as if they have always been there. Next door to this is the new refectory café and restaurant serving superb food.
Picture: The Refectory at St Davids Cathedral
Picture: St Davids Bishops Palace and St Davids Cathedral
Next door to St Davids Cathedral is the ruin of The Bishops Palace and well worth a visit. Now run by CADW, the Welsh historic buildings agency. The Pacace became one of the victims of the reformation when many ecclesiastical estates were confiscated. Once a grand fortified residence, the palace was one of several grand residences in Pembrokeshire including Lamphey Bishops Palace and Llawhadden Castle.
Picture: Al Fresco cafe in St Davids
There are a number of very good hotels guesthouses and B&B’s in and around St Davids. These include the luxurious Warpool Court Hotel, The Old Cross Hotel, right next to the square and the TYF eco hotel, the first fully organic hotel in Wales. There are some excellent camp sites and caravan sites nearby at Caerfai Bay and Whitesands Bay, including a Caravan Club site. There are a few small static caravan parks plus plentiful choice of self catering cottages to choose from.
The National Trust Visitor Centre & Shop
Located in Captain's House on the High Street, St David's. The National Trust owns and protects much of the picturesque St David's Head and surrounding coastline. The visitor centre is conveniently situated in the centre of St David's, Wales' smallest historic city, opposite The Cross, which is also owned by the National Trust. Using interactive technology the centre offers a complete guide to the National Trust in Pembrokeshire, its properties, beaches and walks.
Picture: Caerfai Beach near St Davids
St Davids Peninsula has some of the most magnificent coastal scenery in Pembrokeshire. This is the heart of The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and The Coast Path walking is delightful.
A comfortable circular day walk starts from the square in the centre of St Davids, past the National Park Visitor Centre to Carefai Bay. Then follow The Coast Path in a clockwise direction to either St Justinians or Whitesands Bay before turning back inland<