St David's Cathedral
Hidden in a hollow and behind high walls, St David's Cathedral is intentionally unassuming. The valley site was chosen in the vain hope that the church…
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St Davids (Tyddewi)
Charismatic St Davids (yes, it has dropped the apostrophe from its name) is Britain's smallest city, its enduring appeal ensured by the magnificent 12th-century cathedral that marks Wales' holiest site. The birthplace and burial place of the nation's patron saint, St Davids has been a pilgrimage site for 1500 years.
The setting itself has a mystical presence. The sea is just beyond the horizon on three sides, so you're constantly surprised by glimpses of it at the ends of streets. Then there are those strangely shaped hills in the distance, sprouting from an ancient landscape.
Today St Davids attracts hordes of nonreligious pilgrims, too, drawn by the town's laid-back vibe, good sights and eating, and the excellent hiking, surfing and wildlife-watching in the surrounding area.
Explore St Davids (Tyddewi)
- St David's Cathedral
Hidden in a hollow and behind high walls, St David's Cathedral is intentionally unassuming. The valley site was chosen in the vain hope that the church…
- SSt Davids Bishop's Palace
This atmospheric ruined palace was begun at the same time as St David's Cathedral, adjacent, but its final, imposing Decorated Gothic form owes most to…
- OOriel y Parc
Occupying a bold, semicircular, environmentally friendly building on the edge of town, Oriel y Parc is a winning collaboration between the Pembrokeshire…
- SSt Non's Bay
Immediately south of St Davids, this ruggedly beautiful spot is named after St David's mother and traditionally accepted as his birthplace. A path leads…
- RRamsey Island
Ramsey Island (Ynys Dewi) lies off the headland to the west of St Davids, ringed by dramatic sea cliffs and an offshore armada of rocky islets and reefs…
- SSt Davids Head
This atmospheric heather-wreathed promontory, formed from the oldest rock in Wales, was fortified by the Celts. The jumbled stones and ditch of an Iron…
- WWhitesands Bay
This mile-long sandy beach is a popular surfing, swimming and strolling spot. At extremely low tide you can see the wreck of a paddle tugboat that ran…
Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout St Davids (Tyddewi).
- See
St David's Cathedral
Hidden in a hollow and behind high walls, St David's Cathedral is intentionally unassuming. The valley site was chosen in the vain hope that the church…
- See
St Davids Bishop's Palace
This atmospheric ruined palace was begun at the same time as St David's Cathedral, adjacent, but its final, imposing Decorated Gothic form owes most to…
- See
Oriel y Parc
Occupying a bold, semicircular, environmentally friendly building on the edge of town, Oriel y Parc is a winning collaboration between the Pembrokeshire…
- See
St Non's Bay
Immediately south of St Davids, this ruggedly beautiful spot is named after St David's mother and traditionally accepted as his birthplace. A path leads…
- See
Ramsey Island
Ramsey Island (Ynys Dewi) lies off the headland to the west of St Davids, ringed by dramatic sea cliffs and an offshore armada of rocky islets and reefs…
- See
St Davids Head
This atmospheric heather-wreathed promontory, formed from the oldest rock in Wales, was fortified by the Celts. The jumbled stones and ditch of an Iron…
- See
Whitesands Bay
This mile-long sandy beach is a popular surfing, swimming and strolling spot. At extremely low tide you can see the wreck of a paddle tugboat that ran…
Guidebooks
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Get to the heart of St Davids (Tyddewi) with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.