St Davids Head

St Davids (Tyddewi)


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 Age rampart are still visible, as are rock circles, once the foundations of huts. The tip of the headland is a series of rock and turf ledges, a great place for a picnic or wildlife spotting – in summer you can see gannets diving and choughs soaring. Adding to the ancient ambience, wild ponies can often be seen.

Further along the grassy path an even older structure stands. The simple burial chamber known as Coetan Arthur (Arthur's Quoit) consists of a capstone supported by a rock at one end and dates to about 3500 BC.

The rocky summit of Carn Llidi (181m) rises behind, offering panoramic views that take in Whitesands Bay, Ramsey and Skomer Islands and, on a clear day, the coast of Ireland on the horizon. Look for the remains of two neolithic chambered tombs just below the start of the concrete path leading to the lower of the two rocky outcrops at the very top. Rather than backtrack on the coast path, another route leads down the landward side of Carn Llidi, past Upper Porthmawr Farm, joining the main road to Whitesands just past the caravan park.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby St Davids (Tyddewi) attractions

1. Whitesands Bay

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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…

2. St Davids Bishop's Palace

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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…

3. St David's Cathedral

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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…

4. Oriel y Parc

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Occupying a bold, semicircular, environmentally friendly building on the edge of town, Oriel y Parc is a winning collaboration between the Pembrokeshire…

5. St Non's Bay

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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…

6. Ramsey Island

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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…

7. Blue Lagoon

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Slate was quarried at this site on the water's edge in Abereiddi right up until 1910 and then transported by tramway to the harbour at Porthgain. After…

8. Garn Fawr

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The section of coast between Porthgain and Fishguard is one of the most remote of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, sheltering ancient monuments, dramatic…