Explore Pembrokeshire
Your complete guide to St Davids from South View Glamping near Pembroke — cathedral, coast path, Whitesands Bay and the best of west Pembrokeshire.
Drive from South View
From South View Glamping
To Whitesands Bay
Cathedral founded
Open all year
Overview
St Davids is unlike anywhere else in Britain. Britain’s smallest city sits at the very tip of Pembrokeshire, surrounded by some of the most dramatic and beautiful coastal scenery in all of Wales. It is home to a magnificent 12th century cathedral, built on the site where St David — the patron saint of Wales — founded his monastery in the 6th century, and the sense of history and spiritual significance here is palpable.
About 45 minutes by car from South View Glamping near Pembroke, St Davids makes an excellent full-day excursion. The city itself is small enough to explore on foot in a morning, leaving the afternoon free for the extraordinary coastline on its doorstep, including Whitesands Bay, one of the finest surf beaches in Wales.
The surrounding Pembrokeshire coast is as wild and dramatic as it gets anywhere in Britain. Sea stacks, ancient headlands, crashing surf and the island of Ramsey just offshore create a landscape that stays with you long after you leave.
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One of the finest medieval cathedrals in Wales
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Stunning Blue Flag surf beach 2 miles away
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Dramatic clifftop walking on the Pembrokeshire coast
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Wildlife boat trips to island nature reserve
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Galleries, delis and independent retailers
Activities
St Davids rewards a full day of exploration. From the cathedral to the coastline, here is the best of what this extraordinary corner of Pembrokeshire has to offer.
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The cathedral is the centrepiece of the city and one of the finest medieval buildings in all of Wales. Built in stages from the 12th century, it sits in a valley below the city in a remarkable setting. Entry is free and the interior — with its painted ceiling and stunning stonework — is genuinely breathtaking.
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Directly opposite the cathedral stand the magnificent ruins of the Bishop's Palace, now managed by Cadw. The scale of what remains gives a real sense of the wealth and power of the medieval church. Entry is affordable and the ruins are wonderfully atmospheric.
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Just 2 miles from the city centre, Whitesands Bay is a stunning Blue Flag beach popular with surfers, families and swimmers. The beach faces north-west and catches the best of the Atlantic swell, making it one of the top surf beaches in Wales. Surf lessons and equipment hire are available in summer.
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The coastal scenery around St Davids is among the most dramatic on the entire 186-mile Pembrokeshire Coast Path. The section from Whitesands Bay around St Davids Head to Porth Clais is spectacular and gives you sea stacks, ancient promontory forts and extraordinary sea views.
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Ramsey Island sits just offshore from St Davids and is one of the best wildlife experiences in Pembrokeshire. Boat trips run from St Justinians from spring through autumn, offering the chance to see grey seals, dolphins, porpoises and a rich variety of seabirds.
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The rugged coastline around St Davids is one of the best locations in Britain for coasteering — swimming, jumping and scrambling along sea cliffs — as well as sea kayaking. Several operators based in the city offer sessions for all abilities throughout the summer months.
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St Davids has a surprisingly good range of independent shops, galleries and food producers for a city of its size. The city centre and surrounding streets are worth exploring for local art, Welsh produce, outdoor gear and handcrafted gifts.
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A short walk from the city centre, Caerfai Bay is a beautiful small beach set between purple-tinged cliffs of ancient Cambrian rock. Quieter than Whitesands, it is excellent for swimming and offers a stunning and slightly otherworldly coastal setting.
Food and Drink
St Davids has several excellent independent restaurants ranging from relaxed bistros to more formal dining. Local seafood, Welsh produce and farm-to-table cooking feature strongly. Book ahead in summer as the best places fill up quickly.
The city has a good range of cafes and delis, perfect for a morning coffee and pastry before exploring or a light lunch between the cathedral and the coast. Look for those using local Pembrokeshire produce.
Whitesands Bay has a beach cafe that is perfect after a swim or surf session. Simple food, cold drinks and views over the bay. Gets busy in summer so arrive early or expect to wait.
Visitor Tips
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St Davids deserves a full day. The cathedral and Bishop's Palace alone can take a couple of hours, and the coastline deserves at least an afternoon. Do not try to rush it.
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Park in one of the city centre car parks and explore on foot. The cathedral, ruins, shops and restaurants are all within easy walking distance. Whitesands Bay has its own separate car park.
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Boat trips to Ramsey Island are popular and can book up in peak season. Book in advance if visiting in July or August for guaranteed places on your preferred date.
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If you are planning to surf or take a lesson at Whitesands Bay, check surf conditions and tide times in advance. The beach faces north-west and the conditions vary significantly with wind direction.
Distance
Minutes by car
Miles to Whitesands Bay
Min walk from car park
St Davids is approximately 45 minutes by car from South View Glamping in Hundleton, near Pembroke. It is around 35 miles away through the scenic Pembrokeshire countryside.
St Davids is officially a city because it has a cathedral — St Davids Cathedral, which dates back to the 12th century and is built on the site where St David, the patron saint of Wales, founded a monastery in the 6th century.
Things to do in St Davids include visiting the magnificent cathedral and Bishop’s Palace ruins, walking the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, surfing at Whitesands Bay, taking a boat trip to Ramsey Island, coasteering and sea kayaking, and exploring the independent shops and galleries.
Absolutely. St Davids is one of the most remarkable destinations in Wales and well worth the 45 minute drive from Pembroke and South View Glamping. The cathedral, surrounding coastline and vibrant small city make it a full and rewarding day out.
Whitesands Bay is the closest beach to St Davids, just 2 miles from the city centre. It is a stunning Blue Flag beach popular with surfers and families. Caerfai Bay is another excellent nearby beach within walking distance of the city.
Explore More of Pembrokeshire
Staying at South View Glamping near Pembroke puts you within easy reach of the very best of the Pembrokeshire coast. Combine your visit to St Davids with any of these stunning nearby destinations.
Pembrokeshire’s most beloved coastal town with award-winning beaches, harbour and boat trips to Caldey Island.
One of the most beautiful beaches in Britain. Secluded National Trust cove accessible only on foot.
Charming harbour village with Blue Flag beach, independent restaurants and a relaxed coastal atmosphere.
One of the finest medieval castles in Wales and birthplace of Henry VII. Just 6 minutes from South View.
Beautiful National Trust nature reserve with lily-covered lakes and Broad Haven South beach.
One of the most dramatic beaches on the Pembrokeshire coast with powerful surf and vast dunes.
One of the best wildlife experiences in Britain, famous for its puffin colony visible April to July.
A dramatic two-mile stretch of sand on St Brides Bay, popular with surfers and families.
The only coastal national park in Wales with over 600 miles of footpaths and stunning scenery.
Your Base in Pembrokeshire
South View Glamping offers two private glamping stays near Pembroke, set on a quiet family-run smallholding on the edge of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. The perfect base for exploring St Davids and the wider Pembrokeshire coast.
A cosy adults-only shepherd’s hut with private hot tub, fire pit and peaceful countryside views near Pembroke. Designed for couples seeking a romantic rural escape with easy access to St Davids and the Pembrokeshire coast.
A private countryside cabin with electric hot tub, outdoor kitchen, fire pit and stunning views. Ideal for families or friends exploring St Davids and the Pembrokeshire coast from a peaceful rural base.
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