How to Spend A Day in St Davids
St Davids is a beautiful little city (the smallest in the UK!) and a must-visit destination for anyone holidaying in Pembrokeshire.
Here is how I suggest you spend the day in this special place.
Get to St Davids early around 10am and park in Quickwell Hill carpark, just a short walk to the Cathedral. Doors open at 10am so you’ll be one of the first into this magnificent building. Savour the walk downhill from the gate as you enjoy panoramic views of the sprawling 800-year-old cathedral with the ruined Bishops Palace in the distance.
St Davids cathedral grounds are also completely dog friendly so it’s the perfect place to enjoy a stroll with your pooch.
Give yourself a good 1-2 hours to explore the inside of the cathedral. From beautiful stained-glass windows to visible repair work allowing insight into the architecture of the building over years, there is something for everyone here. Take time to look up and enjoy the ceilings, arches and carpentry that makes this cathedral a real gem. It is also completely free to look around but donations from visitors are gratefully received.
After exploring the main part of the building make your way to The Refectory Café for coffee and a delicious cake before heading outside towards the Medieval ruins of the Bishops Palace. Entry is timed, and you can pre-book tickets online (£4 per adult, £2.75 for a child, £3.80 for seniors or family ticket is £13) but there are normally a few on the door as well depending on when you visit.
It takes about an hour to explore all the antechambers, stone stairwells and crumbling edifices with information points dotted around to tell you exactly what the Bishops of medieval times would have been getting up to.
A great place for children to run around and enjoy some history.
Now for some lunch! Head out into the city centre where you’ll find cafés and takeaways for all different tastes. Personally, I’d recommend St David’s Cross Hotel where you can find delicious sandwiches, pastas, salads and burgers on the lunch menu as well as plenty of options for children.
Once you’re pleasantly filled up with good Welsh fare, head out into the city for a spot of shopping making sure to visit Chapel Chocolates for some local goodies and Solva Woollen Mill for gorgeous artisan products made with Welsh wool.
Grab an ice cream from Gianni’s and enjoy sitting on a bench by the war memorial right in the middle of it all, before heading back to the carpark and home after a wonderful day in Britain’s smallest city.
