A few miles from St Davids, on the stunning Pembrokeshire peninsula, is the pretty harbour village of Solva.
While it may only be small, this “hidden treasure” punches well above its weight, with many visitors to Solva returning to stay in its coastal holiday cottages year after year.
A sheltered harbour that’s dreamy for sea swimming and SUP; Coast Path walks that lead to secluded beaches and an ice cream farm; beer gardens set beside a babbling river… you’d be forgiven for thinking that picture postcard Solva is only a summer destination.
But in fact, Solva was recently named one of the best places in Wales for a winter break.
According to National Rail, Solva was highly recommended in its ‘9 Prettiest Villages for a Cosy Winter Getaway’ thanks to the west Wales village being a: “welcoming option” and “hidden treasure”.
Here at St Davids Escapes, we couldn’t agree more. So with that in mind, here are our 10 reasons to visit Solva this winter:
1.You can enjoy the best Sunday lunch spots
Surely one of the greatest winter traditions in the UK is tucking into a hearty Sunday roast? The perfect pit-stop mid-walk, you’ll be spoilt for choice of places to get a Sunday lunch on the Pembrokeshire peninsula. In Solva, we recommend booking a table at The Cambrian Inn; where there are fish and vegetarian options alongside a classic Sunday roast.
2.You can support small businesses
Solva and St Davids are often considered a seasonal part of Wales thanks to their reliance on tourism. But visit during the quieter months and you’ll still be wowed by the wealth of small, local businesses still open… and minus the queues! In Solva, duck into Window on Wales for handmade Christmas gifts and Welsh souvenirs. And be sure to pop by at Seaforth Designs for beautiful creative home interiors.
3.You can enjoy quiet Coast Path walks
Solva is on the famed Pembrokeshire Coast Path: a 186-mile trail of epic west Wales scenery. Whether you’re game for the testing 12-mile walk to Broad Haven, or simply want a gentle and accessible amble along the harbour wall; Solva is superbly placed for enjoying the Coast Path year-round
4.You can peruse the galleries
Solva is something of a Welsh mecca for artists, the draw of the inspiring coastline meaning many have set up shop here. The Natural Gallery in Solva has an eclectic selection of art and photography, while the distinctive paintings of Cuban artist Raul Speek are on display at his gallery in Solva’s Old Chapel.
5.You can visit Solva Woollen Mill
Open during the week, the Solva Woollen Mill is one mile inland from the village, and an interesting place to visit thanks to its more than 100-year history of producing woven fabric. See how the wool is made, pick up gifts and goodies such as signed Jackie Morris books, and then finish with a brew in the traditional Welsh tearoom.
6.You can indulge with coffee and cake
And speaking of Welsh tearooms, a stay in Solva is not complete (at any time of year mind!), without a visit to the Print House Cafe. On the main high street, expect generous portions of homemade cake, barista-style coffee, and a cooked breakfast; all served up in a cosy atmosphere that makes this a comforting refuge in the colder months.
7.You can play in the park
Bringing the kids along for your Solva sojourn? Then burn off a bit of energy at the village’s new outdoor play park beside the river. With plenty of equipment to suit children of all ages, and numerous benches for parents to sit with their takeaway coffee, it’s been a welcome addition to the village for residents and visitors alike.
8.You can take a yoga class
Solva’s Main Street is home to its very own yoga studio, Wild Yoga, run by the very welcoming and supportive Bethany. If you like the sound of starting your morning with sun salutations or ending it with calming yoga by candlelight, you can book a class at wildyogastudio.co.uk.
9.You can dine in with local produce
Our self-catering holiday cottages in Solva are made for eating-in, with well-equipped kitchens and cosy dining areas that make dining at home a pleasure, not a chore. Seafood and fresh fish are still being brought to shore by our local fishers and gatherers during the winter months. In fact, it’s some of the best time of the year for Welsh shellfish! That means you can grab a platter of delicious Pembrokeshire sea foods from a local supplier, and then take it back to your holiday cottage to enjoy peacefully beside the fire.
10.You can revel in the buzzing pub scene
Despite its size, Solva has plenty of pubs. Whether you like the sound of catching live music at the Hats & Barrels; doing the weekly pub quiz at The Ship; or listening to the open mic night at The Harbour; wintertime is a great excuse to bed into one of our local pubs for the evening, experiencing our local beers and warm Welsh welcome.
If you’re tempted by a Solva winter break, be sure to sign up to our emails for the latest news and offers. And have a browse of our Solva holiday homes to find your perfect Pembrokeshire property.