When on holiday in St Davids, you may only have a week or a few days to experience the best that this wonderful city and its surroundings have to offer. This local’s guide to St Davids has the best things to see and do while you’re here, so you can spend less time researching and more time making memories!
Beaches
Whitesands
A favourite among locals for surfing, sunbathing, and sandcastle building – sometimes all on the same day! This beach is your go-to for a family day out, as it has surfboard hire, toilets, ice cream and a cafe all in the car park.
Caerfai
An easy, 1 mile walk from St Davids is Caerfai. This is a fantastically sheltered cove perfect for swimming or picnicking. Head to Losh’s Pasties on route to pick up some lunch time bites and enjoy an afternoon on the sand.
Porthsele
Porthsele is about a half an hour walk along the coast path from Whitesands, and is a great option for a swim on what tends to be a quieter beach. With no parking on site, this is a good option for couples who don’t mind the walk!
Eat
REALLY WILD EMPORIUM
This fantastic restaurant is based on the ethos that wild is wonderful! Many of the ingredients in their lunches, evening meals, cakes and cocktails are foraged from around the St Davids Peninsula. This theme, coupled with their upcycled furniture and shop upstairs make a must-visit in St Davids.
GRAIN
Serving wood-fired pizzas and a fabulous range of craft beers in the heart of St Davids, Grain has fast become a firm favourite with locals and visitors! Tables are outdoors, under canvas and in a cabin, so it’s great whatever the weather. Grain doesn’t take bookings, so be there early or prepare to wait for a table.
SEASIDE SHACK BURGERS
On your way home from a day on Caerfai beach, pop into this street food trailer serving delicious burgers! It’s well worth the walk in the other direction too, and best eaten above the beach taking in the view.
THE MILL CAFE
If you’re looking for a hearty brunch to keep you fuelled for the day, head to The Mill, just off the High Street in the centre of St Davids. Also open for evening meals in high season, this is a cosy cafe serving good, home cooked food.
Drink
ST DAVIDS CROSS HOTEL
On a sunny evening in St Davids, there’s no better place for a cocktail than the garden of the St Davids Cross Hotel. Enjoy a tipple while watching the world go by on Cross Square. The food is also great!
UNSUNGHERO SURF
At the top of the High Street in the centre of St Davids, this is a great shop for your outdoor needs, with wetsuits, surfboards, sunglasses and some great clothing. They also serve fantastic takeaway coffee, so is a good option for a mid-wander pick me up!
PORTHCLAIS KIOSK
This unassuming kiosk serves some of the best coffee around in the most beautiful of settings. A convenient stop off on a coast path walk, or a destination in itself. Head down to Porthclais at high tide for a dip and a sip!
THE SMÖRGASBOARD
New to St Davids for 2024! This boardgame cafe sits in prime position on the High Street. Book your table for a few hours, choose a game and settle in. They serve up light bites alongside an exciting drinks menu, and are bringing Beavertown beer to St Davids!
Shops
BASALT & DUNE
This shop is a treasure trove of beautiful, carefully curated pieces that make beautiful gifts, or to take back to your home. The colour scheme is instantly calming, and with space restricted the owners are careful about the number of people in there at once, giving you plenty of space to browse.
WEST POINT TRADING
A fruit and veg shop, and so much more! Head here for local goodies like chutneys, jams, gin, and chocolate, as well as ingredients for a home-cooked meal in your holiday cottage by the sea. They are now based in Cathedral House, with a delightful brunch cafe attached.
PENINSULA PRODUCERS FOOD HUB
This is an online collection of local producers, all featured on the website and ready to be part of your ideal shop to pick up on your arrival day and see you through the week. Order by Thursday for collection on Saturday.
Activities
Wild Swimming
On a warm day, there’s nothing better than a dip in the sea, and the wild swimming scene in Pembrokeshire lasts all year round! Stay safe and make sure you always go with someone. If your holiday companions aren’t feeling it, or you’d like to swim with people who know the local area, join the local Bluetits group.
Coasteering
Pembrokeshire is known as the birthplace of coasteering, and we have many fantastic adventure companies to help you see the coast in this unique way. Check out TYF Adventure for adventures starting in St Davids or Celtic Quest Coasteering who run adventures to the famous Blue Lagoon.
Walk the coast path
With 186 miles of incredible views, wildlife and hidden coves to discover, a walk of any length on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path is a must. Whether it’s a short stroll to the beach or a day’s walking with a flask and snacks, this path will blow you away.
Historic Sites
St Davids Cathedral & Bishops Palace
These two incredible sites nestle in the valley at the bottom of St Davids. Take a stroll around the Cathedral grounds before being enveloped in the hush and peace inside. Then head to the ruins of the Bishops Palace next door, where you can explore and even take a picnic.
St Nons Chapel
St Non’s Chapel is thought to be the birthplace of St David and named after his mother. The ruins of the original chapel and its more modern counterpart sit overlooking the sparkling blue sea, and is on a fantastic circular walk from St Davids.
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