The delightful village of Solva in Pembrokeshire is less than a 10 minute drive away from the well-visited St Davids and is a must-visit for anyone in the area
Pembrokeshire, a county brimming with scenic spots from Narberth to Fishguard and St Davids, also boasts a charming coastal village that’s just as delightful but half as crowded.
The charming village of Solva is a mere 10-minute drive from the popular St Davids in Pembrokeshire. It has earned its place on many lists, being named among some of the best villages in the UK.
With tranquil views, quaint shops and eateries, it’s the perfect spot for a day trip or weekend getaway.
There’s plenty to take in when you visit Solva, but it’s undeniable that the real gem is their picture-perfect harbour. Framed by lush, rolling hills dotted with colourful cottages and clear waters speckled with sailing boats, the harbour is a sight for sore eyes.
At low tide, the harbour is completely dry, save for a small stream running down the middle, creating the ideal spot for catching crabs, fish and shrimp. There are ample rock pools and caves around Solva for the little explorers in your group to discover on a warm day, reports Wales Online.
One pleased visitor took to TripAdvisor to say: “This place is heaven on earth! Oh my! It’s so beautiful. Visited at high and low tide, and both were stunning in different ways.”
Another wrote: “Solva is lovely, from the brightly painted cottages to the estuary and harbour and to the pub, it’s picture perfect. A lovely place to visit in a beautiful part of Wales.”
Outside of its sweeping landscape and dreamy seashores, Solva is home to a lovely array of independent shops, galleries and traditional pubs. A notable place to catch a glimpse of in the village is the Raul Speek Gallery, where art admirers can congregate and enjoy local talent. The owners of the gallery are well known amongst locals and visitors alike for seemingly bringing some new colour to a historic building.
Beyond its stunning scenery and picturesque coastline, Solva boasts a charming selection of independent retailers, art spaces and traditional watering holes.
One standout attraction in the village is the Raul Speek Gallery, where art enthusiasts can gather and appreciate work from talented local artists.
The gallery’s proprietors have become familiar faces to both residents and tourists for apparently injecting fresh vibrancy into a building steeped in history.
One review reads: “Visiting Solva we were delighted to find Raul’s gallery in an old chapel. Truly original and well conceived art with powerful messages – this was backed up in a conversation with Raul who is intelligent, witty and thoughtful. This gallery is the gem of a lovely village.”
For high-quality keepsakes and artisan products, Window On Wales receives particular praise as one of the area’s must-visit destinations, according to TripAdvisor.
Ideal for having a browse and securing a little piece of Solva to take away, this dual-cottage shop represents just one of numerous cherished boutique establishments dotted around the locale.
Describing the village, The Telegraph said: “With its flower-draped, stone cottages in bright ice-cream pastels and deep, fjord-like harbour where boats gaily bob, you’ll be sorely tempted to jack in the day job and move to the coast pronto.”
The quaint village of Solva, nestled in a colourful corner of Wales, is a hub of community spirit and annual events. From their summer regatta to the newly introduced family festival, and even the much-loved yearly duck race, charity and community are at the heart of this charming locale.
The tranquillity that visitors experience as they meander through Solva is testament to its warm and welcoming atmosphere.