St David’s is the UK’s smallest city, but don’t let that fool your
The UK’s tiniest city, nestled in the heart of Pembrokeshire on the Welsh coast, is actually a charming village brimming with history and natural beauty.
St David’s, a cathedral city named after Wales’s patron saint, Saint David, is where his final resting place is located. Its city status was traditionally granted due to its grand cathedral, believed to have been constructed between 1180 and 1182.
It remains a lesser-known coastal treasure amongst UK holidaymakers.
However, those willing to embark on a few hours’ drive through Wales’s rolling green hills to the edge of the west coast will be pleasantly surprised by what this small town has to offer. St Davids’ allure lies in its rich history, being home to one of Wales’ most iconic religious sites and a pilgrimage destination for centuries.
Tourists can freely explore the cathedral, and its grounds provide an idyllic setting for a leisurely stroll on a sunny day. Despite attracting numerous visitors throughout the year, the area maintains much of its understated charm, remaining surprisingly quiet and compact, reports the Express.
Beyond the historical landmarks of the cathedral and the original gothic ruins of Bishop’s Palace, St Davids boasts a plethora of scenic walks and swimming spots for nature enthusiasts. This quaint, cobbled town is not only home to a stunning stretch of beach but also offers cliff-side walks and hikes.
Whitesands Beach stands as the principal expanse of pristine white sand in the region, sweeping northward towards St Davids headland and serving as one of the nation’s renowned surfing destinations.
It’s ideal for days spent constructing sandcastles, basking in the sunshine, or taking a refreshing dip.
For those seeking more thrilling pursuits, windsurfing and kayaking prove particularly popular pastimes.
One delighted TripAdvisor reviewer said: “What an absolutely phenomenal beach. The beach itself is so clean; the water was crystal clear, and there was no seaweed. You can go out for quite a way, and it was just unbelievable.
“The family loved it and couldn’t believe how quiet it was, and even when it got a little busier later in the day, it was still so pleasant, and this is all before the walks. The mountain walks around the beach were quite simply breathtaking. Some lovely places tucked away; we even found a cove we had all to ourselves.”
For those wanting to venture even deeper into Pembrokeshire’s stunning landscape, there’s a concealed gem called Porthmelgan Beach, merely a 20-minute stroll from Whitesands Bay.
This rather more isolated location boasts equally brilliant white sands but tends to be considerably quieter, with no parking facilities, eateries or wave riders to be found. Another gem is the Blue Lagoon, a 20-minute drive from the city centre, boasting turquoise waters and rocky landscapes.
It’s the perfect spot for a peaceful swim, a relaxing kayak ride or even a daring cliff dive, all while enjoying stunning coastal views.
Venturing back into the city’s charming cobbled streets, you’ll find a handful of pubs that quickly fill up in the summer with patrons enjoying their post-walk pints. These establishments often feature live music in the evenings, creating a lively atmosphere, and serve traditional pub food.
However, it’s worth noting that without a reservation, you might struggle to secure a cosy spot.
As with any seaside town, St Davids boasts numerous ice cream parlours and a mix of independent shops and larger brands in the city centre. So when you’ve had your fill of coastal walks, a stroll through the city streets and a browse through the shops can provide a refreshing change of pace.
