A Guide to St David’s, the Smallest City in the UK.
Updated: 3 days ago
St Davids is both charming and the smallest city in the UK. It has everything for a Pembrokeshire day out: surf, beaches, culture and history, stunning landscapes, and some fantastic independent shops.
Whether you’re a couple planning a day of exploring and a long lunch, or a family looking to combine discoveries with time on the beach, there’s plenty to keep you busy.Our Top of the Woods travel guide brings together the history, culture, natural wonders and culinary delights of this wonderful city and the surrounding area.
Choose a few favourites for a perfect day out during your camping or glamping holiday, then head back to Top of the Woods for an evening of campfire and dark skies with your favourite people.
What is there to see in St David's?
St Davids Cathedral & Bishop's Palace.
Explore St Davids’ rich cultural history with visits to its cathedral and the neighbouring Bishop’s Palace.
The main cathedral dates from approximately the 14th centuries and is considered one of the finest examples of Early Gothic architecture in Britain. The site itself goes back to the 6th century when a monastery was sited there and is a famous pilgrimage route. Travellers from all over journeyed to pay homage to Wales’s patron saint as they visited the tomb of St David. The cathedral also hosts concerts and musical events. It’s worth checking what’s on during your holiday, as hearing live music in this setting could be a lovely addition to your visit. After, head next door to the Bishops Palace, together, they give you a fascinating introduction to the history of this small city.
Next door to St David’s cathedral are the substantial ruins of Bishop's Palace and gives a flavour of how the Bishops of St David’s would have lived in the Medieval period . Today it is in ruins but despite this, Bishop's Palace remains an important historic site and is a popular tourist attraction in St David’s.
It also gives you a sense of how rich and powerful the Bishop's were as the palace building is nearly the same size as the cathedral! Despite being a ruin, it remains an impressive place to explore. Check Cadw’s visitor information on opening times and prices before you go.
Where can we enjoy the coast and wildlife around St Davids?
Explore St Davids Peninsula
Venture out into the wilderness of St Davids Peninsula, part of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, with its protected marine habitats and stunning coastal views. Enjoy it all as you walk along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.
You don’t need to tackle a whole day’s hiking. Choose a stretch that suits you, take a picnic and give yourselves time to stop, get the binoculars out and enjoy the beaches along this stretch of coastline. A cold-water dip or rockpooling exploring may also be required!
If birds are your thing, look out for resident and migratory species across the landscape. Depending on the season and where you walk, you may spot guillemots, razorbills and kittiwakes nesting along the cliffs. For puffins, plan a separate trip to Skomer Island during the breeding season.
Take a boat trip around Ramsey Island
Ramsey Island, off the St Davids Peninsula, is a natural choice for a wildlife outing from this part of Pembrokeshire. The dolphins can be seen all year round, where as seals, porpoises & whales are migratory are frequently seen in the surrounding waters of St David’s Peninsula and along the Cardigan Bay at different times of the year.
Boat trips offer a different perspective on the coastline, with opportunities to look for seals and seabirds. Wildlife sightings vary, and departures depend on sea and weather conditions.
Check whether you’re booking a trip around the island or a landing visit, as these are different experiences. Families should also check minimum ages and trip lengths with the operator.
What about seeing Puffins on Skomer Island?
If puffins are on your holiday bucket wish list, plan a separate trip to Skomer Island.
You’ll want a whole day to enjoy this amazing wildlife experience, and it’s worth planning ahead. Our guide to Skomer Island’s puffins and how to get there will help you organise your visit.
Boats depart from Martin’s Haven, rather than St David's, so give Skomer its own day instead of trying to squeeze an island visit, the cathedral and the beach into one outing.
Check seasonal wildlife information, sailing arrangements and booking requirements before travelling with local tour operators or wildlife experts for the most up to date information.
Where can we surf, kayak or try coasteering near St Davids?
For adrenaline and adventure enthusiasts, St Davids offers plenty of ways to explore the coast, from surfing at Whitesands Bay to guided kayaking and coasteering.
Surfing at Whitesands Bay
The waves at Whitesands Bay are popular for surfing, with lessons and equipment hire available locally. You can read our popular blog for more detail, 3 best surfing beaches in Pembrokeshire
For beginners, a lesson is a good way to get started. Check age requirements when booking for children, and choose a session suited to your experience.
You can also make Whitesands the beach part of a more relaxed day: a wander around St Davids, lunch, then an afternoon by the sea.
Sea Kayaking
Explore the coastline at water level on a guided sea kayaking trip.
Ask the operator which outing suits your group, particularly if you’re new to kayaking or bringing children. Routes and departures depend on conditions.
Coasteering
Why not try your hand at Coasteering, an adrenaline-fueled activity that involves exploring the coastline by climbing, swimming, and jumping along cliffs and rock formations & was invented here in Pembrokeshire!
Book with an experienced local provider, who can explain the swimming ability, minimum ages and equipment needed.
What can families do in St Davids?
For a manageable family day, choose one main attraction and leave room for food, exploring and a beach stop.
You could spend the morning around the cathedral and Bishop’s Palace, then head to Whitesands. Or make The Bug Farm your main outing, with lunch at Grub Kitchen.
There’s no need to fit everything into one day. For more ideas across your stay, see our family adventure itinerary in Pembrokeshire.
Where can we eat in St Davids?
Savour the flavours of Pembrokeshire at St. David's eclectic eateries, where locally sourced ingredients shine. From innovative insect-inspired dishes at Grub Kitchen at the Bug farm, to wood-fired pizzas paired with local artisanal ales at Grain.
Check the websites, for their location in St Davids and opening times.
Bug burgers or mixed insect pakoras. Yes, you heard right!
Grub Kitchen explores the future of sustainable food, give it a go, you may be suprised.
It’s not just insects on the menu and the main ethos of Grub Kitchen is to serve freshly cooked, local, and sustainable food. There is a focus on plant-based dishes and children’s meals are always available.
Also, don’t forget to pop in and visit Dr Beyson's Bug Farm, next door to Grub Kitchen. Discover the wonderful world of bugs, from their role in the future of farming to the research and conservation work happening here.
A great charming waterhole for tired feet & dogs
The historic watering hole is a perfect stop after your exploration of the city & the surrounding area. The pub is easy to find, just head to Cross Square in the centre of the city of St David’s and you will spot the pub. You are rewarded with great views of St David’s Cathedral as you enjoy that well-earned pint.
Stone-baked pizza and local beer in the heart of St Davids City
Grain started as a collaboration between Bluestone Brewing Company and The Canteen, Newport with a passion for bringing Welsh produce to the plates of Pembrokeshire, in Wales, they have also opened a new pizzeria in the heart of Cardigan the closest town to Top of the Woods campsite.
Grain serves a selection of stone-baked pizzas, yummy snacks and refreshing beer, with a focus on local produce, hearty portions and a relaxed atmosphere. With gluten-free beer and pizzas alongside vegan specials, there’s something for everyone, and your four-legged friends are welcome too!
How could we plan a day in St Davids?
Allow for the journey from Top of the Woods which is approximately an hour and check your route before setting off. This is a day to give yourselves time to enjoy.
For couples
Start with the cathedral and Bishop’s Palace, browse the independent shops and galleries, then stop for lunch. Choose a coastal walk or time at Whitesands for the afternoon.
For families
Choose the cathedral and palace or The Bug Farm as your main visit, then add lunch and a beach stop if everyone has the energy.
For adventure lovers:
Book your surf lesson, kayaking or coasteering session first, then plan food and sightseeing around it.
Where should I park in St David's City? Is there electric car charging ?
For the Town Centre & Visitor Information
Oriel y Parc Gallery & Visitor Centre Car Park (Ffordd Caerfai, SA62 6QT) features 192 spaces, electric vehicle (EV) chargers, toilets, coach/motorhome spaces, and a handy café. Approximatley a £1 per hour via an app
For St Davids Cathedral & Bishop's Palace
Quickwell Hill Car Park (33 Nun St, SA62 6NT) offers 79 spaces, EV charging points, and clean public toilets with disabled facilities right next to the path down to the cathedral. Merrivale Car Park (Pit St, SA62 6RJ) is another close 79-space council option in the valley near the cathedral road. Approximately £1.50-£2 for an hour
Where should I park at Whitesands beach?
Whitesands Car Park (SA62 6PR) provides 180 spaces right by the beach
Can we bring our dog to St Davids?
Yes, many cafés and outdoor venues welcome dogs, but do check each venue’s dog policy before travelling.
If you’re planning a beach stop, Whitesands has a seasonal dog ban from 1 May to 30 September. Newgale and Broad Haven North have restrictions on parts of their beaches during the same period.
Many smaller beaches welcome dogs all year round, so there are still plenty of places to explore with your four-legged friend. Check local signs and beach information before you go.
What if it rains? Is there anywhere we can go in St Davids?
While the Bishop’s Palace and the Pembrokeshire coast are outdoors, there are still plenty of places to enjoy if it rains. There are some great cafés where you can eat and linger until it passes, independent shops to browse and exhibitions at Oriel y Parc.
The cathedral is another lovely place to spend some time. The Bug Farm also has indoor exhibits to explore, with Grub Kitchen next door when you’re ready for lunch.
Why Does Soo at Top of the Woods recommend St David's for a day out?
St Davids is a great day out, with something for everyone: couples, families, adventurers, foodies and anyone who enjoys history and culture, within approximately 1-hour drive.
I love this tiny, charming city and its historic pubs. One of my favourite buildings is the Bishop’s Palace. It’s so evocative, and wandering around gives you a sense of what it might have been like to live there. There’s also a really cute garden centre with rare plants just below the visitor centre, for those who love gardening.
The beaches are stunning and geologically quite different from those closer to the campsite. The coastal walks take you along a beautiful stretch of coastline, and there are ancient standing stones to discover further inland on the peninsula too.
I also love The Bug Farm. A few years ago, I had the chance to meet Dr Sarah Beynon and spend a private morning exploring the fantastic bugs in their collection and learning about her research into sustainability.
How far is St Davids from Top of the Woods glamping campsite?
The car journey is approximately one hour
Or for more day-plan ideas check out Top of the Woods Holiday Itinerary ideas for families, couples and groups to keep everyone entertained and happy!
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