File:StDavidsCathedral.jpg · Wikimedia Commons · See Wikimedia Commons
St Davids
Also known as Tyddewi, St. David's, St. Davids, St David's, Menevia
city in Pembrokeshire, Wales
AI overview
St Davids is a city in Pembrokeshire, Wales, known for its small size and historic significance. It is notable as a major pilgrimage destination and spiritual center in Wales, traditionally associated with Saint David, the patron saint of Wales.
AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.
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Place details
- Locality
- St Davids
- Region
- Cymru / Wales
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Population
- 1,751
Travel guide
Understand
St Davids lies on the River Alun. It is the resting place of Saint David, Wales's patron saint, and named after him. In 2021, it was home to 1,750 people. St Davids was given city status in the 12th century, which was traditionally given to cathedral towns.
Get in
thumb|350px|St Davids Cathedral and Bishop's Palace
Get around
The city is small enough that walking is the best way to get around and see the sights. Walking and hiking is also the best way to see the coastline around St Davids Head, as there are many hiking trails throughout the area. Roads in the area tend to be narrow, and can be busy in high season, also the car parks at the main tourist sites can fill up quite quickly, so driving can be a frustrating experience. To travel further afield than allowed by walking, cycling is a great option. Alternatively use the excellent bus service along the coast, organised by the local council.
See
thumb|250px|The lifeboat station at St Justinian
Do
Hiking on the many trails. The Pembrokeshire Coast Path runs along the coast through the entire of the Pembrokeshire National Park. This means that you can turn up at any point on the coast and walk along to the next village or bay. The National Park Authority now runs subsidised bus services along the coast that will take you back to the place you started from for a small charge. Swimming and scuba diving Spend some time on the many beaches on the coast nearby. There are many beaches within a short drive of St Davids, all of which are clean and most of which have a lifeguard service. Facilities such as toilets and cafes are usually available but vary depending on how popular the beach is.
Go next
St Davids is near the extreme southwest tip of Wales, so to get out, you will likely have to return the way you came. If travelling around the coastal path, or touring by car, nearby towns include Haverfordwest and Fishguard. Places of interest further afield include Cardigan to the north, Tenby to the southeast and Carmarthenshire to the east. Ramsey Island. An RSPB nature reserve known for its colonies of birds. Two boats per day land there, leaving from St Justinian at 10AM and noon, returning at noon and 4PM. Tickets available from Thousand Island Expeditions in Cross Square, St Davids. Solva (Solfach) — pretty little village at the head of a long, narrow natural harbour. A more than 3-mile walk along the coast path to the east. The village has 4 pubs, so there's plenty of opportunity to get refreshments before walking back! The best views can be had from The Gribin, the cliff on the south side of the harbour. Solva's main car park is free. Abereiddy small village and beach with plenty of activities. Near by is the Blue Lagoon. Porthgain small harbour with an industrial heritage
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Article
St Davids or St David's (Welsh: Tyddewi, [tiː ˈðɛwi], lit. "David's house”) is a cathedral city in Pembrokeshire, Wales. It lies on the River Alun and is part of the community of St Davids and the Cathedral Close. It is the resting place of Saint David, Wales's patron saint, and named after him.
St Davids is the United Kingdom's smallest city by population (number of residents within the wider community was 1,751 in 2021) and urban area, but it is not the smallest city by local authority boundary area (which is the City of London). St Davids was given city status in the 12th century. This does not derive automatically, but in England and Wales was traditionally given to cathedral towns under practices laid down in the early 1540s, when Henry VIII founded dioceses. City status was lost in 1886, but restored in 1994 at the request of Queen Elizabeth II.
