Things to do in St Davids
For the smallest city in Britain, St Davids certainly managed to pack tons to see and do. Steeped in history, this village-sized city is named after the patron saint of Wales, but it’s also got places you can visit that date back millions of years!
Nowadays, it’s a bustling city of quirky shops, restaurants, galleries, and attractions dotted around the stunning coastline. If you’re looking for things to do in St David's as a day out away from our Kiln Park, Penally Court, or Lydstep Beach holiday parks, we’ve got you covered.
St David’s Cathedral
You can’t visit St Davids without stopping to marvel at the Cathedral. After all, it’s the reason for St Davids’ city status. There’s nearby parking and dogs are allowed on the grounds.
The cathedral may be smaller than what you may have seen in larger cities, but its exquisite architecture and picturesque setting in a vale near the River Alun make it well worth a stop.
Once you’ve taken plenty of photos with the family on the grounds, step inside to explore the treasury and library, both of which hold precious books and artefacts belonging to the clergy, dating back centuries. You can view the recently restored shrine to St David, the saint and bishop which many Welsh legends are based upon. Learn about why this area is so deeply tied to Christianity and how it became a place of pilgrimage.
The high ceilings and intricate stained-glass windows are a sight to behold, and there are many plaques to read so you can learn more about the cathedral’s story.
While you’re here, take a visit to the Dewi Acre, the church’s community garden, and on to the Refectory, serving up homemade, locally-sourced food and drinks.
Bishop’s Palace
While the Bishop’s Palace may lay in ruin, you must visit while you’re at the cathedral — it lies right next door to it, just across the River Alun. When the cathedral was newly built, the palace served as a place for the bishop to live and entertain guests that arrived there to honour St David.
As you walk around the ruin, you’ll be able to see the magnitude of the rooms and get a feel for how grand it would have been in its heyday.
Walking around here you can read the information boards to get an understanding of the history of the building and the part it played in St David’s history. There are lots of hidden passageways, nooks, and crannies to explore, plus the stairs up to the first floor give you breathtaking views of the city. Dogs are allowed to explore the whole ruin with you!
From here, it’s not too far to walk or drive to the main streets to find places to grab some food (or head back to the Refectory in the cathedral).
Shopping in St Davids
For a tiny city, St Davids has a vibrant city centre full of shops you can have a nose around. The main shopping street here starts at the square at the end of Goat Street, with other smaller little streets as offshoots from here.
There are the usual chain stores as well as independent boutiques, though you’ll be forgiven if at first glance you think these are quaint little cottages!
Sweet treats make some of the best gifts, so head to Chapel Chocolates on The Pebbles. They make homemade chocolates and sweets with vegan options, too.
Past the war memorial in the centre, you can find Tyf, a sustainable outdoor shop — perfect if you forgot to bring your waterproofs or need an extra pair of walking shoes for your coastal path hikes.
There are art galleries here and plenty of restaurants, coffee shops, and cafes too for when hunger strikes.
Goat Street Gallery
Just out of the main city centreyou’ll find the Goat Street Gallery. The converted chapel is a work of art in itself with its giant windows and stained glass. It’s owned by Daniel and Amanda Wright, a local ceramicist and textile artist.
On display, you can view international and local art inspired by nature, history, and local heritage. You’ll have the opportunity to buy a piece of art to take home too.
Ramsey Island Nature Reserve
If you want natural things to do near St Davids, take a boat out to the gorgeous RSPB-owned island. It spans 640 acres of rugged land and is home to endangered species such as the chough and peregrine falcon.
You’ll want to prepare for any weather when you visit, as there isn’t much man-made shelter! If you’re a member of the RSPB, you’ll get free access, but fear not if you aren’t — there’s only a small fee to access the island.
On your trip here you can spot tons of wildlife in its natural habitat, from baby seals, birds, slow worms, wild horses, harbour porpoises and even dolphins on your journey to and from the island. There’s a cafe and toilets available near where you disembark.
Whitesands Bay and St David’s Head
Did you know that this part of Wales is some of the oldest land in the British Isles?
At St David’s peninsula, you can walk along rocks that date back six million years. To get there, you’ll want to stop off first at Whitesands Bay where there’s a stunning white sandy beach (and a car park). From here, you’ll stroll on foot along the Pembrokeshire coastal path — the only way to get to the peninsula.
On your walk you’ll encounter some rugged terrain and long grasses, so make sure to don your comfiest walking shoes. At the peninsula, you’ll get to rock-hop and take in the sights, including Ramsey Island.
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As at 31 July 2024, price is available at Blue Dolphin, Caister, Cleethorpes Beach, Combe Haven, Craig Tara, Far Grange, Greenacres, Golden Sands, Haggeston, Orchards, Quay West, Skegness and Wild Duck.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Site fees from as little as £150 a month with Let2offset at Lydstep Beach
Let2offset is a contractual lettings product that offers eligible owners a guaranteed letting income at a preferential rate (calculated each year) in exchange for a stipulated number of letting breaks. It also allows eligible owners to pay their site fees and receive their letting income in 12 equal monthly instalments; the monthly site fee amount charged by Haven will be after deduction of the letting income.
“Site fees from as little as £150 a month with Let2offset” is available at Lydstep Beach. The letting income received will vary by make, model and location. The monthly site fee payment does not include running costs e.g. utilities, rates & insurance. Offer is subject to availability.
"Site fees from as little as £150 a month with Let2offset” is applicable to new customer purchases of new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed or equivalent or superior grade holiday home purchases made through Haven where customers have also signed up to Haven’s Let2offset contract. It is not applicable to private sales and cannot be used in conjunction with our free Site Fee promotion. This offer is available at Lydstep Beach only and applies when letting a new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home (or equivalent or superior grade) for 15 weeks.
An example of how “Site fees from as little as £150 a month with Let2offset” operates under Let2offset is the purchase of an Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home at Lydstep Beach with a monthly site fee of £899.00 (includes purchasing discount of £29) and monthly letting income of £719.00. The monthly difference equates to £151 which will be charged to the owner's account monthly; to meet the site fee payment of £150 per month, an additional credit of £1 per month will be applied to the owner’s account. Both letting income and site fees are subject to yearly pricing reviews and the monthly site fee costs and letting income shown in the example are based on 2024 figures.
Modelled assumptions on expected annual site fee and letting income charges over the 7-year lettable life of the Atlas Sahara 3 Bed indicate that under Let2offset it is anticipated that these customers will continue to receive a monthly credit during this period, however, this is not guaranteed. The modelled assumptions are based on the historical performance of Haven over the past 5 years of trading.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Let2offset - make no site fee payments until 2031
Let2offset is a contractual lettings product that offers eligible owners a guaranteed letting income at a preferential rate (calculated each year) in exchange for a stipulated number of letting breaks. It also allows eligible owners to pay their site fees and receive their letting income in 12 equal monthly instalments; the monthly site fee amount charged by Haven will be after deduction of the letting income.
‘Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031’ is available at 33 Haven parks excluding Burnham, Cardigan View, Far Grange, Garreg Wen, Lydstep Beach, Riviere Sands and Seaview. The letting income received will vary by make, model and location. The monthly site fee payment does not include running costs e.g. utilities, rates & insurance.
“Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” is applicable to new and existing customer purchases of new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed or equivalent or superior grade holiday home purchases made through Haven where customers have also signed up to Haven’s Let2offset contract. It is not applicable to private sales and cannot be used in conjunction with our free Site Fee promotion. It is available across 40% of eligible Parks and applies when letting a new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home (or equivalent or superior grade for 15 weeks.
An example of how “Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” operates under Let2offset is the purchase of an Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home at Primrose Valley with a monthly site fee of £585.00 (includes purchasing discount of £45) and monthly letting income of £803.67. The monthly difference equates to £218.67, which will be credited to the owner's account. Both letting income and site fees are subject to yearly pricing reviews and the monthly site fee costs and letting income shown in the example are based on 2024 figures.
Modelled assumptions on expected annual site fee and letting income charges over the 7-year lettable life of the Atlas Sahara 3 Bed indicate that under Let2offset it is anticipated that these customers will continue to receive a monthly credit during this period, however, this is not guaranteed. The modelled assumptions are based on the historical performance of Haven over the past 5 years of trading.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.