St Davids may be Britain’s smallest city, but when it comes to art, it punches considerably above its weight.

Surrounded by the extraordinary landscapes of Pembrokeshire’s coast, St Davids has long attracted painters, sculptors, photographers and craftspeople inspired by its particular combination of wild scenery, ancient history and brilliant coastal light.

The city itself is a good place to start exploring. Wander through the narrow streets around the cathedral and you’ll find independent galleries, studios and shops showcasing work by artists from St Davids and the wider Pembrokeshire area. Expect everything from paintings and photography to ceramics, jewellery, textiles and sculpture – often with the landscape playing a starring role.

And it’s not difficult to see why.

Head down towards the coast and the scenery changes constantly. Rugged cliffs, hidden coves, islands, beaches and huge skies provide seemingly endless inspiration. Whitesands, Porthclais and the coast around St Davids Head have all become favourite subjects for artists attempting to capture the distinctive character of this corner of Wales.

There’s also something wonderfully unpretentious about the local art scene. 

Rather than feeling like a traditional gallery district, art is woven into everyday life here. You might discover a tiny studio tucked behind a cottage, meet a maker working in a converted outbuilding, or find a piece of artwork that feels inseparable from the landscape outside.

For visitors, this makes art in St Davids particularly enjoyable to explore. You don’t need to be an art expert – just curious.

For such a small city, St Davids has a surprisingly impressive food scene. Whether you’re after something special, locally sourced ingredients or simply a great pizza after a day exploring the coast, there are plenty of places to eat. Here are three of our favourites.

GRAIN

Sometimes, after a long walk along the coast, all you really want is pizza and that’s where GRAIN comes in. This relaxed spot on St Davids’ High Street serves handmade pizzas alongside a selection of drinks, making it a wonderfully easy-going option.

It’s particularly good for families or anyone looking for something casual and unfussy. Grab a table, order a pizza and relive the day’s adventures.

Blas at Twr y Felin

If you’re looking for somewhere special, Blas at Twr y Felin is an excellent choice. Located within the stylish Twr y Felin Hotel, Blas celebrates the very best of Pembrokeshire’s produce, with local seafood, meat, vegetables and foraged ingredients featuring prominently.

The food is imaginative and beautifully presented, while the setting makes it ideal for a memorable dinner or special occasion.

The Really Wild Emporium

Right in the heart of St Davids, The Really Wild Emporium takes its inspiration from the surrounding countryside and coastline. As the name suggests, wild and foraged ingredients play an important role, alongside locally sourced seafood and seasonal produce.

It’s an interesting choice if you want to experience something a little different, with inventive dishes that reflect the landscape around Pembrokeshire. The relaxed atmosphere also makes it a great place for an evening meal after a day exploring.

Yes, we know that summer hasn’t even ended yet, and we’re already talking about Christmas! But when Christmas in St Davids is this magical, can you really blame us?

There’s something wonderfully special about spending the festive season in Britain’s smallest city. As the days get shorter and the Pembrokeshire coast takes on its wintery charm, St Davids becomes the perfect place to escape the Christmas rush and embrace a slower, cosier kind of festive break.

Imagine crisp winter walks along the coast, wrapped up against the sea breeze, followed by a warming drink beside a roaring fire. The rugged beauty of Pembrokeshire looks spectacular in winter and the quieter paths and beaches give you the chance to enjoy the landscape without the summer crowds.

Back in St Davids, the city has a lovely festive atmosphere. The cathedral and medieval streets provide a beautiful backdrop for a Christmas wander, while local shops, galleries, cafés and restaurants offer plenty of opportunities to find a special gift, enjoy some delicious food or simply settle in for a leisurely afternoon.

And then there’s the magic of Christmas itself. Whether you’re looking for a romantic winter getaway or a few peaceful days away with friends, St Davids has all the ingredients for a memorable festive escape.

So, while we appreciate that you might still be enjoying the last of the summer sunshine, perhaps it’s not quite so crazy to start thinking about Christmas after all.

Because Christmas in St Davids isn’t just about presents and decorations. It’s about fresh sea air, beautiful scenery, cosy evenings, good food and spending time together somewhere truly special.

And, if you ask us, that sounds like a pretty perfect Christmas.

When summer crowds have disappeared and the Pembrokeshire coast takes on a golden autumn glow, St Davids is an especially rewarding place to visit. Britain’s smallest city offers dramatic scenery, fascinating history and plenty of cosy places to retreat to when the weather turns.

Start your visit at St Davids Cathedral, one of Wales’s most remarkable historic buildings. Set in a peaceful valley beside the River Alun, the cathedral has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries. Take time to explore the beautiful interior and then wander around the atmospheric ruins of the nearby Bishop’s Palace.

Autumn is also a fantastic season for exploring the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. Wrap up warmly and head out for a coastal walk, where you may see seals, seabirds and perhaps even dolphins offshore. The scenery is spectacular at any time of year, but autumn’s changing light, quieter paths and crashing Atlantic waves give the coastline a particularly wild character. A walk towards Whitesands Bay is a great option, while more adventurous walkers can explore sections around St Davids Head.

For wildlife lovers, autumn is a wonderful time to visit Ramsey Island. Boat trips from St Davids can provide the chance to spot seals, porpoises and a variety of seabirds, although trips are weather-dependent at this time of year. Even if the sea is too rough, the harbour and surrounding coastline offer plenty of opportunities for enjoying the outdoors.

Back in the city, browse the independent galleries, craft shops and cafés. After a bracing walk, there is nothing better than settling somewhere warm with a hot drink, homemade cake or hearty Welsh lunch. The quieter autumn atmosphere makes it easy to explore at your own pace.

As you are all aware, we are experiencing heat waves in the uk. While it’s lovely to see the sun shining in the sky, we do obviously have to take precautions.

Here is our list of things to do when faced with very hot weather…

Stay hydrated – Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Try to avoid too much alcohol or caffeine as these can contribute to dehydration.

Protect your skin – If you’re spending time outdoors, wear sunscreen, a hat and lightweight clothing to protect yourself from the sun’s rays.

Keep cool – Stay in the shade where possible, close curtains during the hottest part of the day and use a fan if you have one. A cool shower or damp flannel can also help you cool down.

Avoid strenuous activity – If you need to exercise or do physical jobs outdoors, try to do them early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are lower.

Look after pets – Ensure animals have plenty of fresh water, access to shade and never leave them in a parked car.

Never leave anyone in a parked vehicle – Cars can become dangerously hot within minutes, even with the windows slightly open.

Most importantly, enjoy the sunshine safely. Whether you’re spending time in our beautiful garden, at the beach or simply relaxing with family and friends, a few simple precautions can help everyone stay healthy during this spell of hot weather.

Stay cool, stay safe and enjoy the sunshine!