The History of St Davids

Tucked away on the beautiful coast of Pembrokeshire, St Davids may be the smallest city in Britain, but it has a history far bigger than its size suggests. With its ancient cathedral, medieval streets and strong spiritual heritage, this remarkable Welsh city has been attracting visitors for centuries.

The story of St Davids begins with St David (Dewi Sant), the patron saint of Wales, who is believed to have founded a religious community here during the sixth century. 

Born in Wales, David became a prominent Christian leader, establishing monasteries and spreading Christianity throughout the country. His influence was so significant that, following his death, St Davids became one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in medieval Britain.

The magnificent St Davids Cathedral, much of which dates from the 12th century, stands as a testament to that legacy. Pilgrims travelled from across Britain and Europe to visit the shrine of St David, and such was its importance that Pope Calixtus II declared that two pilgrimages to St Davids were equivalent to one to Rome.

Today, St Davids combines its extraordinary history with a thriving artistic community, independent shops, welcoming cafés and some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in Wales.

Whether you’re exploring the cathedral, wandering its historic streets or discovering the rugged beauty of the nearby Pembrokeshire Coast, St Davids offers a rare opportunity to experience centuries of Welsh history in one unforgettable place.

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Discover Yewdale Cottage

Looking for a special place to escape to the beautiful Pembrokeshire coast? Yewdale Cottage in St Davids offers the perfect blend of traditional Welsh charm, modern comforts and a truly unforgettable location.

A Cottage Full of Character

One of the oldest cottages in St Davids, Yewdale is a traditional Welsh stone-built home that retains many of its original features while providing the comforts needed for a relaxing holiday. Think charming period details, cosy living spaces and a welcoming atmosphere that makes it easy to feel at home from the moment you arrive.

The cottage sleeps up to six guests, making it ideal for families, friends and anyone looking to enjoy a memorable Welsh getaway. It is also dog-friendly, so four-legged family members can join the adventure too.

Beautiful Views and a Private Garden

One of Yewdale Cottage’s most special features is its delightful private garden, with beautiful views across St Davids Cathedral and the surrounding Pembrokeshire countryside. It’s the perfect spot for a morning coffee, a leisurely afternoon outdoors or a peaceful evening after a day exploring the coast.

The Perfect Base for Exploring St Davids

Situated close to the heart of Britain’s smallest city, Yewdale Cottage is ideally placed for discovering everything St Davids has to offer. Visit the magnificent cathedral, explore the atmospheric ruins of the Bishop’s Palace, browse independent shops and galleries, or enjoy the city’s cafés, pubs and restaurants.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the spectacular Pembrokeshire Coast Path is within walking distance. Spend your days discovering dramatic cliffs, hidden coves and breathtaking coastal scenery, or head to Whitesands Bay for sandy beaches, surfing and seaside fun.

Make Your Pembrokeshire Escape Special

Whether you’re planning a family holiday, a walking adventure or a peaceful coastal retreat, Yewdale Cottage offers a wonderful home-from-home in one of Wales’s most beautiful corners.

Discover the charm of St Davids and make Yewdale Cottage the starting point for your next Pembrokeshire adventure.

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Art in St Davids, Pembrokeshire

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.

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Our Top Three Restaurants in St Davids

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.

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Christmas 2026 in St Davids

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.

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