Whether you come on a family holiday, a coastal getaway or a romantic long weekend, you’ll definitely have a talking point when you see the horse’s skull in a display cabinet on the upstairs landing.
There’s a plaque underneath it which reads :
“Horses skull found in the foundations of Yewdale Cottage during renovations in the 1960’s. Probably buried in the 17th Century for good luck and fertility, according to ancient local custom. It is said there will be a curse on anyone who removes it from the cottage!”
St Davids is a truly mystical place and one of the amazing things about a holiday in Pembrokeshire is you truly get a feel you are in a timeless world, walking hand-in-hand with ancient ancestors.
It’s not for everyone’s taste. But we believe that the horse’s head and other quirky features like it are what makes Yewdale Cottage a truly unique place to stay.
I always laugh to myself when they call St Davids a “city centre”. It is such a village in every way that the word “city” somehow feels silly, like calling some football goalposts down the local park a football stadium. But St Davids has a lovely little centre with all the quirky, independent shops you would associate with a close-knit community such as this.
In the middle of the triangle, which is the centre point of St Davids, there is a beautiful war memorial which is lovely to sit on and enjoy a salt and vinegar drenched fish and chips from the local chippie. From here you will walk down the hill and head right, going past the lovely Window on Wales which sells all manner of authentic Welsh goods.
This will bring you down a street called Nun Street which has some amazing shops and tea rooms on it. Look out especially for the amazing Y Gegin (previously St Davids Gin & Kitchen) on your right. It’s a really special place for a lunchtime bite or evening meal.
After 100 yards or so you’ll come to the lovely serene Quickwell Hill so take a left and head on down the hill. From here you’ll get some lovely views of St David’s Cathedral and also find a very handy car park for when you are staying at Yewdale holiday cottage. And our cottage is at the bottom of the hill (number 8). Simples!
The entire walk will take you no more than 3 minutes. So as you can see, as regards its location, there’s no beating Yewdale Cottage – the perfect rental for a family break or beach holiday in West Wales.
Just down the road from St Davids (about a 20 minute drive) is Oakwood Theme Park. It’s a really wonderful place for a day out in Pembrokshire if you want something a little different to coastal walks and sunsets. Maybe the kids are getting just a little restless and deserve a little hi-octane fun of their own.
Oakwood boasts the largest wooden rollercoaster in Europe and has lots of exciting things for teenagers that will keep them occupied for the entire day. But also there’s so much to do if you have younger children too. Family favourites include the Jolly Roger and the Neverland Chase.
The whole of Oakwood’s architecture is incredibly tasteful and it feels a little more soulful that the corporate leviathans that theme parks often tend to be. There’s a real organic feel to a lot of the park, as if run by a family, as apposed to a fat cat, cigar smoking capitalist bigwig.
When in your Yewdale holiday cottage, you’ll have so much to do and explore that a month won’t be enough time. But if you were after some excitement on your family holiday, then Oakwood just might be the place for you. Your kids will be entertained for the entire day and will be nagging you senseless for the next visit!
There’s just such a lot to do in St Davids, Pembrokeshire so you’ll have to be picky! But Oakwood is, for our money, the best theme park in Wales.
There’s a reason our family has been coming to St Davids for generations. There’s truly no place like it in the world. And there’s just so much to discover.
At Yewdale Cottage, on opening your curtains, you are immediately greeted by a spectacular view of one of the most beauteous cathedrals in the world. And as soon as you’ve grabbed a bite for breakfast, you can wander through the quiet country lanes to Whitesands, a beach which is pure paradise for sunbathers and snorkelers and surfers alike.
St Davids has the warmth and intimacy of a village but all the events and exhibitions of a bustling metropolis. There’s often wonderful concerts in the cathedral and the amount of art galleries and artists who reside here proves just how magisterial this truly breathtaking area of natural beauty is.
If you want a cozy cottage cwtch or a coasteering and kayaking caper, St Davids has got you covered.
But please, don’t let us convince you. Come and see for yourself!
