Charming St Davids is the UK’s smallest city, but it has a cathedral - and what a magnificent, 12th century cathedral - so it qualifies. Wales’ patron saint was both born and buried here and it’s Wales’ holiest sight and has been a place of pilgrimage for 1500 years. It’s charming because of its size, and because of its beautiful cobbled streets of pale stone, and because of the way the sea always seems to pop into view - here you’re bordered on three sides by the sea, and on one side by hills. So the best places to stay in St Davids have views as well as charming details to go with their charming surrounds.

St Davids is part of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, and not an inconsequential part, either, it’s a conservation area. So pilgrims to St Davids aren’t just looking for spiritual or historical insight, they’re also looking for spectacular views, great walking trails, and surfing, sailing and kayaking adventures.

What not to Miss

• St Davids Cathedral will probably be your first port of call when it comes to sights. It was built in an unassuming way, in a valley location to try and shield it from Viking raiders. But it didn’t work, it was ransacked seven times! Inside the walls it’s still incredibly impressive. Most of it dates from the 12th and 14th centuries, but the nave is even older. The cathedral’s library, and the ruins of the Bishop’s Palace next door are also worth visiting.
• St Davids is a local Celtic site, a heather-covered peninsula with the foundations of long destroyed huts. There’s also a burial chamber. And fantastic views - all the way to Ireland on a clear day.
• Ramsey Island is a local nature reserve, and a known home for razorbills and guillemots.
• The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is just out of town, with its cliffs and beaches and views and islands, and marshes and forests. It includes the beautiful and historic Preseli Hills, the Daugleddau estuary, St. Bride’s Bay and Caldey Island. Expect to be frequently surprised and impressed by what nature is capable of. Grassholm Island is particularly easy to reach from St Davids.
• The Preseli Hills get a second mention, because this is where you’ll find the impressive neolithic burial site, Pentre Ifan, which is around 5500 years old, and so impressive for it, with a vast, five metre long capstone atop three upright stones - which look just like those of Stonehenge.

The Best Places to Stay in St Davids

For contemporary chic

• Overlooking the Pembrokeshire coast, the Twr Y Felin Hotel is a chic, contemporary hotel cleverly converted from a 19th century-built windmill. The decor is quite sleek and metallic, and the art is modern, making this a stylishly modern coastal retreat. With 21 rooms.

Just outside town

• The Penrhiw Hotel has been converted from a 19th century-built vicarage just outside St Davids. There are just seven stylish rooms, and a five star level of service.
• Set in 600 acres of its own farmland, right up against the Pembrokeshire coast, Crug-Glas is a luxurious, seven room boutique hotel with stunning views and a fantastic family-run restaurant.

For an Apartment or cottage

• If you’d prefer to stay in an apartment or private villa we recommend you visit our online partner, booking.com.

Travel Information

• Pembrokeshire doesn’t have a big airport, it has a small one, Haverfordwest, which has very limited connections. So, if you’re flying you’re better off coming in to Cardiff Airport. Pembrokeshire doesn’t even have a motorway, and is served in a rather limited capacity by rail, with lines running to Pembroke Dock, Milford Haven and Fishguard. St Davids is closest to Fishguard and Haverfordwest stations, and you have to catch the bus from there. It’s also worth looking into the Puffin Shuttle - especially if you’re walking the coastal path.
• If you’re thinking about hiring a car we recommend checking what our online partners, Rentalcars have to offer.
• Most visitors come to Pembrokeshire for the summer, which is sunnier and warm-ish, with temperatures in July and August hitting 19 or 20°C most days.

Still not sure which is the best place to stay in St Davids for you?

• Expand your search to include all the best places to stay in Pembrokeshire?
• or consider one of the best places to stay in Narberth?
• or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.