In the City of St Davids all the shops, galleries etc are individual and owned and run by local people. Right at the heart of St David’s is the Celtic cross and War memorial garden, around this are some of the main shops, it also leads to the Pebbles (heading towards the Cathedral), Nun Street and New Street where all the shops are situated.
On the outskirts of St Davids is the National Park office and Visitor Information Centre which is open all year round (shorter hours during the Winter). This is a new and innovative building, well worth a visit, apart from the visitor information section there is an Artist in residence studio, family friendly nature centre, a gallery exhibiting local works of art and a small restaurant.
Where to eat in St Davids
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful café to enjoy a slice of cake, a friendly pub to St Davids has it all!
If you’re looking for a memorable evening in a stylish restaurant, it has to be Blas Restaurant. Set in the grounds of the Twr Y Felin Hotel which is located on the road out of St Davids towards Caerfai, you are sure to be impressed with their contemporary menu and mouth-watering dishes.
Just opposite New Cross house is a charming ice cream parlour The Bench.
Made with fresh milk from Caerfai Farm just down the road, the ice cream is made using genuine Italian methods and incorporates local produce to create an impressive variety of flavours. The selection varies throughout the year but you can expect to see flavours such as Death by Chocolate, Salted Caramel, Eton Mess, Bubblegum, Turkish Delight and more. You can also purchase hot drinks and even dog-friendly ice creams to help your pooch cool down!
The Bishops which is overlooking the Cross Square is a favourite amongst locals and visitors. Set overlooking Cross Square, it’s a family and dog friendly pub.
The menu has something to suit everyone no matter your appetite offering light lunches and established pub favourites alongside a children’s menu. You might even be able to catch a live music performance from a local band during your visit.
The Meadow is just up the road from New Cross house – incredible menu and great choice of vegetarian, vegan and gluten free dishes. The Cwtch Restaurant which is just a few doors away from New Cross serve great food which is all locally sourced and fresh, they bake their on bread daily and their portions are generous.
Book a table at Grub Kitchen, the UK’s very first insect restaurant. Set up by expert entomologist Dr Sarah Beynon on the same site as her Bug Farm just outside St Davids, this restaurant is most certainly something a little different.
Try the farmer-run St David’s Kitchen set down Nun Street. Think seafood, pie and chips, Welsh beef and burgers, along with a hearty traditional Sunday lunch each week.
Things to do and places to visit
Our favourite places in St Davids and the surrounding area.
Pembrokeshire Coast Path
The Pembrokeshire Coast Path national trail twists and turns its way through 186 miles of the most breathtaking coastal scenery in Britain.
Discover the best walks of varying length and difficulty together with some short videos here (link to website)
OTHER USEFUL WEBSITES
Ordnance Survey – St David’s to Solva
PCNP – Whitesands to Solva
Visit Pembrokeshire – The Coastal Path
Looking west towards the rugged archipelago known as the Bishops and Clerks, it is in a beautiful location and, with parking for 60 cars, public toilets, a cafe and summer lifeguard patrols, is well-equipped for all manner of seaside experiences and activities.
TYF Adventure
For those of you who are looking for an action-packed adventurous day, booking a session with TYF Adventure should 100% be on your agenda! Located just across the road from New Cross house, you can either pop into their shop in the city centre to book an adventure day or if it’s easier you can also book online.
They have a wide range of activities from; world-class coasteering, kayaking, surfing, rock pooling, climbing and more. Whether you’re after a slow introduction into watersports or an adrenalin filled day, TYF has plenty to offer. for more information and to book visit their website.
Thousand Islands Expeditions
The company offer 9 different boating experiences to choose from, there really is something for everyone. Whether it’s fishing that takes your fancy, dolphin spotting or a trip to Ramsey Island to see the wildlife, Thousand Islands Expedition can help.
You can book your trip at their office which is located next to The Pebbles Café just below the Cross Square.
The Bug Farm
The Bug Farm in St Davids is a great local business with lots to see and do. It includes a lovely café/restaurant called the ‘Grub Kitchen’ with an interesting menu – stick to something familiar or try a bug burger or cricket hummus!
Blue Lagoon Waterpark
A little further afield, you have the Blue Lagoon Waterpark at Bluestone. About a 40-minute drive along the A40 towards Carmarthen, this is a great wet weather day activity. The series of pools offer something for all ages and abilities including a wave machine, various shoots and water slides and a lazy river.
Folly Farm
Folly Farm is another favourite day out for families. It continues to win national awards year on year and improve and expand upon its offering to visitors. It has an indoor barn with lots of animals and activities, a zoo, an indoor fairground and numerous indoor and outdoor play areas. Definitely worth a visit.
Dinosaur Park
The Dinosaur Park near Tenby, home to a 1 km dinosaur trail and lots of different outdoor areas, suiting children of all ages from toddlers to teenagers.
Castell Henllys Iron Age Fort
Castell Henllys is a reconstructed Iron Age hill fort. Archaeological excavation of the site has enabled the National Park Authority to realistically reproduce life as it was over 2000 years ago. Lots of family friendly events are held throughout the year – please visit their website for further details.
Hilton Court Gardens & Tea Rooms
Beaches
Whitesands Bay
Whitesands is overlooked by the imposing hill of Carn Llidi, which has a fantastic view of the beach! The beach is known to be one of the best surfing spots in the entire country! The surf break is at the North end of the beach, so if you’re after a more relaxing experience, head to the south end.
Carfai
Would you like to stay?
Treat yourself to a luxury self-catering holiday in the heart of St Davids.