Best Things to do in St Davids: Britain’s Smallest City

Last Updated on 7th October 2024 by Charlotte Nadeau

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St Davids is a purple sandstone cathedral city tucked away in the Pembrokeshire county. Hailed as Britain’s smallest city, St Davids is rich in history and the final resting place for the patron saint of Wales. Here’s your guide to the best things to do in St Davids, as well as nearby things to see along the Welsh coastline!

What is St Davids known for?

St Davids is known for being the smallest city in Britain. Though it’s not always the case, most cities in Wales and England usually get such a designation when they have the presence of a cathedral.

This small city is also known for its beautiful monastery which was founded by St David, the patron saint of Wales. As the final resting place of Saint David, the city has become a place of pilgrimage, with many making the journey to visit his shrine.

A brief history of St Davids

St Davids, or as it’s known in Welsh ‘Tyddewi’ which translates to ‘David’s house’ lies along the  River Alun and is named after the patron Saint David who was born to Saint Non around 500 AD.

During his life, he established many religious communities and became somewhat of a celebrity. St David passed away on the 1st of March and is remembered each year on the day known as St David’s Day, where the people of Wales celebrate in honour and memory of his life.

From the 12th century onwards Saint David was known as the patron saint of Wales and there are over 60 churches in the country dedicated to him.

During this time Pope Calixtus II also declared St Davids a site of pilgrimage, with many making the journey to get close to the shrine so that they could feel closer to both Saint David and God. The original shrine was lost after St Davids suffered a series of Viking raids, but in 1275 a new shrine was built to replace the stolen one.

Despite being granted city status in the 12th century, St Davids briefly lost its status in 1886, but it was once again restored as a designated city in 1994 at the request of Queen Elizabeth.

Today, St Davids is recognised as Britain’s smallest city, with a population of just 1,751 residents (2021). This historic treasure trove is tucked away in Pembrokeshire and attracts almost 3 million visitors annually.

Things to do in St Davids

Although St Davids is the smallest city in the UK, there is an abundance of historical gems to keep the curious traveller occupied over the course of a long afternoon. If you’re spending several days in Pembrokeshire, check out our itinerary for the area for more travel inspiration.

Porth-y-Tŵr (Gate House)

Those headed towards St Davids Cathedral via the town and visitor centre will stumble upon their first glimpse of medieval architecture in the form of the gate house (you actually have to walk under this 13th century octagonal tower and attached gateway to reach the best view point of the cathedral).

St Davids Cathedral

In a city so small it’s hard to not see the beautiful cathedral that sits at its heart. There are records that a church has been on this site from the 6th century, however, the structure seen today dates back to the 12th century, with renovation works having been carried out over the years.

St David’s Cathedral is built from purple sandstone, like much of the town, and inside you can visit the cloisters that once housed St Mary’s College. The grounds are also worth checking out and are even home to a set of beehives!

One of the more unusual things about this ecclesiastical building is that the cathedral has shifted immensely over time, meaning a height difference of almost 4 meters between the east and west ends.

The cathedral is free to visit and wander around, though donations are always welcome. You can visit any day from 10 am – 4:30 pm, except for Sundays when it is only open from 1 pm – 3 pm.

The Peace Garden, St Mary’s Hall

This quiet green space occupies part of the space that St Mary’s College was founded on in 1365, a college which provided properly trained clerics for the conduct of Cathedral services. However, the college was suppressed by the Crown in 1549 during the Reformation.

During the summer months when the hydrangeas are in full bloom, it makes for a beautiful luscious green garden to have a peek in and enjoy soaking up its tranquillity.

St David’s Bishop’s Palace

The ruins of this magnificent medieval palace that once stood proudly beside the cathedral date back to the 14th century. Today it is an open-air theatre and Grade I listed building which is open for visitors to explore.

There is a small entry fee as the palace is maintained and managed by Cadw, the historic environment service of the Welsh Government, but you can purchase your ticket on arrival.

Visitors Centre

To learn more about the local history of the city and its surroundings you can visit the National Park Visitor Centre. Here, there are several exhibitions to see, as well as leaflets and small guides to pick up with more information on things to see nearby and coastal path walks.

St Davids Outdoor Market

If you happen to be visiting St Davids on a Thursday during certain months, you may get a chance to visit the outdoor market. The market aims to promote local produce and crafts, so you can expect to find all kinds of goodies and delights here.

The market runs every Thursday from the 1st of March (St David’s Day) through to the end of October (weather permitting) between 9 am – 4 pm.

Visit Non’s Chapel

Nearby, located on the coast, is the ruined chapel of St Non’s. According to local legend, over 1,500 years ago a young woman named Non came to the cove during a raging thunderstorm storm and gave birth to Saint David. It’s said that she was protected by a golden shaft of light and in her pain, she gripped at the rocks and they split in two in sympathy.

A chapel was built in the same area, dedicated to Saint Non, though little of it remains. The crumbling stone rubble walls are all that stand of this historic landmark and significant holy and cultural site. However, it boasts sweeping views overlooking Pembrokeshire’s famed coastline and St Non’s Bay.

Nearby you can also spy the well which is said to have sprung up during the very thunderstorm where St Davids was born, the waters are meant to have healing properties.

Walking further along from the chapel will lead you down a beautiful coastal path where you can enjoy the scenery and walk in the footsteps of all those who have pilgrimaged around this sacred location.

Head the opposite direction, and back towards the city of St Davids itself and you can visit the new Chapel of Our Lady and St Non. This small ecclesiastical gem is built with ancient stones in the grounds of St Non’s Retreat Centre.

Walk along the coastline

One thing unique to Wales is that it is the only country in the world that has a complete, uninterrupted path along its entire varied coastline. The Wales Coast Path spans 870 miles across the border of the country, boasting breathtaking views and treasures of history scattered along the way.

Where to stay

St David’s is a perfect place to base yourself when exploring the wider Pembrokeshire area, not only will you get the chance to stay in the UK’s smallest city, but there are plenty of wonderful establishments to enjoy on your doorstep. Here are some suggestions of where to stay (based on web-reviews):

Four Winds B&B – Cosy and boasting of mountain views, this bed & breakfast is found just a 7-minute walk from St David’s Cathedral and the Bishop’s Palace. Guests have commented on how welcoming and friendly this homestay is. Continental and Full English/Irish breakfast options are available each morning. Check prices and availability here.

Twr y Felin Hotel – Set within a former windmill and boasting Wales’ first contemporary art hotel, this beautiful property is decorated ornately throughout. Situated a 10-minute walk from Caerfai Bay and the stunning 12th century St David’s Cathedral. Check prices and availability here.

Watch the Pembrokeshire travel guide

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