St Davids, Pembrokeshire: Britain's Smallest City, the Cathedral & Things to Do

St Davids stands on the far western tip of Pembrokeshire, close to the sea, at the end of the land. It is the smallest city in the United Kingdom by population, little more than a large village, with a great cathedral hidden in a hollow below its streets.

Why St Davids Is Special

St Davids has been a place of pilgrimage for fourteen centuries, and coming down the steps to see the cathedral in its valley is one of the most moving sights in Wales.

All around, the Pembrokeshire coast is at its most spectacular, with cliffs, coves, islands and wildlife.

The History of St Davids

Saint David, the patron saint of Wales, founded a monastery here in the 6th century, and tradition says he was born nearby, at the spot marked by the ruined chapel of St Non, his mother. The present cathedral was begun in the 12th century.

St Davids was given city status in the 12th century. The status was lost in 1886, but restored in 1994 at the request of Queen Elizabeth II.

In the Middle Ages St Davids was so important a shrine that two pilgrimages here were said to equal one to Rome. Beside the cathedral stand the magnificent ruins of the Bishop's Palace, cared for by Cadw.

Things to Do in St Davids

Visit St Davids Cathedral, with its sloping nave and carved ceilings, and the ruins of the Bishop's Palace beside it. Walk to St Non's chapel and holy well on the cliffs south of the city.

Walk the coast path from Whitesands Bay, and take a boat trip around Ramsey Island to see seals and seabirds.

Gardens, Countryside & Antiques near St Davids

Walk the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, and see our guide to the Pembrokeshire Coast. Boats sail from Martin's Haven to Skomer Island for puffins in season.

For antiques, Malthouse Antiques is in Narberth, and Tenby is on the south coast; see our guide to Tenby.

St Davids Through the Seasons

Spring brings wild flowers to the cliffs and puffins to Skomer. Summer is the season for beaches and boat trips. In autumn grey seal pups are born in the coves, and winter storms are spectacular on the headlands.

Getting to St Davids

The nearest railway station is Haverfordwest, about 16 miles away, with buses to St Davids. The city is small enough to explore on foot.

St Davids: Questions & Answers

Is St Davids the smallest city in the UK?

Yes, by population. Its city status was restored in 1994.

Who was Saint David?

The patron saint of Wales, who founded a monastery at St Davids in the 6th century.

Our Advice

Our advice: See the cathedral early, walk the coast path to St Non's, and book a boat trip around Ramsey Island for the afternoon.