Pembrokeshire – St Davids
St Davids is the smallest city in Great Britain by dint of the fact that it has a most magnificent cathedral that dates back to the sixth century, with city status conferred by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth in 1995.
Built on the site of St Davids Monastery, it was destroyed in 1648 but rebuilt over a period of time to the splendid edifice that draws people from all over the world to enjoy its magnificent and timeless nature.
Set near the coast, St Davids has many water-based activities nearby and it also has its own lifeboat station at St Justinian’s (Porthstinan) in Ramsey Sound - and since it was built in 1869 the brave crews have saved over 360 lives. Whitesands Bay carries the coveted Blue Flag for cleanliness and there is spectacular coastal scenery to walk as part of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park footpath.
Available for those who like the sea are the Thousand Island Expeditions, the Voyages of Discovery, TYF Adventure and Venture Jet, whilst Ramsey Island provides a superb nature reserve and Whales and Dolphins can be spotted off the coastline. At the other end of the spectrum, one can learn how to train a sheepdog!
Famous visitors in the past have included William the Conqueror (1081), Henry II (1171), Queen Elizabeth II (1982), and Prince Charles (1993). The many modern visitors stay at places like the Warpole Court Hotel, the Old Cross Hotel, the Ocean Haze Hotel and the Grove Hotel, whilst those who enjoy fresh air or caravanning can camp at Pencnwc Farm Camp Site, Scamford Caravan Park, Caerfai Bay Caravan and Tent Park, Pencarnan Farm or Lleithyr Farm. There are also many holiday cottages available, many of them with FBM Holidays.
St Davids Cathedral hosts an annual music festival and there is an annual Arts Festival in the city – and many well-known local artists like Jackie Moss, Chris Neale, Linda Norris, David Beattie, Diane Walkney, Robert Jakes, Diana Hoare, Charlotte Cortazzi, Andy Clay and Alun Davies have studios in the area.
For sports lovers there are rugby, football, cricket and golf available whilst surfing and sailing are very popular . There are several eating places, amongst them the Cwtch, Morgan’s Brasserie, the Sampler Coffee Shop and the Refectory in the cathedral, whilst Celtic Silver Jewellery for Wales can be found at Taylors, one of the local shops alongside Chapel Chocolates, St Davids Food & Wine, plus St Davids Garden of Plants.
