Discovering Britain's smallest city, St Davids in Pembrokeshire

The 12th century St Davids Cathedral, built on the site of a much older religious buildings, is the reason for little St Davids' outsize city status. Constructed from dusky purple sandstone, it’s one of Wales’ most iconic religious sites and sits tucked away in a sheltered vale beside the River Alun. Here you can learn about the history of St Davids, visit the impressive Treasury collection and enjoy home-cooked and locally-sourced food at the Cathedral Coffee Shop.

Read more: St David: The greatest figure in the Welsh Age of Saints

Located in the National Park Information Centre, Oriel y Parc Gallery boasts a class A landscape gallery, exhibiting art and artefacts from the collection of Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales. Using objects from the art, natural history and industry collections, visitors are able to view a regularly changing exhibition programme.

The brooding Gothic ruins of the Bishop's Palace lie on the opposite bank of the river from the cathedral and provide a suitably dramatic backdrop for open air theatre performances in the summer. Bishop Henry de Gower’s legacy consists of the simpler east range, his private domain, and the grander south range, built for banqueting in the great hall.

The welcoming Pebbles Yard Gallery and Espresso Bar is the ideal spot to grab a bite to eat and take a break from exploring. Catch the sun and people watch in the courtyard with an espresso, then head inside to see works from local wildlife and landscape photographer Jacki Sime. Alongside Sime’s striking images, you’ll find Pembrokeshire’s largest collection of jewellery and a range of changing exhibits from contemporary artists and designers.

Boat trips to the wild offshore islands of Ramsey, Grassholm, Skomer and Skokholm offer an opportunity to get close to the sea life that call this rugged landscape home. Catch a glimpse of puffins, gannets, porpoises, dolphins and whales and choose a 15-minute island hop or a leisurely cruise depending on how sturdy your sea legs are.

If you're looking for somewhere to stay in St Davids, there are loads of accommodation options. Choose from contemporary town centre apartments overlooking the cathedral, luxury self-catering cottages overlooking the coast, award-winning hotels and modern youth hostels. 

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