Everyone knows St Davids for its magnificent cathedral, beautiful beaches and spectacular coastline. But spend a little longer here and you’ll discover that some of its greatest treasures are the ones that don’t appear on the front of a postcard.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend with us at Ramsey House or enjoying a longer stay, here are seven places and details that many visitors miss completely.
1. The Shrine of St David
Many visitors admire the Cathedral before leaving without realising that it houses one of Wales’ most important pilgrimage sites.
Hidden within St Davids Cathedral lies the shrine of St David himself. For centuries, pilgrims travelled from across Britain and Europe to visit this sacred place, believing that two pilgrimages to St Davids were equal to one to Rome.
Today, it’s a wonderfully peaceful place to pause and reflect, whatever your beliefs.
2. The Ruins of the Bishop’s Palace
It’s easy to walk past after visiting the Cathedral, but the Bishop’s Palace deserves time in its own right.
Built in the 14th century, it was once one of the grandest ecclesiastical residences in Britain. Even in ruins, its huge rose window, elegant stone arches and towering walls hint at the wealth and importance St Davids once held.
Visit later in the afternoon and the warm sunlight on the stone makes it especially photogenic.
3. St Non’s Chapel and Holy Well
Just over a mile from the city centre lies one of Pembrokeshire’s most peaceful locations.
According to tradition, St David was born nearby, and the small ruined chapel, holy well and dramatic clifftop setting make this a wonderful place for a gentle walk.
You’ll often hear nothing more than the waves and seabirds.
4. The Tiny Streets Behind the High Street
Most visitors stay on the main street, but wandering down the quiet side lanes reveals colourful cottages, tucked-away gardens and little corners that feel unchanged for generations.
They’re perfect if you enjoy photography or simply exploring at a slower pace.
5. Dewi’s Acre, A Community Garden
A quiet, beautifully landscaped garden nestled right amongst the historic stone walls of St Davids Cathedral and the Bishop’s Palace.
6. The Cathedral Bell Tower
Listen carefully while exploring the city and you’ll often hear the Cathedral bells echoing across the valley.
It’s a reminder that St Davids is still a living community with centuries-old traditions continuing today, adding to the city’s unique atmosphere. Wednesday afternoons or evenings and Sunday Mornings are the most likely to hear the Bellringers ringing.
7. Sunset at Caerfai Bay
While Whitesands often steals the spotlight, Caerfai Bay has a quieter charm.
As evening approaches, the sandstone cliffs glow with rich reds and oranges, and the light over the sea can be spectacular. It’s one of our favourite places to end a summer’s day.
Take Time to Wander
One of the joys of St Davids is that it rewards curiosity. Leave the map in your pocket for a while, wander down an unfamiliar lane, pause to admire an old stone wall or listen to the Cathedral bells drifting across the valley.
Those unplanned moments often become the memories people treasure most.
If you’re planning a visit, staying in the heart of St Davids makes it easy to explore these hidden gems on foot, returning after a day of discovery to relax before planning tomorrow’s adventure.
We hope this guide inspires you to look beyond the obvious and experience a different side of Britain’s smallest city.