March 31, 2016

Our Top 10

1. St. Davids Cathedral, Gatehouse, Treasury and Bishop’s Palace. St. David chose this wild beautiful cathedralgoodpeninsula as the site of his monastery in the 6th century and you will find his shrine in the Cathedral, which nestles almost hidden in a grassy valley beneath our little city. Discover the history of St. David and why, in medieval pilgrimage, two trips to St Davids was equal to one to Rome. The St Davids Cathedral Festival during the last week of May features national and international musicians, orchestral and choral works as well as various recitals. Throughout the year the Cathedral showcases music from local and visiting choirs and musicians. Adjacent to the Cathedral stand the magnificent ruins of the medieval Bishop’s Palace, well worth a wander and if you’re visiting us in August enjoy the Arts Players in their evening performances set in the ethereal backdrop of the Bishop’s Palace – just remember your blankets (and on occasions brollies).

2. Oriel y Parc Landscape Gallery/St Davids Visitor Centre – Oriel y Parc, a unique collaboration between the National Museum Wales and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, is an A class international gallery which includes a collection of Graham Sutherland’s unique vision of the Pembrokeshire landscape. Watch the artist in residence and get creative, making your own masterpiece in the discovery room or as part of a workshop. The St Davids Visitor Centre has a wealth of information about the local area and what’s on as well as a café open for breakfast and lunches.

3. Take an invigorating RIB (rigid inflatable boat), or a relaxing boat trip around Ramsey Island – the Ramsey island boat tripstunning RSPB island. Birdlife, seals, porpoises and hidden coves await you. In particular, puffins can be seen off the mainland in June and the largest breeding seal colony in the British Isles (lots of baby seals) in September. Landing on Ramsey Island you can get close up to the many species of nesting sea birds on Britain’s highest sea cliffs, look out for choughs and peregrine falcons, or some of the resident red deer high up on the cliffs.

4. For the brave try Coasteering, pioneered in St Davids. An invigorating way to experience the wildlife and scenery of the Pembrokeshire coastline up close as you work your way around the coast by climbing, rock hopping, cave exploring and cliff jumping!! Or why not learn to surf at Whitesands or Newgale or kayak/paddle board round the coastline? For those who prefer to stay dry there are plenty of climbing opportunities.

5. Visit Abereiddy and see the Blue Lagoon – an old sunken quarry which is turned a stunning turquoise colour in summer. The Red Bull cliff diving team loved it so much they’ve been here three times. See the locals and coasteerers jump from the high walls into the deep pool and then wander along the coast path to Porthgain for freshly caught fish or crab at The Shed or a pub lunch in The Sloop Inn.

6. Walk the Coast Path, spectacular at any time of year, offering a varied coastline for walkers to enjoy stunning bays, beaches and clifftops, volcanic headlands, seas of heather and gorse in late summer, a variety of seabirds and in September, seal pups. We have too many highlights to list; Caerfai to Solva. Caerfai to St Justinians. Porthgain to Aberieddy. St Davids Head with its stone circles and Neolithic burial chamber, the Cromlech. Climb Carn Llidi; a haul, but worth it for the stunning views all around the coastline of the St Davids peninsula. You can’t go wrong… Our staff are always happy to recommend walks based on interest or distance and you’ll find lots of maps and coastal path bus timetables in our information room. Fancy combining walking the beautiful coastline and discovering edible delights on you journey? Really Wild Foraging offers guided foraging experiences to explore natural goodies of the Pembrokeshire shoreline and hedgerows.

site 4037. St Non’s Chapel – walking distance from Caerfai and the birthplace of St David. David was born on the cliff top during a fierce storm, his birth is marked by the ruin of a tiny ancient chapel and a holy healing well which sprang up when he was born.

8. Enjoy a sunset or watch a meteor shower. Watch from Caerfai or visit Whitesands Bay or Newgale to enjoy some of the most stunning sunsets. After dark, when all is quiet (apart from the occasional cow munching in the farming fields) watch the stars and in August enjoy the Perseid meteor shower.IM000037

9. St Justinians is not only the departure point for the Ramsey Island boat trips, but also a place of exceptional tides – the ‘Bitches’ is a notorious stretch of rocky reef, the water has strong cross-currents between the island and the mainland and is the site of numerous ship wrecks in days gone by. The new and old RNLI lifeboat stations and visitor centre are situated here. Worth a visit and if lucky, you may even see a launch!

10. Dr Beynon’s Bug Farm – Whether you’re a bug enthusiast or looking for a fun day out with the family, Dr Beynon and her fantastic team will enthuse, amaze and inspire as you are taken on a journey into the hidden world right under your feet. You’ll find plenty to do and see, including the tropical Bug Zoo, Bug Museum, Up-close sessions, Indoor Play Barn and Bug Farm Trail. If all that makes you hungry why not visit the grub kitchen – hailed as the UK’s 1st edible insect restaurant with plenty of non-insect dishes too.