St David's: Cathedral, Pilgrim Routes and Coastal Trails

You can plan a trip to St David's around two specific themes: its religious heritage and its walking and cycling routes. When looking for a hotel, you could first consider whether you would like to focus your stay on historic sites, a short walk or a longer route.

Cathedral and Medieval Heritage

St Davids Cathedral stands on the site of a monastery founded by St David in the 6th century. For more than 800 years, the cathedral has been a place of pilgrimage and worship, welcoming visitors and pilgrims. A wheelchair is available for use in the cathedral in the south porch. Visitor arrangements may change, so it is a good idea to check them before your visit.

Bishop's Palace is also part of the area's history: between 1328 and 1347, Henry de Gower transformed it into a large palace. It served as the residence of the Bishop of St Davids until the Reformation in the 16th century. The restored shrine of St David was unveiled and rededicated on St David's Day 2012. St Non's Chapel, whose origins are thought to date to the early Middle Ages, lies about 600 m south of St David's.

Walks and Routes to the Coast

The short Historic St Davids Walk is 1.3 miles (2.1 km) long and takes about 45 minutes. It starts and ends at Oriel y Parc Gallery and Visitor Centre. The route uses surfaced and natural footpaths as well as quiet lanes, and runs mostly along minor roads. It offers a clearly defined walk with the same start and finish point.

A longer circular route is the Historic monument walk: St Non’s Chapel and St Davids. It is 4.5 miles long and runs from St Davids Cathedral via St Non's Well and St Non's Chapel to the harbour at Porthclais. This circular route has no stiles and is suitable for visitors with pushchairs and wheelchairs. As trail conditions can change, check them before setting out.

Another pilgrim route leads from the centre of St David's to St Non's Chapel. For a coastal walk, the route from St David's to Whitesands Bay follows the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. The different destinations give you a specific point of reference for planning an outing: a loop back to the visitor centre, a walk to the harbour or a coastal route to Whitesands Bay.

You can also choose a different kind of route by bike: National Cycle Network Route 4 passes through St David's and offers several detours to the coast along quiet country roads. This cycle route is distinct from the walking routes described here. When planning, you can decide whether a walk, a pilgrim route, a longer loop or a cycling route best suits your stay.

Other Places to Visit and Hospitality

Tŷ’r Pererin offers additional hospitality to visitors to the cathedral. Events and activities include guided tours and pilgrimages. Mamgu Welshcakes Café is located in the ruins of St Marys College, a 14th-century part of St Davids Cathedral. If you plan to visit the café, check its current opening status before you travel.

The routes described differ mainly in length, course and destination: the short Historic St Davids Walk takes about 45 minutes, while the circular route via St Non's Chapel to Porthclais covers 4.5 miles. The cathedral, palace and shrine provide a historical focus, while the routes connect your plans with walks, pilgrim routes or the coast.

Discover more destinations: Newgale, Stepaside, Crymych, Haverfordwest, Treffynnon, Ludchurch, Roch, Milford Haven.

For the broader travel overview: Pembrokeshire.