Davids Cathedral is a captivating sight, both its “ Stmajestic exterior and painted ceilings within” The national park is fantastic for wildlife-watching, too. From the first little bursts of warm weather in spring, the clifftops are alive with crickets and ladybirds. Overhead, seabirds wheel, screech and soar. Every year, puffins and Manx shearwaters return to the islands of Caldey, Grassholm, Skokholm, Skomer and Ramsey to nest, while rabbits graze companionably and seals snooze in the sun. And occasionally, halfhidden by the waves, a pod of dolphins will come frolicking by. You might like Dream Escape to arrange for you to explore the National Coastal Park to its fullest with some watersports activities? Try your hand at coasteering perhaps – jumping from rocks, then swimming and scrambling back up them – or a spot of sea kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, powerboating or fishing. Tranquillity can be found at Marloes Sands, with its rock pools, crystal-clear waters and an inviting sandy coast, surrounded by charming craggy cliffs. The curved coastline is almost a mile long, ideal for those dreaming of feeling the sand between their toes on a quiet coastal stroll. This secluded Welsh secret is only accessible on foot but is a worthwhile trip, if not for the serenity, then for the small neighbouring bay of Albion Sands where a historic shipwreck comes to light at low tide! The relics of past peoples can be found everywhere and Dream Escape favourites include the Iron Age hill forts and burial mounds from the earliest of times, majestic castles and churches. Great examples of these historical gems are Castell Henllys Iron Age Village, Carew Castle and Tidal Mill, St Davids Cathedral, Victorian mining remains at Stepaside, the brickworks at Porthgain, and the many airfields that remind us of the more recent conflicts of two world wars.
ST DAVIDS
Small, yet perfectly formed, St Davids has the honour of being Britain’s smallest city. It’s also a conservation area in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park that can trace its roots back to the fourth century when St David – the patron saint of Wales – lived here. Despite its size there’s plenty to explore; St Davids Cathedral is a captivating sight, both its majestic exterior and painted ceilings within. Its neighbour is the medieval Bishop’s Palace; although roofless much of the structure remains intact. Or, if you’d rather be in the great outdoors, the city is fortunately located on the St Davids Peninsula so you’re just steps away from joining the Pembrokeshire Coast Path to enjoy walks with those gorgeous views in every direction. See whales and dolphins, seals and porpoises, puffins and razorbills on a private charter out to Ramsey Island and other islands further afield. Dream Escape can arrange to take you out on the water from St Davids and around the islands, sailing through narrow rock gorges and past extraordinary caves. This is a fantastic opportunity to explore the lesser-known bays and coves of the stunning offshore → islands, including Skomer Island, a National Nature Reserve, and Grassholm, IMAGE © VISIT WALES IMAGE CENTRE
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