St. Davids Cathedral
St. Davids Cathedral
4.5
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Sunday
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Full view
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The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
30 within 3 miles
Attractions
21 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- kundukuWirral, United Kingdom350 contributionsBeautiful cathedral - well worth a visitBeautiful cathedral. Very light and airy; gorgeous wood everywhere and it's age is at odds with it's modern feel. The staff were really friendly and helpful and there was plenty of information around the cathedral. Interesting cloisters and statue. Our only disappointment was the lack of catering - this was not mentioned on the website and actually created a problem for us personally. Thorughly enjoyed our visit.Visited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 22, 2023
- Jo FCarmarthen, United Kingdom91 contributionsBeautiful CathedralMy eldest child had been to St Davids on a School trip and has not stopped talking about going again. We decided to visit and we were not disappointed. The building itself is amazing. The ceilings are amazing and history is fascinating. Definitely worth a visit.Visited November 2023Traveled with familyWritten November 13, 2023
- DrC2 contributionsA rare reviewI don’t usually write reviews ( more of an observer 🤪) however having visited the cathedral on Tuesday and read the latest review by Gemma L I felt compelled to write. I was sorry that she had such a disappointing visit as that was just not our experience. There was a suggested donation advertised but there was no sense that it was mandatory. Our own local cathedral has a mandatory entrance fee! As for the staff we encountered during our visit they couldn’t have been more friendly or informative! We thoroughly enjoyed our day from the free I spy tour to the amazing cathedral shop ( much better than our own local cathedral shop.. ) to the gorgeous new cafe and the highlight was the afternoon tour by Marie James. She was absolutely incredible, we were hooked on her every word ( even my grumpy 14 year old was fascinated!!) Thank you to you all for a wonderful day outSt Davids Cathedral replies: Thank you for breaking your usual rule and taking the time to tell us how much you enjoyed your time with us (especially our wonderful guide, Mari)! We're so pleased and grateful to you - and hope you'll be able to come back again!Written February 21, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited February 2024Traveled with familyWritten February 16, 2024
- BigFatBudgie1,031 contributionsThe Best Welsh CathedralSt. David’s Cathedral is a must on your itinerary when visiting Pembrokeshire. An important place of pilgrimage for centuries and it is considered one of the great historic shrines of Christendom. There is an exhibition providing information of the Cathedral, as well as a treasury and library. My favourite area is the high alter and the fabulous painted ceiling above it. There is a small gift shop and coffee shop too. Free entry but donations are welcome for the upkeep of this very special and holy place of worship.St Davids Cathedral replies: Thank you for giving us the accolade of Best Welsh Cathedral! (Don't tell our colleagues at the other beautiful cathedrals!) Thank you too for sharing the excellent photo of the painted ceiling over the High Altar.Written February 29, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten February 28, 2024
- Mike SGreater London, United Kingdom198 contributionsPunches above it’s weightWow what a stunning little cathedral Free to enter with a suggested donation of £5 per person. This cathedral is set in a stunning valley location beside a river and ford. There are two gift shops and a cafe. For a small cathedral it is full of interest, a must see if visiting the UK’s smallest city.Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 14, 2024
- Life Begins at 60! 🥳🥂London, United Kingdom24 contributionsPicturesque CathedralA beautiful & very interesting Cathedral. The surroundings were picturesque. We parked in the Cathedral car park which was a couple of minutes walk from the Cathedral. The staff/volunteers in both the Cathedral itself & the gift shop just outside were so helpful & friendly & very clearly cared about the Cathedral & the role they play in supporting it.Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 14, 2024
- Dewi JonesPenarth, United Kingdom26 contributionsWonderful places for refreshments and scenery to die for!The whole of the St David's area is magical. Breathtaking coastal path, lovely restaurants / pubs. Our favourites include; "The Sloop" in Porthgain and the terrace at the back of The Farmers Arms in St David's - with lovely views of the Cathedral. The Gallery at the visitors centre in St David's is worth a visit too, which can be combined with a meal/drink at the Hotel across the road.Visited August 2023Traveled with familyWritten March 15, 2024
- Michael Marcotte55 contributionsWorth visiting!I did not know anything at all about this city or this cathedral before visiting, but this is one the nicest cathedrals, especially the interior, that I have visited anywwhere. The carved wooden ceiling is a magnificent work of late 16th century art, although the cathedral itself was begun in the 10th century! The cathedral also house the the tomb of Welsh national hero Lord Rhys ap Gruffydd, as wll as that at of Edmund Tudor, th father of King Henry VII of England.Visited October 2023Traveled soloWritten April 1, 2024
- KyrieLondon, United Kingdom88 contributions100% a mustYou don't have to pay to go in, which is a rarity these days. The signage and information around the cathedral is really interesting and well thought through. A good mix of history and Christianity. It felt very peaceful and not commercial in any way. Also just a beautiful space, incredible flaws and ceilings in a lovely setting. Well worth a visitVisited April 2024Traveled with friendsWritten April 6, 2024
- maustin1984Norfolk, United Kingdom108 contributionsSt Davids & St Davids CathedralWe visited St Davids & St Davids Cathedral during our stay in Wales. St Davids has a nice variety of shops and cafes to visit however the main attraction of St Davids is the Cathedral. On first sight the Cathedral is very impressive in scale and appearance & for a small donation you are able to enter & explore the Cathedral.Visited April 2024Traveled with familyWritten April 14, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,641 reviews
Excellent
1,894
Very good
628
Average
88
Poor
19
Terrible
12
Amy Sussex
Shoreham-by-Sea, UK125 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
We visited here with our young children on a rather blustery day that had some rain showers too. It was recommended to us as a good day trip by a well travelled friend. We are not religious and neither are they. I have to say we were quite disappointed.
The cathedral itself just didn't grab me. From a high point in the grounds the outside was beautiful. Inside I was underwhelmed. There are some bits I found interesting from a historical perspective but much was lost on me and I thought the amount of statues and other parts of it dedicated to people that had gifted money to it was a bit vulgar. I left regretting we'd chosen to visit here rather than a nearby natural beauty spot we would otherwise have gone to.
It is free to get in. They do ask for donations which you can give by contactless card payment. There are a number of places you can stop and sit to take it in. There are information plaques and at the end there is an interesting room with a timeline of the cathedral's history and a mini museum. There is a carpark nearby which was reasonable and a few cafe/deli/bakery places and at least one pub and a few shops including a National Trust, Mountain Warehouse, Crew Clothing and Fat Face. There is also a Nisa supermarket witha few parking spaces outside it and a good playground opposite.
The cathedral itself just didn't grab me. From a high point in the grounds the outside was beautiful. Inside I was underwhelmed. There are some bits I found interesting from a historical perspective but much was lost on me and I thought the amount of statues and other parts of it dedicated to people that had gifted money to it was a bit vulgar. I left regretting we'd chosen to visit here rather than a nearby natural beauty spot we would otherwise have gone to.
It is free to get in. They do ask for donations which you can give by contactless card payment. There are a number of places you can stop and sit to take it in. There are information plaques and at the end there is an interesting room with a timeline of the cathedral's history and a mini museum. There is a carpark nearby which was reasonable and a few cafe/deli/bakery places and at least one pub and a few shops including a National Trust, Mountain Warehouse, Crew Clothing and Fat Face. There is also a Nisa supermarket witha few parking spaces outside it and a good playground opposite.
Written August 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Colin D
13 contributions
Aug 2020
Beautiful little Cathedral. had a lovely time there with informative staff and a clever COVID one way system. really nice place. Cafe was a bit on the dear side with two coffees and two scones costing £13.80. Car parking really close by and reasonably priced so you cant have it all.
Written August 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Zitatravel
London, UK829 contributions
Feb 2020
Beautiful old cathedral with so much history. Gorgeous location next to the ruins of the bishops palace. St David’s has been a pleasant surprise for us travelling around Wales. A beautiful spot for a day or two. We visited in February but despite the rain and wind it was still beautiful . Inside you step back in history. Well worth a visit. Please leave a donation as it is free to enter and they need the funding to keep the upkeep of this amazing old church .
Written February 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AP95
London, UK3 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
The Refectory - our order was taken. Coffees and cake for 3. A group of lukewarm drinks arrived at the table and no cakes in sight. While waiting for the drink the chef proceeded to sing out loud and loud rap music was played within the Refectory. Not exactly the scene you would expect to have. 25 mins had passed and our cakes had clearly been forgotten as 45 mins before closing they were cleaning away. When reminded we had ordered cakes they were quite literally thrown at the tables. Their “Welsh Cakes”, Coffee cake & Almond slice were slung onto a plate in their plastic packaging. For a Cathedral to have a cafe open that lets down the rest of the visit speaks volumes. I would highly encourage people to avoid a visit to The Refectory and dine at another local cafe.
Written June 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
familytravel4x4
Liphook, UK634 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
A very interesting and historic cathedral. Despite some restrictions due to COVID, the entry is free albeit donations are welcomed. We also visited the bishops palace and the refectory ( separate reviews! ) but suffice to say that both are worth a visit.
Written October 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jenningsd
Liverpool, UK95 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
Such a beautiful cathedral and steeped in history. Artefacts are supported by written information and one case showed a book dating back many centuries that perfectly describes a world plague that could be Covid19 that current nations are battling against. The cathedral is free to enter however there are donation boxes situated within. There is a large cafe although we gave up Qing after twenty minutes when only one group of three had been served with just one person taking orders and serving. Shop is interesting with an assortment of jewellery, religious items, scarves and books.
Written August 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MikeyG53
Emersons Green, UK5,471 contributions
Jul 2021
On a very warm Sunday we decided to have a trip in the car from our holiday base in Little Haven to St. Davids to look around the smallest city (by population) in the UK (the City of London is the smallest by area). To be honest it really was too hot (over 30C) but we did manage to park close to the Cathedral and walk the short distance to the Cathedral itself passing the ruins of the Bishops Palace. We enjoyed an ice cream from a farm that is about 8 miles away from were we live in East Bristol.
We visited the shop and bought some locally made jewellery and we walked around the less exposed parts of the grounds and through some of the Cathedral’s open corridors. It was a very impressive building and it is astounding to me that this is a ‘working’ place of worship, being a building dating from the 12th century and modified throughout the following 700-800 years.
I am not hugely fond of looking around old religious building, mainly because I am agnostic, but I appreciate that others have beliefs and that’s good enough for me.
A warning: if you want to get from the carpark nearest the Cathedral to the town, you do face a very long and very tiring climb!
We visited the shop and bought some locally made jewellery and we walked around the less exposed parts of the grounds and through some of the Cathedral’s open corridors. It was a very impressive building and it is astounding to me that this is a ‘working’ place of worship, being a building dating from the 12th century and modified throughout the following 700-800 years.
I am not hugely fond of looking around old religious building, mainly because I am agnostic, but I appreciate that others have beliefs and that’s good enough for me.
A warning: if you want to get from the carpark nearest the Cathedral to the town, you do face a very long and very tiring climb!
Written July 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Craffwr
West Wales2,024 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
We visited on a Sunday morning but could not enter the cathedral except for attending the service that was at 11.15am. The cathedral reopened for visitors at 1pm. We fully respected this but enjoyed the bell ringing and the wonderful views from the outside.
Written July 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
shane😁😁
Northamptonshire, UK14,701 contributions
Apr 2021 • Couples
We came a long way to visit this beautiful cathedral and found a note on the little door stating that unless we were there for pray etc then we would not be allowed access.....a real shame.
The exterior is exceptional and much larger than I originally thought.
The ruined Palace is metres away and combined is a lovely way to see the two main highlights of the smallest city.
Car parking is very nearby and again very reasonable at a pound an hour.
A beautiful area of the city.
Visited 21st Apr 2021.
The exterior is exceptional and much larger than I originally thought.
The ruined Palace is metres away and combined is a lovely way to see the two main highlights of the smallest city.
Car parking is very nearby and again very reasonable at a pound an hour.
A beautiful area of the city.
Visited 21st Apr 2021.
Written April 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We're so sorry to hear that you travelled a long way to visit us when we had to be closed in accordance with Welsh Government regulations for all indoor visitor attractions. We do hope you will come back again in the future to see us.
Written June 11, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Heather E
Bridgend, UK72 contributions
Jan 2020
What an amazing place. Outstanding. Paid also to go around the ruins and gardens only £4.20 per person and worth every penny. So much more to see than you think. The lady in the office was welcoming,friendly and informative. Well worth a visit.
Written January 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Curiosity. I live in New Zealand and expect that as Remembrance Day is 11 November it will be the same at St David's Cathedral as it is for us, at 11:00am on 11 November. You may have to check with the website.
Written November 8, 2019
Is there a car park where I can walk to the cathedral on a flat path as I suffer with asthma.
Written May 4, 2016
Unfortunately no, there is a little slope from the car park to the site entrance.
Written July 9, 2018
StDavidsCath
St. Davids, United Kingdom
Only guide dogs are allowed into the Cathedral. Diolch.
Written September 23, 2015
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