When the days stretch out and the clifftops burst into colour, St Davids comes alive. Spring and summer are the time for wildlife trips, beach days and long, light evenings in the courtyard. Here’s what to look forward to.
St David’s Day, 1 March
There’s no better place to celebrate the patron saint of Wales than the city named after him. St David’s Day is celebrated with real enthusiasm here, and in recent years there’s been a colourful Dragon Parade through the streets, setting off from Oriel y Parc. It’s a lovely way to start the spring.
Spring on the Coast Path
From April, wildflowers carpet the clifftops along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, and the seabirds return to the cliffs and islands. It’s a wonderful time for walking, with fewer people about than in high summer. Try the loop from St Davids to St Non’s Chapel and Porthclais, which you can start right from the cottage.
Puffins on Skomer
For many visitors, seeing puffins is the highlight of a trip to Pembrokeshire. They nest on Skomer Island, around 45 minutes’ drive from St Davids, and are there from around May to July, with May and June the best months to see them. Boats to Skomer leave from Martin’s Haven, and landing trips must be booked online in advance, as visitor numbers are limited each day.
Closer to home, boat trips from St Davids around Ramsey Island are a great way to see seabirds, seals and porpoise.
Summer beach days
Whitesands Bay is just a five-minute drive away. It’s a Blue Flag beach with RNLI lifeguards in season, perfect for swimming, bodyboarding and surfing. The car park fills quickly on sunny days, so arrive early or catch the Celtic Coaster shuttle bus from Oriel y Parc. Closer still, Caerfai Bay is a 10 to 15 minute walk from the cottage.
Long evenings at Tŷ Cosy
Summer evenings are made for the private courtyard. Rinse off the sand under the heated outdoor shower, then settle in at the bistro table with a cold drink as the light fades.
Book early for summer
Spring and summer dates are popular, especially weekends and school holidays. Check availability to see live prices, and browse our Experiences page for more ideas.
Featured image: Charles J. Sharp, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons