5 minute read
COUNTRY
Delve into some of the UK’s most outstanding green spaces with a holiday in Pembrokeshire’s most rural settings and enjoy a therapeutic break with a medley of adventures at your fingertips.
You’ll find St Davids nestled in one of the furthermost western regions of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Path, mere minutes from the ocean. Its incredible location allows you to easily combine culture with adventure, as a wealth of attractions and activities are at your fingertips. Coast and country come together as one to provide the perfect landscape for restorative weekends away, slow-paced authentic travels or exhilarating experiences.
Surf your way through the waters of Whitesands Beach a short drive away or swim on the shores at the petite inlet of Caerfai Bay. Adrenaline junkies can try climbing and abseiling with St
Brides Bay as a backdrop whilst those who prefer a mix of water and land-based escapades should sign up for coasteering to scramble and leap along the coastline.
Walking boots should be one of the first things you pack as you’ll have easy access to the Wales Coast Path from your base at the Apartments of 53 in St Davids. Ramble the entire edge of this headland with panoramic seascapes looking towards Ireland, you might even spot the Emerald Isle on a clear day. Follow the circular walk at St Davids Head and hike to the summit of Carn Llidi for 360-degree views across the land and city; you’ll spot an island much closer than Ireland - this is the RSPB island of Ramsey. Board a boat trip from St Justinians to cruise out to see the island and all its wildlife up close, the guided walks are recommended.
Known as Ty Ddewi in Welsh, this town-sized holiday destination is famous in more ways than one. Not only is it the smallest city in the UK thanks to the presence of its Cathedral, but it was also once the home of David (Dewi in Welsh), the Patron Saint of Wales. Steeped in history, you can sightsee the aforementioned Cathedral where you’ll even find a shrine to our Patron.
Alongside the purple-bricked religious building stands a CADW-protected Bishop’s Palace which traditionally houses touring bishops as they travelled the land in the centuries gone by. Venture out to discover the tranquil coastal spot where Dewi was born at St Non’s Chapel where you can capture a snap of the holy well that allegedly sprang upon his birth.
This bitesize must-see city is no stranger to family-friendly activities either. The Bug Farm on the outskirts of the settlement is a utopia for all things crawling with insects galore. A popular dog friendly day out, this working farm teaches you about the fascinating life of bugs with its zoo and museum. Saunter through the Walled Garden and along the Farm Trails to see how much wildlife you can find before stopping off for refreshments at The Grub Kitchen.
The quaint streets of St Davids are sprinkled with treat after treat in the form of art galleries, gift shops and eateries. Mementoes and souvenirs are best purchased from Basalt & Dune, St Davids Bookshop and Window on Wales whilst you might find a new piece to adorn your living room walls at Goat Street Gallery, New Street Art and Albion Gallery.
For food, where to start? Check out Pilgrims for vibrant vegetarian dishes (and much more!), the new Cathedral House Cafe for coffee and cakes, Grain for handmade pizzas and Losh’s Pasties for a pastry-hit. St Davids Gin & Kitchen is where to go for uber-fresh steaks and locally-made gin with a farm to fork ethos, The Bishops is a popular favourite located on the main square whilst The Farmers Arms is recommended for anyone eating out with dogs.
When you choose a stay at any one of the five holiday homes at Apartments at 53 in St Davids, you’ll be within easy reach of every single one of the places of interest mentioned above. This collection of city apartments has been designed with couples and solo travellers in mind so expect contemporary yet compact living spaces, with nearly all the amenities you need for a week or a short break in Pembrokeshire.
Each of the five stylish home-from-homes here is set on the first floor, just a short walk from the Cross Square which marks the centre of the city. Below your apartment lies a popular convenience store where you can purchase all your groceries including daily fresh bread, newspapers and local produce such as meat, milk and more. A few paces away stands a handy bus stop where you can catch the typical service buses and the smaller seasonal shuttle buses which take you around the coast. There’s also the City Inn pub across the road too in case you want to dine out.
Parking permits are provided so no need to stress about finding the nearest public car park, you can park right outside leaving only a minimal distance to carry your luggage and access is via a clear communal entrance, ideal if you’re booking a couple of apartments to suit a larger group travelling together.
All five properties are studio apartments with stylish fitted kitchens in grey and ensuite shower rooms, decorated in a classic clean style. If you’re travelling with your partner, you’ll likely be looking to book St Govan, St Justinian or St Caradog as these three are the ones home to a double bed.
St Govan is somewhat L-shaped in layout around the ensuite and comes complete with a leather brown sofa and quality wooden wardrobe where you can store all your clothing during your stay. St Caradog also features the same style comfortable sofa where you can lounge along with a wooden wardrobe and dining table set. St Caradog is easily set apart from the others in the collection due to its pull-down bed in the centre of the apartment.
St Justinian is also double though unlike all other properties here at Apartments at 53, this is the only one to have its own paved terrace rather than Juliette balcony. French doors from the living space lead out onto the terrace where you can enjoy views across the rooftops towards the towering Carn Llidi nearby. Hedd and St Non are both furnished with twin rooms, catering for those besties who are travelling the world together ticking items off the bucket list. Hedd has a wooden wardrobe whereas St Non has a trendy clothes rail for hanging all your party garments during your stay. Top times for a “friend-cation” might be during the summer when Shakespeare is performed outdoors in the Bishop’s Palace or when the Edge Festival takes place in the nearby harbour village of Solva.
Full Apartments at 53 Details
23648
Sleeps 2 in 1 bedroom
Book Hedd for a getaway with your pal and stay in a twin bedroom close to the centre of the city.
HEDD ST GOVAN
23650
Sleeps 2 in 1 bedroom
Choose this studio apartment complete with double bed and Juliette balcony for your next romantic weekend away.
ST
Justinian
23651
Sleeps 2 in 1 bedroom
Enjoy Carn Llidi views from your own paved rooftop terrace, accessed via French doors from your double room.
23652 ST NON Sleeps 2 in 1 bedroom
Plan a coastal holiday for two and use this twin apartment as the base for outdoors adventures and more.
ST CARADOG
23649
Sleeps 2 in 1 bedroom
Settle on the comfortable sofa or pull-down double bed to relax after days exploring St Davids peninsula.