St Davids at a glance
St Davids is a small cathedral city. Its city status was handed over by Letters Patent on 1 June 1995. The cathedral and the ruined Bishop's Palace stand close together, and the coast is a short walk or bus ride away.
The cathedral and the palace are two separate places with separate rules. The cathedral asks for a donation. The Bishop's Palace charges an entry fee and is run by Cadw. A cathedral donation does not cover the palace. Beyond them, St Non's Chapel and Whitesands Bay are the two stops most visitors add, and both are covered below. For a boat to Ramsey Island or the sea cliffs, see the boat trips page.
St Davids Cathedral and the Bishop's Palace
Hours and prices at a glance.
| Cathedral | Bishop's Palace | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | Donation, £5 suggested per adult | Adults £6.80, ages 5–17 and students £4.70, 65 and over £6.10, under 5 free |
| Family | – | 2 adults and up to 3 children £21.80, 1 adult and up to 3 children £15 |
| Hours | Monday to Saturday 10:00–16:00, Sunday 13:00–15:00 | March to June and September to October 09:30–17:00, July and August 09:30–18:00, November to February 10:00–16:00 |
| Good to know | Services and events can limit access. Assistance dogs only inside. | Last entry 30 minutes before closing. Closed 24–26 December and 1 January. |
Online booking for the palace is 5 percent cheaper but not refundable, and Cadw members enter free. Disabled visitors and their companions enter free. Tour groups should register with the cathedral in advance, ideally two weeks ahead. For most visitors with one afternoon, the cathedral first and the palace second is the simplest order.
Our pick: comedy walking tour of St Davids
A light 90-minute walk through the small city, good as a first orientation before you visit the cathedral.
Hand-picked tours, booked through Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in British pounds (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
St Davids boat trips and activities
Ramsey Island cruises, wildlife trips, coasteering and guided days out from the St Davids coast, with live prices and availability.
St Non's Chapel and Whitesands Bay
The two stops most visitors add.
St Non's Chapel
The chapel ruin stands near the bay and is run by Cadw. Entry is free and the site is open all year during reasonable daylight. Tradition names it as the birthplace of St David, though that has not been proven archaeologically. About 8 parking spaces lie within 100 m. The path is uneven and has kissing gates.
Whitesands Bay
Whitesands is a sandy bay under Carn Llidi, outside the city centre and separate from Caerfai and St Non's. Lifeguards watch it in a seasonal pattern: daily from 23 May to 6 September in 2026, from 10:00 to 18:00, with weekend cover in spring and in September and October. Dogs are banned completely from 1 May to 30 September. Whitesands holds a 2026 Blue Flag award.
Saint David
Tradition dates his birth to about 500 and his death to 1 March 589. The birth at St Non's is a legend rather than a record.
The coast path runs past the city in both directions. Porthgain to Whitesands is 10 miles (16.1 km) and Whitesands to Solva is 13 miles (20.9 km). A day walk usually uses part of a section and a bus for the way back. Our coast path page lists the sections.
Getting around St Davids
Summer buses and the walk to the coast.
Celtic Coaster
The 403 ran daily from 28 March to 27 September in 2026, linking St Davids, Porthclais, St Justinian, the cathedral and Whitesands. Extra half-hourly buses ran from 23 to 31 May and from 1 July to 31 August, and St Non's was served on request only. Check the timetable for the last day of the season.
Puffin Shuttle
The 400 ran daily from 23 May to 27 September in 2026. It left St Davids New Street at 08:40, 12:40 and 16:40 and arrived at Martin's Haven at 10:10, 14:10 and 18:10, a journey of about 1 hour 30 minutes. For Skomer, allow extra time for check-in before the boat. See Skomer Island for tickets.
Strumble Shuttle
The 404 linked Fishguard and St Davids daily from 23 May to 27 September in 2026. Details are on the Fishguard page.
Outside summer
Winter services numbered 387 and 388 run on Thursdays and Saturdays from 1 October 2026 to 28 May 2027. Single fares depend on the route, and a West Wales Rover day ticket costs £9 for an adult and £4.75 for a child.
Plan the rest of your trip
Other pages for the west of Pembrokeshire.
St Davids: frequently asked questions
Is St Davids Cathedral free?
There is no fixed entry price. The cathedral asks for a voluntary donation, with £5 per adult suggested. The Bishop's Palace next door charges separately.
Why is St Davids called a city?
It has a cathedral and holds city status, and the Letters Patent were handed over on 1 June 1995.
When is the Bishop's Palace open?
In July and August it is open from 09:30 to 18:00. In March to June and September to October the hours are 09:30 to 17:00, and from November to February they are 10:00 to 16:00. Last entry is 30 minutes before closing.
How do I get from St Davids to Whitesands Bay?
By the Celtic Coaster in summer, or on foot along the coast path. Whitesands is outside the city centre, so allow time for the walk or bus.
Can I visit St Davids by public transport?
Yes, mainly in summer. The coastal buses run from late May to late September, and winter services run on fewer days. Plan around the timetable before you leave.
Can I take my dog to the cathedral or the beach?
Only assistance dogs may enter the cathedral. Other dogs can use the outdoor areas. Whitesands has a full dog ban from 1 May to 30 September.