The smallest city in Britain, St Davids, packs a big punch and is definitely worth a visit during your stay with us. This city, and the gorgeous peninsula within which it sits, has been revered as a cultural and religious destination for thousands of years. The swathes of coastal flowers bring it to life in the summer months, and there's a majesty in the craggy and stunning coastline which is wonderful at any time of the year. So, what is there to see and do in St Davids itself, named for Wales' patron saint? Well for starters there's a charming, eclectic high street with lovely pubs, cafés, art galleries, and shops around Cross Square, which sits in the heart of this wonderful city. And after that...
1. The Cathedral The iconic St Davids Cathedral, which gives this small place its city status is a must-do. The earliest monastery on this site dates back fourteen centuries; the history and feeling of pilgrimage as you wander around this ancient shrine here is palpable. Its strategic position, lying on routes between England, Wales, and Ireland has always made it a place of interest and perhaps the reason why William the Conqueror visited in 1081. 2. The Bishop's Palace Right opposite the Cathedral lies the impressive Bishop's Palace, almost as admirable as the Cathedral. At a time when a pope decreed that you could equal a trip to Rome by visiting St Davids twice, pilgrims were flocking to see this grand, new Cathedral. Henry de Gower decided that the bishop's home was most unsuitable in comparison and set about building a palace. You can feel the grandeur just by walking round the ruins. 3. Pebbles Yard Gallery and Espresso Bar Pebbles Yard Gallery is almost as well known as the Cathedral and Palace, showcasing wonderful artwork by a range of artists in various mediums. Jacki Sime Photography is at home here. Not forgetting the Espresso Bar, of course, offering soups, sandwiches, and cakes as well as some truly superb coffee. 4. Boat trips Visit one of the Pembrokeshire islands by booking a boat trip with Voyages of Discovery, Thousand Islands Expeditions, or Falcon Boats. Myths and legends swirl round these islands, which have been inhabited since way back in the mists of time. There is a combination of old christian and viking influences, which you can see in the names you'll find. These days, they are best known for their wildlife, with Skomer being particularly famous for Manx Shearwaters and Atlantic Puffins, and the Marine Nature Reserve that surrounds it. Check out these website for other ideas of what to do in St Davids Peninsula: St Davids Peninsula Tourist Attraction Visit Pembrokeshire National Trust At one time Wales had about 600 castles, more castles per square mile than anywhere in the world, hence the claim of being the Castle Capital of the World. Not all of them are still standing of course, but over 100 are still standing, so there are plenty to visit for those who like to step back in time. In fact, the castles of Beaumaris, Caernarfon, Conwy and Harlech are said to be "the finest examples of late 13th century and early 14th century military architecture in Europe, as demonstrated through their completeness, pristine state, evidence for organized domestic space, and extraordinary repertory of their medieval architectural form", according to UNESCO. So why not take some time during your holiday to visit a few. Top 5 nearby castles
1. Cardigan Castle Our nearest castle, just a few minutes from Trenewydd Farm, Cardigan Castle is easily a top choice. Not only is there the castle remains, there is also a gorgeous Georgian Mansion to visit, and Grade II listed gardens full of rare plant species. Keep an eye out for concerts and exhibitions, too. Full details 2. Cilgerran Castle The first castle on this site was probably built around 1110, and it's easy to see why with the view over the River Teifi. Several paintings have been done of this wonderful castle, all in the national collection at the Tate. Full details 3. Kidwelly Castle This Norman stronghold is a definitely worth a visit. It has everything you'd want from a medieval castle, and is even featured in 'Monty Python and the Holy Grail'. Full details 4. Nevern Castle Situated in a small village between Cardigan and Fishguard, why not make some time for this motte and bailey castle, once a Welsh stronghold. Full details 5. Newcastle Emlyn Castle Built in around 1240, this castle changed hands many times in battles between the Welsh and the English. It was reported to be in good repair in the early 17th century, but now in ruins, all that remains is the gatehouse and adjacent towers. Full details They call Pembrokeshire Gwlad Hud a Lledrith, which means Land of Magic and Enchantment. This land of rugged and beautiful landscape has inspired many myths and legends in its time. The best known is probably that of Cantre'r Gwaelod (the Lowland Hundred), our own version of the tale of Atlantis set right here in Cardigan Bay. The story goes that there was once a beautiful and properous low-lying land off the coast, consisting of 16 cities and teaming with markets, communities and princes. This land had a complicated system of embankments, and dykes which were opened and closed as necessary to allow the fields to be irrigated. Consequently, however, flooding was a permanent concern. This land was ruled by Gwynddno Garanhir, and he set a prince of the realm called Seithenyn to be in touch of the sluices. Some reports say that Seithenyn wasn't too keen on this role, and preferred to spend his time partying and having fun; others that he was normally fastidious and just had the one, fatal mishap. In any case, one evening, a birthday celebration was being held for Gwynddno's daughter, Mererid, and Seithenyn decided to go along in hopes of wooing her. That night a storm rolled in and the guards rushed to tell Seithenyn, who was the only person who could operate the gates, but he was nowhere to be found. The floodgates weren't closed and the sea came rushing in, drowning people and livestock and destroying the land forever. Despite Seithenyn's responsibility for the devastation, Mererid still married him and Gwnddno spent the rest of his days on the cliff top looking out to where his land had once been. There is some evidence of ancient forests, stone walls and causeways having been discovered and the waters of Cardigan Bay are shallow... so who knows, maybe this legend has some truth to it. If you stand on the cliffs above Cardigan Bay on a quiet night, and listen, you may hear the bells of Cantre'r Gwaelod pealing. 6 other Welsh Legends and Myths
1. Twm Sion Cati, the Welsh Robin Hood Yes, Wales has its very own Robin Hood! Thomas Jones, or Twm Sion Cati, was born in 1530 at Tregaron, Cardiganshire to Catherine 'Cati' Jones. He roamed West and Mid Wales as a highwayman and later as a conman, robbing the rich, er... but not really giving to the poor. But he didn't harm his victims and he also had an arch-enemy in the form of a Sheriff - of Carmarthen - so there are some similarities to the Nottingham Hood. You can visit the cave where Twm Son Cati would hide out at Dinas Hill - today, it's an RSPB nature reserve. The story ends with Thomas marrying an heiress and ending his life as a wealthy landowner and a respectable Justice of the Peace. 2. The Lady of the Lake A farm boy grazing his flock around the dark waters of Llyn y Fan Fach was amazed one day when a lady emerged from the lake. She was beautiful and graceful, and told the boy that he would have great riches if he married her. The boy fell in love immediately and they married, with him receiving a dowry of the best sheep, goats, and cattle. They were happy for many years, and had three sons... but the boy forgot his vow to never strike his wife and after he had done so three times she left him and walked back into the lake, taking all the livestock with her and leaving him devastated and destitute. Their three sons grew up to be the famous Physicians of Myddfai. 3. Merlin and the Dragons' Lair You won't be surprised to know that Wales also its own claim to the fame of Merlin... This is the story of the red Welsh dragon, also set in Beddgelert. King Vortigern chose Dinas Emrys, an ancient hill-fort near Beddgelert in Gwynedd as the place to build his castle in the fifth century, in an effort to escape the Saxons. However, every morning the the masons would get up to find their tools stole and walls fallen, so no progress was made. The King eventually decided he needed some help with this problem, and he consulted the local sorcerers and magicians who recommended he sprinkle the ground with the blood of a child with a human mother and a father from 'the other world'. A child was found in Carmarthen (Caer Myrddin) and preparations made to sacrifice him... but this was no ordinary child, no, this child was Merlin (the Merlin from the legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table) and he had another story. Merlin said that two dragons, a white one and a red one, lay sleeping under a lake inside the mountain and they were the ones responsible for the problem. The labourers dug deep and found the underground lake as Merlin had described. The lake was drained and the two sleeping dragons awoke and started fighting. As you might predict, the red dragon won the fight, the white dragon was banished, and the fortress was able to be built. The Welsh red dragon has been celebrated ever since. 4. Gelert's Grave The sad tale of Gelert, the faithful dog of Llewelyn the Great can be read on Gelert's grave, also in the gorgeous village of Beddgelert: "In the 13th century Llewelyn, prince of North Wales, had a palace at Beddgelert. One day he went hunting without Gelert, ‘The Faithful Hound’, who was unaccountably absent. On Llewelyn's return the truant, stained and smeared with blood, joyfully sprang to meet his master. The prince alarmed hastened to find his son, and saw the infant's cot empty, the bedclothes and floor covered with blood. The frantic father plunged his sword into the hound's side, thinking it had killed his heir. The dog's dying yell was answered by a child's cry. Llewelyn searched and discovered his boy unharmed, but nearby lay the body of a mighty wolf which Gelert had slain. The prince filled with remorse is said never to have smiled again. He buried Gelert here". 5. Mari Lwyd, or Grey Mare Between Christmas Day and Twelfth Night, a hobby horse is made with a horse's skull mounted on a pole, lights or baubles as eyes, and a mane of brightly coloured streamers or trails of ivy. The person carrying the horse hides under a sackcloth and controls the horse's face, creating its character and working its jaw. A group of people go round the local houses with the horse, knocking on doors and singing songs. The evening concludes with much food and drink! 6. Daughters of the Sea This tale is also set in Cardigan Bay, and it's a sorry story. It is said that Dylan, the sea God, was jealous of an old man's three daughters so he sends a storm to Cardigan Bay to steal them. The father is heartbroken, and Dylan soon regrets his actions. However, instead of sending them back, he turned them into seagulls so that they could be at sea or on land. Whenever the father would walk on the beach and call his daughters' names, they would come to them. There are many, many more myths and legends said to have taken place in this ancient land, if you want to read more: BBC Wales history - myths and legends Land of legends The Guardian - Top 10 Welsh myths |
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