by Last Updated on 06/07/2025 by Claire Coney
St David’s City is the smallest in Britain. But it’s big-hearted and welcoming to pups and their humans. The 16th-century citadel lies in a beautiful valley next to the Alun River in Pembrokeshire, Wales. Nestled along the coastline, it has a charming blend of history and rugged beauty. St Davids has a population of approximately 1600 people, and Queen Elizabeth II granted it status as Britain’s smallest city in 1994. This was due to its important religious heritage and magnificent Cathedral.
The relaxed atmosphere of St David’s makes it a fantastic destination for dog lovers. You can enjoy scenic coastal paths and dog-friendly spots around every corner. The local community adores its four-legged visitors. St David’s is a hidden gem for anyone planning a dog-friendly getaway in the UK.
What I Love About St David’s City!
During my trip to St David’s with my Cairn Terrier, Abigail, I was thrilled by how easy and enjoyable it was to explore the city together. We spent time wandering through the peaceful grounds of the Cathedral and admiring the striking Tower Gate. The colourful streets, lined with independent shops, were a delight to explore. I was happy to see that we were greeted with smiles and friendly tail wags wherever we went. One of our favourite hidden gems was the Community Fruit and Veg Gardens—a lovely, low-key spot where we could relax amidst the greenery and local charm. If you’re planning a trip, here’s my guide to exploring the city with your dog, tailored for curious paws and adventure-loving humans alike.
Readers like you support The Fido Trail! If you shop through our links, I might earn a little commission, which helps me create more adventures for Charlie, Ellie, Murphy and Archie and share dog-friendly travel tips. Don’t worry—you won’t pay more. Thanks for your support!
Oriel y Parc Gallery, Visitor Centre and Dog-friendly Cafe
Austin and I visited St David’s on a cloudy morning. We parked near the Oriel y Parc Gallery & Visitor Centre. The Gallery houses a natural history museum and displays artwork from local artists. It also has a Tourist Information Centre and a Café where the staff were friendly and gave Abigail some dog treats. Austin and I sat in the spacious picnic area and had lunch before venturing into the city.
The City of St David
Austin and I walked along St David’s quaint main street and admired the stone cottages. The broad thoroughfare had a variety of unique shops, cosy cafes, and restaurants. Austin went into an outdoor activity store and bought some new waterproof trousers. The weather in Wales was changeable, and he wanted to shield himself from the rainy Welsh days.
Shopping In St David’s City
I waited for Austin outside the shop with Abigail, our Cairn Terrier. I whiled the time away watching people pass by. The street bustled with people going about their business. Some people hurried about their daily chores. People sat in colourful cafés chatting. Other people had ice-creams in their hands, trying to eat them before the ice cream melted. Everyone was busy. The city was buzzing with activity. I popped into Chapels’ chocolate shop for some homemade treats, and Abigail had doggie ice cream from Gianni’s Shop.
St David’s Cathedral
Austin and I turned down a narrow lane and entered a broad courtyard lined by pretty stone cottages. At the far end of the courtyard stood a magnificent 13th-century tower gate. I walked underneath the archway and was rewarded with stunning views. The stone cathedral and ruined Priory spread along the valley below. The River Alun ran along the valley like a dark ribbon winding between the buildings. It took my breath away, and I took my time to admire the scene. It was a delight to stroll around St David’s Cathedral grounds with Abigail.
Dogs are Allowed in St David’s Cathedral Grounds
People were enjoying the open space with their families and dogs. I found a quiet spot to sit while Austin went inside the beautiful cathedral, and then it was my turn. When I returned, Austin was sitting by the river Alun watching dogs play in the water against the backdrop of the Bishops Priory.
Who Was St David?
David was born on a clifftop in Southwest Wales during a fierce storm. A tiny ancient chapel marks the spot where he was born. Later in life, David became one of the most influential Clergyman in Wales and the patron saint of Wales.
The cathedral was founded by St David in the 6th century. By the 12th century, in the “Age of the Saints”, the cathedral became an important religious shrine. Two pilgrimages to St David’s Cathedral were equal to one to Rome. After his death, St David’s bones were laid to rest in a wooden container behind the High Altar.
Bishops Priory (Palace) – Dog’s Welcome
The medieval Bishop’s Priory is next to the cathedral and is now a glorious ruin. The Priory dates back to the 14th century, but it has been derelict since the 18th century. However, this medieval ruin still reflects the wealth of the church.
You can visit the ruins of the Bishop’s Priory (also known as the Bishop’s Palace). It’s a great destination for a dog-friendly outing, but please remember to keep your dog on a leash. Stick to the ground-floor areas and enjoy exploring the ancient courtyard and picnic spots together!
St Davids Community Garden – A peaceful Dog-Friendly Spot to Relax
Leaving the cathedral behind, Austin and I followed a path along an old stone wall. Along the way, Austin spotted a beautiful community garden. We sat in the orchard for a while. Austin and I sat on a bench in the shade of a tree. Abigail waited patiently for Austin to pull her water and bowl from our rucksack. Abigail lapped up her water, then lay down in the long grass and wildflowers. The well-kept kitchen gardens were lovely and had lots of fruit, vegetables and herbs.
Finally, Austin and I left the shady garden. We followed another path that took us through walled fields. Well-worn flagstone steps led us through a wrought iron gate and returned us to the city. It was a fabulous day.
Dog-Friendly Accommodation – St David’s City – Pembrokeshire
Austin and I love camping and stayed at the dog-friendly Druidstone Farm Campsite with Abigail. We enjoy the peaceful location near the sea. You can read my review here.
But for those of you who prefer not to sleep outdoors, I’ve provided some options to get you started. Many Dog-friendly B&Bs and holiday cottages welcome dogs. Some accommodations even offer dog beds, bowls, and treats. Here are some examples:
St Davids Farmhouse, St Davids, Wales
The Stable Cottage -llanddinog, Llandeloy, near Solva, West Wales
Dog-Friendly Cafés & Pubs in St David’s City
Local businesses in St David’s embrace dogs. Many provide water bowls, treats, or even dog menus.
Popular Eateries:
- Oriel y Parc Gallery & Visitor Centre’s Cafe, as previously mentioned, is dog-friendly.
- The Bishop’s – a quaint pub with dog-friendly outdoor seating.
- Pebbles Yard Gallery & Espresso Bar – arty and dog-welcoming.
Gianni’s Ice Cream – known to offer dog-safe ice cream treats and Abigail’s favourite shop.
Epic Dog-Friendly Walks and Coastal Paths Near St David’s City
St Davids is right on the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, where you can enjoy stunning cliffside walks and panoramic views with your dog. Just keep your pup safe on their leash.
Nearby highlights:
- Whitesands Bay – seasonal dog restrictions (check before visiting).
- Caerfai Bay is more secluded and often dog-friendly year-round.
St Non’s Chapel – scenic ruins with coastal views, ideal for peaceful dog walks.
Don’t miss my guide to Pembrokeshire’s coastline and Beaches.
Dog-Friendly Attractions near St David’s City
- Boat tours to Ramsey Island sometimes allow dogs. You should check with providers like Voyages of Discovery or Thousand Islands Expeditions.
Walking Tours – you might like to join a walking tour or a wild food tour of the city. Your dog will enjoy exploring with you.
✅ Tips for Visiting St David’s City with Your Dog
- Bring leads: Some areas require dogs to be leashed due to sheep and cliff safety.
- Pick up after your dog: Most places have bins, but come prepared.
- Water & shade: The coastal sun can get intense. Ensure you pack collapsible bowls and umbrellas.
- Pembrokeshire Beaches – check beach dog rules seasonally (restrictions typically apply May–September).
Final Thoughts About St Davids
The city of St Davids is a charming destination that offers a wonderful experience for both visitors and their furry companions. With its picturesque streets and stunning coastal views, it’s a place where you and your dog can enjoy quality time together. Many cafés, restaurants, pubs, and shops in the area are dog-friendly, often going the extra mile to make pets feel welcome by providing dog treats or water bowls.
Austin and I enjoyed were charmed by our visit to St David’s City. We enjoyed browsing in the vibrant local shops with Abigail. It was a day of discovery where Abigail was welcomed alongside us. The sense of community in St Davids makes it easy to feel at home, and we’re already looking forward to our next visit to this delightful city.
St Davids proves that the smallest places can offer the biggest adventures for you and your dog. With welcoming locals, breathtaking scenery, and countless walkies, it’s a must-visit for dog-lovers seeking a memorable, peaceful UK getaway.
Ready to explore Dog-Friendly St David’s City with your pup?
Pack your lead, grab your walking boots, and discover the very best of Pembrokeshire’s smallest city—tail-wagging adventures, welcoming cafés, scenic walks, and historic sights await. 🐶✨
👉 Share your experience in the comments or tag us on social media with your dog-friendly St David’s tips and pics!
Let’s build the ultimate community guide for dog lovers in Wales. 💬📸
Looks nice, hopefully our Cairn Terrier Maisie will enjoy it as much. She looks quite similar to Abigail.
Hello Bib
I am sure Maisie will love St David City as much as Abigail. It a lovely place to explore.
Have a wonderful trip!
Warm regards
Claire