Wales · Wales
St Davids area guide
Population
125,761
Pembrokeshire
Avg. house price
£213,910
-2.3% /yr
Avg. rent (pcm)
£690
+5.6% /yr
Rental yield
3.9%
gross
St Davids sits within Pembrokeshire; property and population figures shown are for the wider Pembrokeshire area. Sources: ONS mid-2024 population, HM Land Registry / ONS house prices and ONS private rents.
About St Davids
St Davids (Tyddewi in Welsh) is a small cathedral city on the far western tip of Pembrokeshire, Wales, within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. It owes its city status to St Davids Cathedral, built on the site associated with Saint David, the patron saint of Wales, making it one of the smallest cities in Britain by population. The settlement grew up around the cathedral and the nearby Bishop's Palace, and today retains the feel of a large village rather than a conventional city, with a compact centre of independent shops, cafés and galleries surrounded by dramatic coastline.
Schools & education
St Davids has a local primary school, Ysgol Dewi Sant, serving the city and surrounding area, with Welsh and English taught alongside one another as is typical across Pembrokeshire. Secondary-age pupils generally travel to schools in Haverfordwest or other nearby towns, as St Davids itself does not have its own secondary school. There is no university campus in St Davids today, though the city has historic links to the wider University of Wales Trinity Saint David group, whose campuses are based in Lampeter, Carmarthen and Swansea. Further education, including Pembrokeshire College, is based in Haverfordwest, the county town a short drive away.
Transport & airports
St Davids has no railway station of its own; the nearest is Haverfordwest, around 16 miles away, which sits on a branch line connecting to Swansea, Cardiff and onward services to London Paddington via Great Western Railway. Getting to St Davids by road means using the A487, which links the city to Haverfordwest and the wider Pembrokeshire road network. Local and regional bus services connect St Davids with Haverfordwest and other Pembrokeshire towns. The nearest major airport is Cardiff Airport, a journey of roughly two to two-and-a-half hours by car, with Bristol Airport also used by some travellers from the area.
Economy & jobs
Tourism is the backbone of the local economy, driven by St Davids Cathedral, the Bishop's Palace, the Pembrokeshire Coast Path and the wider National Park, which draw visitors year-round for walking, watersports and heritage attractions. Hospitality, retail and independent creative businesses—including galleries, craft producers and cafés—form a significant part of employment in the city. Agriculture and fishing remain important in the surrounding rural hinterland, as they do across much of Pembrokeshire. Many residents also commute to Haverfordwest, the county's main commercial centre, for employment in retail, public services and larger businesses.
Living in St Davids
Life in St Davids has a strong sense of community, shaped by its small, close-knit population and its setting among some of Wales's most striking coastal scenery. The city attracts a mix of long-standing local families, incomers drawn by the lifestyle and coastal access, and a seasonal influx of tourists and second-home owners. Welsh language and culture remain part of everyday life, alongside a lively arts scene supported by galleries and the cathedral's music and events programme. St Davids tends to suit those seeking a quieter, nature-focused way of life, with easy access to beaches, cliff walks and outdoor pursuits, though it offers fewer of the amenities and job opportunities found in larger towns such as Haverfordwest.
St Davids FAQs
What is the population of St Davids?
St Davids is one of the smallest cities in the UK by population, with only a few thousand residents. It sits within Pembrokeshire, which has a wider population of 125,761 (ONS mid-2024 estimate).
What is the nearest airport to St Davids?
Cardiff Airport is the nearest major airport, roughly two to two-and-a-half hours away by car, with Bristol Airport also used by travellers from the region.
Is there a university in St Davids?
There is no university campus in St Davids itself, though the city has historic links to the University of Wales Trinity Saint David group, whose current campuses are in Lampeter, Carmarthen and Swansea. Further education is available at Pembrokeshire College in Haverfordwest.
This guide is provided for general information. Statistics are from official sources on the dates shown; other details are an overview and may change. Browse all UK city guides →