With its natural sheltered harbour, Solva became an important sea trading port during the 1800s and early 1900s. At this time the village was a hive of activity throughout the year.

The Pembrokeshire coast path is 150 yards away in lower Solva. You can go left through the wood and up over the Gribin and on towards Newgale or go right through the car park towards the Harbour for St Davids. It’s beautiful whichever way you go, it takes about 1 1/2 hours to walk to St Davids. The walk on to St Justinianas alongside Ramsey Sound to Whitesands and St Davids Head is stunning.

Solva Harbour is a short walk from Bwthyn Strathmore where you can enjoy watching the children crabbing, go kayaking and swimming at high tide or walking on the sands at low tide. There is a cafe where you can buy drinks, sandwiches and cakes. Explore the various footpaths from the quay to the upper village.

Apart from the Harbour and lovely scenery there is more to explore in Solva. There are gift shops and galleries, a pottery, a Cuban art cafe, cream teas, woollen mill, pubs and excellent restaurants.

Sailing courses can be booked through Solva Sailboats. Dressed crab and lobster can be bought freshly caught and prepared by Jan and Will the fish. The Post Office and local store is in Upper Solva as is the Church where Sunday services start at 9.30am.

Solva has a small beach when the tide is out. If it’s in, you have to walk up and over the Gribin peninsula and down the other side where there is a lovely little beach in the Harbour entrance. At low tide you can walk back to Solva along the sand. There are many small coves and beaches to discover but these are the main local beaches.

Various village events happen throughout the year, Regattas, Rowing races, Raft races, Scarecrow trail, fetes, Beer fests, Sunflower Competition, Fantastic fireworks display.

The bus stop is just a few houses along the road and the coastal bus ‘Puffin Shuttle’ (ideal for walkers) and the local Haverfordwest to St Davids service bus stop here – see Coastal Buses

Solva Regatta about 50 years ago.

Boats would come from all over the country at Miners Weeks or Wakes Week when all the factories and mines closed for 2 weeks Summer Holidays.

Each Village put on a Regatta and the boats go to race at each one over the fortnight.

We did, that’s why we came to live here!!

Andy

Cambrian Inn with the road bridge in the foreground

Solva continues to have several Pubs and many restaurants are found all within walking distance of Bwthyn Strathmore.

All serve food in high season but check in advance out of season. The Royal George is a walk up the hill. The Cambrian is opposite at the bridge end of Solva, The Ship Inn is in the centre of the Main Street and the Harbour Inn is next to the car park in lower Solva.

Try the Printing house for cream teas. There are many restaurants to explore in Solva, St. Davids, Porthgain and neighbouring villages.

Or, you can park your car away until you need it, sadly, to go home.

Solva Centenary Regatta Service

Solva Regatta Day and the ‘Greasy Pole’

St Davids is three miles away and well worth a visit. The Cathedral is beautiful so do take the time to enjoy it and if you can go to a service the music is wonderful.

The Bishops Palace ruins are another tourist attraction and in summer hosts outdoor productions and plays. There are many pubs, restaurants, galleries and shops and outlets where you can book boat trips, surfing lessons, coasteering, and many other outdoor activities (TYF).

The Tourist Information Centre is the beautiful building on the left when entering St Davids and has details of many other local attractions and events. Don’t miss the Graham Sutherland Gallery there, it’s wonderful.

Haverfordwest is the nearest big town and has all the stores, retail parks, large supermarkets, a sports centre and small cinema. Entertainment and shopping. The station is here.

Tenby and Saundersfoot are about an hour drive away, parking a problem after mid morning!

Newgale is vast and great for everything but especially surfing, kite surfing and bodyboarding. There is a surf school there. Hire it all from there. At the far end of the beach is a cafe and there are public toilets in the first car park and next to the pub. Wonderful to walk along when the tide is out. Good for Bass fishing.

Pen y cwm can be reached either from Newgale beach when the tide is out but don’t get trapped by the incoming tide, or by walking down from the road.
It’s a lovely walk and the beach is worth it. Lots of rock pools etc. No facilities.

Fishguard and the Irish ferry is only 20 minutes away. Scene of the last invasion of Britain. Lower Town pretty. Drive towards Middle mill and up past the quarry, and turn right at the main road.

Nolton Haven riding stables. Enjoy a trek either into the countryside or down onto Druidstone beach when the tide is out. All ages and abilities are catered for. Take your money as you can buy a photo of yourself or children on the ponies on your return to the stables which makes a good souvenir.

Whitesands is the other side of St Davids and similarly is renowned for surfing. It has a cafe, toilets, wet suit hire etc. Fabulous spot for sunsets especially if you climb up to the summit of the mountain/hill there. You have to pay to park in summer.

Caerfai beach is down a left turn just as you come into St David’s. The views from the car park at the top are wonderful. It’s a short walk down to the beach. No facilities.

Porthgain is very interesting. Excellent Fish restaurant and wonderful old pub. Rub shoulders with the famous.

Abbereidy is a bit more of a drive but is completely different as its all slate. It is the home of the Blue Lagoon, an old quarry with deep water. The challenge is to jump off various ledges into the water. Not for the faint hearted! Popular with coasteering groups. From Abbereidy you can walk along the cliff to Barry Island beach which cannot be accessed by car and is down a steep metal staircase. Not good if you don’t like heights but a fabulous beach. Be careful of currents. No facilities at all.