Stay at Penrhiw Priory
Luxury Accommodation in St Davids, Pembrokeshire
Built of Caerbwdi stone and surrounded by 10 acres of grounds, Penrhiw Priory is the epitome of peace and tranquillity.
Adjacent to the cathedral valley of the historic city of St Davids is Penrhiw Priory. This grade II listed Victorian vicarage was originally built in 1884 by the Church in Wales. By the 1960s, the property became a priory for the Community of St John the Evangelist until 1985. After many years of being run as a retreat, Penrhiw Priory reopened in 2012 to what stands today as a luxury eight-bedroom self-catering venue.
Having been beautifully restored, many original features have been retained and have been complimented by contemporary furnishings. You’ll notice the sleek suede wallpaper in nearly every room, dark modern furnishings throughout and incredible artworks that are inspired by the beauty of nature throughout the grounds of Penrhiw Priory.
All rooms boast high ceilings, large Victorian windows, and original wood panelling. Enjoy your meals in the drawing room and your morning coffee in the breakfast room both overlooking the terrace and extensive grounds. You’ll spot the vast attention to detail with the locally designed and sourced crockery.
There are 10 acres of stunningly kept grounds to wander where you can enjoy Penrhiw Priory’s unique tranquil atmosphere. Being part of the National Parks Naturally Connected Programme, the Priory provides information on the rare and prolific flora and fauna on site; there’s even a wildlife cam at the foot of the stairs for guests to watch that can give a real insight into how the wildlife roam the grounds.
What to do in St Davids
St Davids Cathedral
Venture into St Davids just a short downhill walk away and explore everything that this magnificent city has to offer. A must-do during your holiday is a visit to the wonderful Cathedral which is free to explore and is what makes St Davids the smallest city in the world. Of course, a visit to St Davids Cathedral isn’t all the city has to offer. There’s an excellent choice of pubs, restaurants, shops and quaint galleries to explore.
St Davids Cathedral
Ramsey Island Boat Trip
If the weather’s good, head to St Justinians just a 10-minute drive away to board a boat trip to Ramsey Island where you’ll be amazed at the amount of birds and wildlife, particularly in September which is the best time to see the star of the show, the seal pups. Ramsey Island is one of the largest breeding colonies of Atlantic grey seals in the British Isles. On the boat ride over, you might even be lucky enough to spot some porpoises!
Beaches Near St Davids
Is it a holiday without a trip to the beach? Luckily just a 20-minute walk away from Penrhiw Priory is Whitesands Beach which is well known to surfers and has been voted one of the top 20 beaches in the world. There are also a host of wonderful coves and harbour villages to explore all within a short drive from the Priory including Solva, Abereiddy and Porthgain.
Whitesands Beach
Walks in Pembrokeshire
To marvel some more at this stunning coastline, take to the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path which is also within walking distance. For even more spectacular views, a walk up Carn Llidi is definitely worth the effort, with views over the National Park and out to sea being breathtaking. If you time it right, you might catch the sunset which is simply beautiful.
If the rain’s pouring down, you can always stay in, cosy up and relax in the sitting room or study. Take advantage of the transfer to the Blas Restaurant just 5 minutes away for a delicious and flavour-filled meal that has been described as being ‘art on a plate’.
After spending your days exploring the surrounding local area, you can head up the sweeping staircase that stands in the centre of the main house to rest. All 8 bedrooms have ensuites with views over the grounds, of St Davids or the beautiful peninsula towards Carn Llidi.
For more privacy, there’s the option to stay in the spacious Meadow Suite in the detached Coach House which is just metres away from the main building. Enjoy falling asleep in the eaves next to the large private sitting room. Open the French doors to the sheltered terrace that leads to the pretty wildflower meadow, a perfect spot to enjoy a drink on a warm summer evening.
If you’re craving a unique and peaceful holiday in Wales then Penrhiw Priory is the perfect spot to escape to, leaving you with unforgettable memories to remember forever. The ideal choice if travelling with a large group of friends or family.
Coastal Cottages St Davids Holiday Cottages
The city of St Davids is, more accurately, an attractive village on the most westerly peninsula of mainland Britain and has what many consider to be the country's most lovely cathedral. You’ll also find excellent shops, pubs and restaurants in the city’s centre, which is easily accessible from our range of St Davids holiday cottages.
