Solva Guide

The picturesque coastal village of Solva is considered to be one of the jewels of Pembrokeshire and is arguably one of Wales' most beautiful locations.

This fantastic coastal village can be found on the south side of St Davids Peninsula, just 3 miles away from the UK’s smallest city of St Davids and 4 miles from Newgale. The village is split into two separate areas, Upper Solva and Lower Solva. 

What is the History of Solva?

Solva is steeped in maritime history. In its heyday, in the 18th and 19th centuries, it was one of Pembrokeshire's most vibrant fishing and trading ports. During this time, Solva was primarily involved in the transportation of corn to other areas of Wales and Bristol.

Going back further than the 16th century, there’s a reference in the St Davids Cathedral records that lime was shipped from Solva to be used as a building material to create the special mortar used to build the cathedral. It was after this that lime was later discovered to have a positive effect on vegetation which made Solva an important limestone port. You’ll even be able to spot multiple lime kilns along the edge of the harbour today which are thought to be at least 200 years old.

During the 1700s and 1800s, many ships were built in Solva. The village was previously described as once being one of the poorest hamlets in Pembrokeshire but had since risen into a flourishing little town. 

It was not only ships that were built here. Solva has the distinction of having built a wooden lighthouse in 1775, the first to be built on The Smalls Island which is a large group of rocks 20 miles west of Marloes Peninsula. Interestingly, this lighthouse is used as the logo for the Solva Edge Festival. Due to the design of the original wooden lighthouse, which was essentially a wooden cabin on stilts 50 feet above the rock, it would sway alarmingly in rough weather. This prompted Trinity House to design a new masonry lighthouse which was built in 1856. Now unmanned, it continues to flash its warning light on The Smalls.

The fading coastal trade was eventually replaced by tourism, as we know it today. Solva is now incredibly popular with artists and crafters, as well as being a hotspot holiday destination.

What activities are there to do in Solva?

The village itself boasts a great selection of galleries, craft shops and pubs, but in the heart of this charming coastal village, you will find Solva Harbour Beach. At high tide, the beach is a narrow strip of sand, but at low tide, the harbour is completely dry except for the small stream that passes through.

Being such a popular holiday destination, Solva is known for outdoor activities such as sailing, kayaking, swimming, rowing, walking, climbing, and much more. It’s incredibly popular amongst families, particularly those with younger children, as the sheltered nature of the beach is ideal for traditional beach activities. Remember to pack buckets, spades and fishing nets because there are numerous rock pools and small streams to search for sea creatures. 

Gwadn Beach

If you’re looking for somewhere more remote, then head to the secluded stone beach, the Gwadn, which can be found just around the corner from Solva Harbour. The beach can be accessed via a steep path over the Gribin. The views across the bay are truly breathtaking.

The spectacular Pembrokeshire Coastal Path is easily accessible from both sides of Solva Harbour. There’s a delightful walk over the Gribbin which is well worth the climb for the spectacular views over Green Scar Island and St Brides Bay. Here, you should be able to spot an Iron Age promontory fort at the end of the Gribbin above the harbour. 

If you’re looking for a more dramatic clifftop walk, the Solva to St Davids walk boasts unspoilt cliffs, expansive sea views and rural charm. Alternatively, head in the opposite direction to Porthmynawyd Beach for some rugged coastal scenery. Don’t forget to stop off at Pointz Castle for a well-deserved treat of ice cream!

Another must-visit attraction is the Solva Woollen Mill. This is the oldest working woollen mill in Pembrokeshire, with over 100 years of weaving history. Take the mile-long walk from Solva down the valley where Prendergast Woods is and along the river and you’ll arrive at this popular tourist attraction.

There’s Window on Wales which is a quirky shop filled with a wide range of clothes and gifts. Next door is Lloyd the Graffiti who is a local graffiti artist. In the shop, you’ll find lots of Lloyds creations including prints, mugs, t-shirts, postcards and much more.

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Further along the street is the Raul Speek Gallery showing original work and prints. They also host workshops in art and photography and often hold music events and tapas nights. In the summer, there’s often a pop-up cafe along the gift shop selling jewellery and books. Also on the main street in Lower Solva is Seaforth Designs where you’ll find homeware gifts and handmade cushions that have been designed with the inspiration of the local landscape and wildlife.

For antiques and collectibles, head to Solva Pottery where you’ll find handmade pottery, hand-painted cushion covers, ties, scarves, and cards.

Just 1 mile along the valley from Lower Solva is the Solva Woollen Mill which is well known for its range of floor rugs and stair runners made from 100% British wool. The mill produces its woven fabrics on the historic looms, as it has done for over 100 years. Parking and entry to the mill are free and it’s a great place to visit to watch first-hand how they weave the fabric.

In Upper Solva, you’ll find the award-winning Bay View Stores and Post Office. This well-known convenience shop specialises in fresh Solva crab, local produce, and fresh homemade lunches. They’re also well-known for their cheeky notice board on the roadside. If visiting in the spring or summer, you’ll have to stop by to use their milk vending machine from The Mount Milk for fresh dairy. There’s an extensive selection of groceries in the shop; they’ve been known to even have an ice cream hut over the summer.

Solva Food and Drink

If you’re craving a hearty full English or full Welsh we should say, then head to 35 Main Street cafe and restaurant, where you can sit on the river’s edge when the sun is out. Dogs are also welcome to sit with you outside while you start the day right.

For a mid-morning sweet treat, we’d have to recommend one of Wales’ traditional delicacies at Mamgu Welshcakes. If you’re not a fan of raisins, then not to worry because Mamgu Welshcakes are known for putting modern twists on their creations with a wide range of delicious and unusual flavours. Try their triple chocolate, white chocolate with cranberry, lemon, cinnamon, or even mince pie flavours, or try out their savoury leek and Caerphilly cheese option. They also offer yummy vegan and gluten-free options too.

If you’re just after a quick bite, there’s Cafe on the Quay which can be found on the second floor of the Solva Boat Club. Here you can enjoy a cup of coffee with a slice of something deliciously homemade while soaking up the views of the famous bend in the harbour, where you can sit and watch the boats bobbing.

Once the residence of the harbourmaster, Harbour Inn can be found right next to the mouth of the picturesque harbour, where the car park is. Step inside and you’ll be greeted with a cosy bar and log fire. There’s plenty of seating outside, and being south-west facing, it’s the perfect sun trap to sit outside on a warm summer day. Food is served at lunchtimes and evenings, including their plentiful Sunday carvery which is one not to miss. You can wash your food down with a real Welsh ale straight from the cask. There’s also The Ship which has many craft beer selections on offer and a fantastic food menu.

If the sun is out and you want a picnic on the beach, then stopping off at Mrs Will the Fish is a must. Here you can pick up a seafood platter, pulled straight from the Irish Sea. Enjoy the tasty selection of freshly caught and prepared shrimp, lobster, and crab. For a true Solva experience, grab yourself a bottle of Solva Gin to pair with your mouth-watering platter.

For a sit-down evening meal, there are so many options to choose from. The Cambrian Inn is a firm favourite with locals. Rather than the traditional pub grub you can expect locally sourced gourmet food cooked by local chef Matthew Cox. A fairly new eatery is The Hats and Barrel on the main street of Lower Solva. The large and accessible beer garden is the perfect spot to enjoy a refreshing drink.

What events are there in Solva?

At the end of July is the annual Solva Edge Festival which is a fantastic 3-day event filled with music, poets, speakers, great food and drink, kids activities, and much more. The name of the festival is very apt, with it being set on the edge overlooking the sea and the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.

Solva Edge Festival 2023

Later in the year, there is a fantastic fireworks display for Bonfire Night which is a free event with donations encouraged. In recent years, there has been an earlier low-noise display followed by the main event later in the evening. There is also fantastic food on offer and live music from the harbour, with many of the local eateries staying open later than usual.

Local Top Tips

During the summer months, Solva turns into a particularly bustling village, meaning that parking on the waterfront is limited, but there is an overspill car park in the field opposite Bay View Stores during the summer season. It should be noted that parking is free out of season to encourage low-season travellers, but if visiting during the summer it might be easier to get the bus if you can. Conveniently, it stops right outside The Ship Inn in Lower Solva and opposite Bay View Stores in Upper Solva.

What facilities are there in Solva?

Facilities and amenities are all conveniently positioned within a short walk of the harbour. Parking is available between the beach and Harbour Inn, but bear in mind this is a manned car park during the summer months, with payment required. Within the car park, you will find toilets with disabled access.

As mentioned, options for where to eat are in abundance in Solva. The main street near the harbour is scattered with gift shops, galleries, and cafes. 

Is it easy to access Solva?

Getting to and from Solva couldn’t be easier. It’s only 15 miles away from Haverfordwest where the nearest train station is. There is a good regular bus service to St Davids and Haverfordwest which regularly stops in both Upper Solva and Lower Solva by the harbour. It’s only a few minutes’ drive to St Davids, with Newgale easily reached in the opposite direction.

Walkers pass right through the harbour when journeying along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.