St Davids, the small cathedral city on the far western edge of Wales, has been named one of the United Kingdom’s top seaside towns in the consumer group Which? annual survey for 2026.
What the survey found
The study compiled feedback from thousands of panel members who rated 135 towns, villages and resorts on factors including scenery, attractions, value for money and overall satisfaction. St Davids secured a destination score of 79%, with the town achieving the maximum score of 5 out of 5 for scenery and 4 out of 5 for tourist attractions.
"Often described as the UK's smallest city, St Davids feels like one in name only. Its handful of cafés, pubs and shops clustered around a sweet little square feel more like a village."
Which? highlighted the city’s natural setting within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, describing it as "wild and as far from urban life as can be" and pointing to the imposing presence of its cathedral close to the town edge.
Why St Davids stood out
The report underlines several features that contributed to St Davids’ high ranking:
- Scenic setting — surrounded by heathland, beaches and cliffs within the national park.
- Historic cathedral — the 12th-century cathedral, built on a 6th-century monastery site and the burial place of Wales’ patron saint, David.
- Eco credentials — St Davids is recognised as the UK’s first eco-city.
Top 10 seaside towns in 2026
Which? named the following towns as the UK’s top 10 seaside places this year:
| Rank | Town |
|---|---|
| 1 | Bamburgh |
| 2 | Tynemouth |
| 3 | St Andrews |
| 4 | Aldeburgh |
| 5 | Crail |
| 6 | Frinton-on-Sea |
| 7 | Portmeirion |
| 8 | St Davids |
| 9 | Bude |
| 10 | Southwold |
Visitor offer and practical points
Although St Davids is small — recorded population around 1,750 at the 2021 census — the town hosts a cluster of independent shops, galleries and cafés that attract visitors exploring the coast and national park. Recommended local attractions and businesses mentioned by visitors include Oriel y Parc Landscape Gallery and Visitor Centre, Goat Street Gallery, Chapel Chocolates, Unsunghero Surf Shop and St David’s Book Shop. Top-rated eateries have been noted by Visit Pembrokeshire.
For readers in Denbighshire and North Wales considering a trip, the Which? recognition may prompt increased interest in day trips and overnight stays. The survey’s emphasis on scenery and attractions reinforces St Davids’ appeal for those seeking coastal walks, historic sites and small‑scale hospitality rather than busy resort amenities.
This placement on Which?’s list follows similar national reckonings that can influence visitor patterns and local economies. For St Davids, further attention could support businesses that depend on tourism while underlining the importance of managing visitor numbers sensitively within a national park setting.
