St Davids in Pembrokeshire has been named the best city in Wales for 2026, according to a new study from Which?, scoring 78 per cent overall and finishing above Cardiff, which scored 73 per cent.
The survey ranked UK city breaks for 2026 based on responses from more than 3,000 people, who assessed factors including hotel prices, culinary scene, cultural sights, accessibility and value for money. Wales placed several cities in the rankings, but the capital did not take the top spot this time.
Why St Davids topped the rankings
Despite being the UK's smallest city, with a population of under 2,000 residents, St Davids was praised for its walkable narrow streets lined with independent shops, galleries, cosy cafés and traditional pubs. A three-mile walking loop, the St Davids City Walk, passes medieval architecture and peaceful lanes and takes around an hour and a half.
The 12th-century St David's Cathedral is described as the most sacred site in Wales and has been a pilgrimage destination for centuries. Beside it stand the 14th-century ruins of St David's Bishop's Palace, which hosts various theatre performances during the summer months.
Community and local businesses
Although officially a city thanks to its cathedral, St Davids is often said to function more like a small village. It hosts an outdoor market on Cross Square every Thursday from March to the end of October, offering baked goods, fresh produce, artisan crafts and seasonal products.
The high street includes independent shops such as The Peepal Tree, Window on Wales, St David's Bookshop and the sweet shop Chapel Chocolates. Cafés include MINNOW, the Drifter Cafe and The Brunch House, alongside the surf shop Unsunghero.
Gateway to beaches and surfing
Located just a mile inland on the Pembrokeshire Peninsula, St Davids is a gateway to beaches and surfing hotspots, including Whitesands Bay, a 10-minute drive away. The beach is popular in summer and offers coastal walks in winter.
In the full Which? ranking of UK city breaks for 2026, St Davids scored 78 per cent with no average hotel cost listed, while Cardiff scored 73 per cent with an average hotel cost of £95 and Swansea scored 60 per cent with an average hotel cost of £79.
