Solva, a tiny harbour village in Pembrokeshire, has been named one of the 'most beautiful villages in the UK and Ireland' by Conde Nast Traveller. Located less than a 10-minute drive from St Davids, Solva features a sheltered tidal harbour, colourful houses, and a sweep of sandy beach at the end of an inlet in St Brides Bay.
Upper and Lower Solva
The village is split into Upper Solva, which offers views of St Brides Bay, and Lower Solva, which sits at sea level and leads directly to the quay and a historic lime kiln. Activities include browsing boutique stores, crabbing off the harbour wall, exploring Gwadn beach, and walking the coast path and the rocky headland of The Gribin.
Recognition and Filming Location
Solva was also named one of 'the poshest Welsh villages in the UK' by The Sunday Times, using criteria such as personalised number plates and working-breed dogs per household. The newspaper described it as 'popular with the posh fashion crowd who can do without the crush in Cornwall.' Additionally, Solva was used as a filming location for ITV's Unforgotten, standing in for an Irish coastal village in the sixth episode of the sixth series.
Dining and Seafood
Food options include 35 Main Street, a harbourside seafood restaurant, café, and B&B under new ownership. The Hats and Barrels serves seasonal Welsh dishes like beer-battered fish and Morotai seafood curry. The Ship Solva, a historic pub dating back to 1784, offers craft beer, seasonal specials, and Sunday roasts. For seafood, Mrs Wills the Fish in Upper Solva provides gourmet platters with locally caught lobster, crab, prawns, and crevettes, often selling out by 10am. Owner Jan started the business with her fisherman husband, selling fresh catch directly from his boat.
Coastal Walks
After a meal, visitors can hike the 7-mile Wales Coast Path between Solva and St Davids, offering views of St Brides Bay and wildlife spotting. Other routes include a 12.5-mile trek to Whitesands Bay and a 5-mile stroll to Newgale. The AllTrails app and groups like We Hike Wales provide route guidance.
Accommodation
Overnight stays are available at the Cambrian Inn, the Ship Inn, or self-catering options via Sykes Cottages or HolidayCottages.co.uk.
