Charming seaside village named one of the best spots in the UK for a winter getaway
- UK Hidden Gems
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
A charming seaside village in Pembrokeshire has been crowned the best place in Wales for a “winter escape.”
This location found on the south side of the St Davids Peninsula, has been described as a “hidden gem” by National Rail.
The company named it the top Welsh pick in their list of the UK’s “prettiest winter villages,” praising its “standout attractions” from the historic woollen mill to its scenic walking trails.
Solva is most famous for its picturesque harbour, but it also has a great mix of restaurants, pubs, and independent shops for visitors to enjoy.
When the tide is in, the beach is just a narrow stretch at the head of the inlet, but when it goes out, the harbour becomes a wide open space to explore.
A small stream runs through the middle, offering “hours of fun catching fish, shrimps and crabs,” according to Visit Pembrokeshire.
For the more adventurous, one of the most popular pastimes is leaping from the harbour wall into the sea below.
Visitors can also join the coastal path to walk along Y Gribin for stunning views, or wander over to the peaceful Gwadn Beach, just around the headland.
History lovers will enjoy a visit to Solva Woollen Mill, which has been part of the village for generations.
Back in 1900, Pembrokeshire was home to 26 working woollen mills, but today only two remain, and Solva’s is the oldest. Guests can watch the traditional looms in action and shop for handmade rugs and Welsh textiles.
One TripAdvisor reviewer wrote: “Possibly one of the prettiest places on earth! Come an hour before high tide and bring your crab bucket and wetsuit!”
Another visitor said: “It’s heaven on earth. So beautiful. I saw it at both high and low tide, each was stunning in its own way.”
A third reviewer added: “Lovely area with amazing scenery and a cute little beach. There are a few great pubs and small shops to visit too.”
Someone else said: “I adore Solva. It’s full of charm, the food is great, and it’s lovely just sitting with a coffee and watching the world go by. The beach walk to the sea is perfect.”
Other Welsh villages that made National Rail’s list of the “prettiest places for a cosy winter getaway” include Beddgelert in Snowdonia and Tintern in the Wye Valley.
Beddgelert is described as “a peaceful, quaint village that feels like it’s from another time,” while Tintern is praised for being “calm and beautifully rural.”
Remember - LeaveNoTrace!
As with anywhere outdoors, kindly keep these areas pristine and wild by taking all trash with you. The amount of complaints we have seen since the pandemic is crazy. It's really not that hard to take your rubbish with you!
Litter tends to spread, so if you see any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the hidden gem, it will help keep the area tidy.
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