Penrhiw Priory

The definition of tranquillity, Penrhiw Priory is a retreat for the mind, body and soul. Built in 1884 by the Church in Wales as a Vicarage, it thereafter became a home and a guesthouse, before returning to its religious roots as a priory for nuns in the 1960s. Following their departure in 1985, it once again became a host for leisure guests drawn to St Davids, and has been so ever since.

Restored with the utmost care, original features subtly contrast the modern interiors. Suede wallpaper, generous sofas, and art inspired by the beauty of nature, evoke a warmth throughout which extends into the exterior.

Lush landscaped gardens contrast the wild flower meadow carpeted with yellow pea- like flowers of bird’s-foot trefoil, purple thistle-like heads of black knapweed, and cheerful white heads of the oxeye daisy, while in spring, the woodland becomes a sea of daffodils and bluebells.

The priory’s spiritual past breathes a calming energy, protected by the elegant, purple hued stone of Caerbwdi Bay, the same stone that shelters the historic 6th century cathedral that lies in the valey below, just a few hundred metres further along the channel of the River Alun.

A stone’s throw from the city and beach, the location is unrivalled. At Whitesands Bay, the striking hills of Carn Llidi can be summited for breath taking views of Ramsey Island, and St Davids Head, whilst inland; the tips of the cathedral extend above the treetops to remind you of its’ grandeur.

The coast path is close too. Miles and miles of it, waiting for you to explore.

Directions

From Haverfordwest:

Follow signs for the A487 to St Davids and continue along the A487 for 15 miles passing through Newgale and Solva.

After entering St Davids, continue on the A487 until you enter the High Street. As you enter the Cross Square follow the one way system to the right and onto Nun Street. Turn left onto Quickwell Hill and follow the road for 1 mile until you reach Penrhiw Priory.

From Fishguard:

Follow A40 Haverfordwest until sign for A4219 to St Davids.Turn right onto A4219 and follow road around and over railway bridge to T- junction with the A487. At T- junction turn left onto A487, signposted to St Davids.

Continue along the A487 for 12 miles to St Davids.Follow the one way system along New Street to the T-junction.

Turn right onto the Cross Square, follow the one way system to the right and onto Nun Street. Turn left onto Quickwell Hill and follow the road for 1 mile until you reach Penrhiw Priory.

You can also plan you journey by car using www.theaa.com/route-planner. Simply enter your postcode and ours, which is SA62 6PG to get your travel options or directions.The car park is located directly outside of Penrhiw Priory and set in the private grounds of the property.

You can plan your journey by public transport using www.traveline-cymru.info:

• The nearest international airport to Penrhiw Priory is Cardiff Airport, 111 miles away. Or Haverfordwest Airport which provides air charters is 7 miles away – www.flywales.co.uk.
• The nearest railway station is in the town of Haverfordwest, 16 miles from St Davids. Trains from Haverfordwest connect with services at Swansea. By train from Paddington (London) to Haverfordwest is 4.5 hours.
• Taxis are usually available at Haverfordwest train station. We can book one for you in advance at approximately £45 each way.
• The nearest bus stop for the T11 Fishguard – St Davids – Haverfordwest service (operated by Richards Bros) is located on Nun Street, St Davids, please ask your bus driver to stop here. The bus stop is approximately 500m from Penrhiw Priory. Visit www.richardsbros.co.uk for the latest timetables.