Solva, Pembrokeshire (posh rating 3/5)The Times said:Popular with the posh fashion crowd who can do without the crush in Cornwall, Solva is a pretty old fishing village with a picturesque harbour and sandy beach tucked at the end of an inlet at St Brides Bay. The local spot is the Cambrian Inn, and there’s fine dining at Blas at Twr y Felin Hotel in nearby St Davids. A ten-minute drive the other way is the Roch Castle hotel, on a rocky out-crop overlooking the sea with a high quality restaurant and spa. (Image: John Myers)
Fans of ITV’s hit show Unforgotten in Wales may have recognised a familiar location in the most recent series.
In February, viewers saw Sinead Keenan and Sanjeev Bhaskar reprise their roles as DCI Jess James and DI Sunny Khan in the sixth series of the critically acclaimed crime drama, which took them to Ireland.
In the sixth episode, DI Sunny Khan visits a coastal village in Ireland to meet outspoken political commentator Miranda Ricci, portrayed by MyAnna Buring. However, the village is not actually in Ireland, but in Wales.
The location used for filming is the stunning seaside village of Solva, situated in the northern part of Pembrokeshire. Despite its secluded location in the tranquil Welsh countryside, this small village has garnered high praise and recognition in recent years.
In 2022, luxury travel magazine Conde Nast Traveller listed it as one of the ‘most beautiful villages in the UK and Ireland’.
Solva, Pembrokeshire (Image: John Myers)
Then, in 2023, it was named one of ‘the poshest Welsh villages in the UK’ by the Sunday Times, much to the surprise of some locals, reports Wales Online.
Tucked away in the gorgeous Pembrokeshire National Park, this delightful harbour village boasts all the hallmarks of a quintessential Welsh tourist destination. It offers a scenic setting, a lively quay, and a charming high street.
Solva, a quaint village in Wales, boasts a rich history with its harbour once serving as the main connection before the construction of roads. The long harbour stretches from the grey sand at the foot of the village to the sea, offering a serene walk where one can spot limekilns and fishing boats, a testament to its industrious past.
Despite its remote location, Solva is far from lifeless. It’s a magnet for walkers, nature lovers, food enthusiasts and families seeking a break from their hectic routines.
The harbour of Solva (Image: ashley@globalwarmingimages.net)
Bay View Stores, situated at the top of Solva, is the village’s only convenience store. It gained recognition during the coronavirus pandemic for its humorous chalkboard slogans.
For those seeking culinary delights, Solva offers an array of cafes, pubs and restaurants. Options include Cafe on the Quay, Harbour Inn, Thirty-Five Mainstreet, The Ship and The Cambrian Inn.
The Cambrian Inn received glowing reviews from celebrated food critic, Giles Coren, during his visit in 2022. He savoured a feast at the historic Solva pub that included “prawn cocktail, Caesar salad, Greek salad, terrific ribeye and chips, hilariously loaded ‘Fat Cow’ burger, excellent Mangalore chicken curry and a perfectly serviceable rose for just £21.50 a bottle”, all of which came to less than £100.
Yet, it’s not just the food drawing crowds to this quaint Welsh village, but also its charming pastel-painted buildings, brimming with independent art shops, craft stores, and inviting cafes.
Saunter down Main Street, and it becomes apparent why this idyllic hamlet captivates those looking for an artsy vibe.
Come summer, Solva becomes a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, with hundreds descending on the village harbour to engage in crabbing, boating, kayaking, and swimming at high tide. This scenic spot is also renowned for hosting one of the UK’s top open-water challenges – Swim to the Edge – every July.
Solva isn’t just a stellar attraction by itself; its proximity to other wonders adds to its appeal.
A mere seven-minute journey can take you to the ancient city of St David’s, while a short 13-minute drive lands you on Whitesands Bay’s expansive beaches.
For those who fancy a picturesque coastal stroll, the trail from Porthgain to Abereiddy is just 15 minutes away by car.
The UK boasts several unique areas that benefit from balmy microclimates, and luckily for Brits, it is entirely possible to get a taste of the Caribbean without