St Non’s Bay, about 1 mile south of St Davids, Pembrokeshire, SA62 6RR

St Non’s Cliffs & Cathedral Cave

Coastal reserve

Place photograph

6.0

Wildland

Under 1 hour for the chapel and well

Time

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Cost

Peaceful

Feel

CoastalWalkersHistory loversPhotographers

Why it's Wildland

6.0

A small chapel ruin stands above rocky St Non’s Bay, at a headland traditionally associated with the birth of St David. The holy well and coastal setting give this short visit a strong sense of place.

The appeal is the meeting of rugged coast and pilgrimage history: a modest chapel ruin and holy well sit above St Non’s Bay, with the wider coast path offering a way to extend the visit. It is a rewarding short stop, though the exposed, uneven approach calls for care.

Peaceful · Atmospheric · Ancient-feeling

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St Non’s Bay, about 1 mile south of St Davids, Pembrokeshire, SA62 6RR

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The experience

Visit the holy well and chapel remains, then take time to look across St Non’s Bay. For a fuller outing, link the site with St Davids or follow a section of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. The path and exposed coastal conditions can be uneven or slippery, so plan for the weather and daylight.

Things to do

Visit the holy well

Stop at the well on the path towards the chapel. Its water was traditionally believed to have healing properties; this is a historical belief, not a verified claim.

10–15 minutes

Explore the chapel remains

See the surviving crumbling walls and consider the site’s long association with St Non and St David. The chapel’s date is uncertain.

15–30 minutes

Take in the coastal setting

Look out over rocky St Non’s Bay from the chapel’s headland setting. Take care near exposed ground and follow site safety guidance.

10–20 minutes

Make a day of it

Quick escape · Under 1 hour

Quick escape: chapel and well

01
Use the small car park listed by Cadw, checking availability before you travel.
02
Follow the uneven path and pass the holy well on the way to the chapel remains.
03
Pause at the chapel to take in the outlook over St Non’s Bay, then return by the same approach.

Half day · Half day

Make a half day of it: St Non’s and the coast

01
Start at St Non’s Chapel and Well, allowing time for the historic site and bay views.
02
Join a suitable section of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path; check route conditions and access before setting off.
03
Continue towards Porthclais, a historic harbour, or return to St Davids depending on your chosen route.

Full Wildland day · Full day

A full day around St Davids and the peninsula

01
Explore St Davids Cathedral and the adjoining Bishop’s Palace.
02
Visit St Non’s Chapel and Well, taking care on the uneven, exposed approach.
03
Continue on a researched section of the St David’s and St Non’s coastal loop, with Porthclais as a possible stop.
04
Choose a shorter or longer walk only after checking the route, transport options and current conditions.

Verified history

Cadw describes St Non’s Chapel as a significant holy and cultural site, with only a few crumbling walls of uncertain date remaining. The site is traditionally said to mark the place where St Non gave birth to St David, and has remained a place of pilgrimage. The holy well was believed to have curative powers. These traditions are not proof of the events or powers described.

Folklore & legend

Local religious tradition holds that St Non gave birth to St David here, and that the nearby well has healing properties. Present these as traditions and beliefs, not established facts.

Hidden details

A site with uncertain origins — Cadw notes that the surviving chapel walls are of uncertain date—a useful reminder that the long-standing sacred tradition and the age of the visible masonry are separate questions.

The well’s story — The well was believed to have curative powers and remains part of the site’s pilgrimage story. The claimed healing properties are traditional belief, not verified fact.

When to go

· Reasonable daylight; Cadw advises visiting only during suitable light. No particular hour is established as best.

Cadw lists the site as open all year during reasonable daylight. The exposed coastal setting makes conditions more important than a specific season.

The site is exposed to natural elements; paths may be slippery or muddy. Wear suitable footwear and take care around the headland.

Worth pairing with

St Davids Cathedral and Bishop’s Palace

Combine the coastal site with the cathedral and adjoining medieval palace for a substantial history-focused day in the area.

Porthclais Harbour

A historic harbour and possible coastal-walk stop; Visit Wales notes its old quay and renovated lime kilns.

What to look for

Look for the holy well on the approach and the surviving chapel walls above the bay. The site is traditionally associated with St Non and St David, but the birthplace claim is a tradition rather than a verified fact.

The story

Saints & pilgrimage

Best time to go

All year in reasonable daylight; choose a calm, clear day for the coastal setting.

Go during reasonable daylight, as specified by Cadw. A calm, clear day gives the best chance to appreciate the bay and headland; avoid assuming exposed coastal weather will be comfortable.

How long to spend

Under 1 hour for the chapel and well; longer if combined with a coastal walk

Perfect for

Walkers · History lovers · Photographers

Before you go

Website Google Maps

Address

Pembrokeshire Coast Path, St Davids, Haverfordwest SA62 6RR

Website

visitwales.com

Listed hours

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Check before visiting.

Google rating

4.8 · 57 reviews

Practical information

Opening & access

Cadw lists St Non’s Chapel as open all year during reasonable daylight hours. From the nearby car park, access is via an uneven footpath and two kissing gates; the ground may be slippery or muddy. Check current conditions before setting out.

Check before visiting

Parking

Cadw lists a car park within 100 metres, with approximately 8 spaces and no dedicated disabled spaces.

Toilets

Check before visiting

Food & drink

Check before visiting

Dogs

Check before visiting; Cadw warns that neighbouring farmland may have grazing animals and advises preventing dogs from eating vegetation.

Check before visiting

Accessibility

Cadw describes the terrain as easy, but the approach includes an uneven footpath and two kissing gates. No dedicated disabled parking spaces are listed. Check suitability before visiting.

Check before visiting

Cost

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Water

Sea