St Davids Comedy Walking Tour

Key Points

• Affordable and entertaining: Priced at just $13.73 per person for a lively 1 hour 30 minutes.
• Humorous storytelling: Guides deliver British humor and heavily embellished tales of Vikings, goats, and leeks.
• Landmarks and folklore: Visit Cross Square, St Davids Cathedral, and learn about local myths and famous figures like Owain Glyndwr.
• Family-friendly: A great way to keep little ones entertained while exploring St Davids.
• Accessible and compact: Small group size (up to 20 guests), easy walking, starting at the Oriel y Parc Landscape Gallery.
• Flexible cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour, weather-dependent.

Introduction to the St Davids Comedy Walking Tour

The St Davids Comedy Walking Tour offers a fun, lighthearted way to explore the historic Welsh town, all within 1 hour 30 minutes. Guided by “the actual” St David, the tour combines entertaining storytelling with local landmarks, making it particularly appealing for families, groups of friends, or anyone interested in a playful twist on history.

For just $13.73, visitors get an easy-paced walk through key sites like Cross Square and St Davids Cathedral, with plenty of comedic embellishments. The tour’s focus on British humor and folklore means it’s as much about laughs as it is about local sights, though it’s worth noting that the stories lean heavily toward legend and myth.

This tour tends to attract small groups (maximum 20 people), ensuring a lively, engaging experience. It has received a warm overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 from 79 reviews, with 90% recommending it. Reviews highlight the energetic guides and family-friendly atmosphere, making it a popular choice for a memorable afternoon in Pembrokeshire.

From the Oriel y Parc to the Hidden Garden

The adventure begins at the Oriel y Parc Landscape Gallery and Visitor Centre. Here, you’ll see the eco-friendly exterior, a hidden garden, and the legendary St Non’s Rocks. The tour also includes a visit to a Neolithic picnic table, adding a touch of historical curiosity. This stop is free of charge, and lasts about 15 minutes, setting a relaxed tone for the walk.

Leaving the visitor center, the guide leads you down Stryd yr Afr, a street that was once a place of torment for monks. Now, it’s a lively pathway free of goats, where stories of local legends unfold with humor and exaggeration. The walk along this street offers a glimpse into St Davids’ quirky history.

Exploring Cross Square and the Heart of St Davids

Next stop is Cross Square, the core of the city. Here, visitors encounter the iconic cross monument and war memorial garden. The guide shares tales about Welsh hero Owain Glyndwr and lesser-known stories about the brotherhood of St David. Expect about 10 minutes at this site, with plenty of anecdotes blending fact and folklore in a lively manner.

The Square serves as the social hub, so it’s a natural spot for capturing photos and soaking in the local atmosphere. The storytelling here emphasizes local legends, making history feel accessible and fun, especially when delivered with the tour’s characteristic humor.

The Historic Stephen’s Lane and Royal Connections

A quick walk takes you to Stephen’s Lane, home to the oldest recorded bed & breakfast in the city, dating back to the 11th century. The guide shares a story of a famous former monarch who once stayed there, adding a royal touch to the stroll. This stop lasts about 5 minutes but packs in a fun tidbit that connects past to present.

The lane’s atmosphere is enriched by tales of historical figures and local hospitality, giving a sense of continuity across centuries. The stories are delivered with a playful tone, enhancing the charm of this quaint part of town.

The RNLI Barometer and Its Surprising Significance

Next, the tour passes the RNLI Barometer, an authentic weather device that also has a story or two behind it. Although a simple object, the guide weaves humor into its history, making it more than just a weather instrument. This 5-minute stop offers a light break in the walk, with a chance to learn about local maritime life and see a genuine RNLI barometer.

This stop is an amusing highlight, especially for those interested in coastal safety and maritime stories. The guide’s witty remarks help make even mundane objects interesting.

The Final Destination: St Davids Cathedral and Its Myths

The tour concludes at the stunning St Davids Cathedral, where you can explore at your own pace after hearing stories about an epic battle between the Devil and St Dai. The guide shares tales of the original monastery and its legendary tales, adding a mythical layer to the historic site.

While the tour doesn’t go down the steps into the cathedral, visitors are free to stay longer and admire the architecture, the epic sea views, and the surrounding landscape. The walk ends at 7 The Pebbles, a convenient spot for further exploration or dining.

Meeting Points and Practical Details

The tour departs from the Oriel y Parc Gallery & Visitor Centre, located at the National Park Visitor Centre on High St, St Davids. The ending point is at 7 The Pebbles, nearby the cathedral, allowing easy access to local cafes or transportation. The group size is limited to 20 travelers, ensuring a lively and personalized experience.

Participants should note that the tour is weather-dependent, and cancellations are free if the weather isn’t suitable. It’s suitable for most ages and activity levels, with service animals allowed. The tour is a mobile ticket experience, with a simple booking process.

Why Choose This Comedic Tour?

This tour offers excellent value for money, combining light-hearted humor with local landmarks. Guides are praised for their energetic storytelling and witty performance, making history memorable and fun. Its small group size fosters interaction and engagement, especially appealing for families and groups seeking a relaxed, humorous introduction to St Davids.

The playful exaggerations and costumes add a theatrical flair, making it stand out from traditional historical walks. Although it emphasizes entertainment, the tour still offers verifiable facts about St Davids’ history and legends.

Limitations and Considerations

While the humor is a highlight, some may find that the stories lean heavily on myth and legend, with less focus on detailed facts. One review notes that the comedy can sometimes overshadow the history, and the costumes may appear simple or humorous rather than authentic. It is important to recognize that the tour is designed to be fun and irreverent rather than strictly educational.

The tour’s duration of 1 hour 30 minutes means it’s ideal for a relaxed exploration but may not satisfy those seeking in-depth historical insights. Also, since it is weather-dependent, it’s wise to check the forecast before booking.

Final Thoughts on the St Davids Comedy Walking Tour

The St Davids Comedy Walking Tour offers a lighthearted, affordable way to discover the Welsh town’s sights and stories. Its entertaining guides, playful storytelling, and picturesque stops make it especially appealing for families and those looking for a fun afternoon.

While it doesn’t prioritize factual accuracy over entertainment, the tour succeeds in bringing local legends to life with wit and theatrical flair. Visitors who enjoy British humor, costumes, and mythical tales will find this experience both memorable and worth the price.

It’s an ideal choice for anyone wanting a relaxed, humorous introduction to St Davids, especially if they prefer a less traditional and more entertaining approach to sightseeing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is described as family-friendly and “a great way to entertain little ones,” making it suitable for children of most ages.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, making it a manageable activity for a relaxed afternoon.

What’s included in the tour?
The tour covers several key sites, including Cross Square, St Davids Cathedral, Stephen’s Lane, and the RNLI Barometer, all with humorous commentary.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, especially if the weather is poor, ensuring flexibility.

Is there a group size limit?
Yes, the tour is limited to 20 travelers, promoting a lively and engaging experience with plenty of interaction.

How much does the tour cost?
The price is $13.73 per person, offering great value given the length and entertainment level.