Travel

The ‘idyllic’ UK seaside village that’s overshadowed by its more famous neighbours


A SMALL village in the UK has “stolen the hearts” of visitors who say that it is every bit as pretty as its nearby neighbours that seem to get all of the limelight.

There are many unsung seaside destinations along the UK coastline, with one in Wales overshadowed by its more famous neighbours.

The village has been described online as idyllic

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The village has been described online as idyllicCredit: Alamy
The water in the harbour is clear and blue on warm summer days

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The water in the harbour is clear and blue on warm summer daysCredit: Alamy
Welsh confectionery, like Welsh cakes, is made in the village

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Welsh confectionery, like Welsh cakes, is made in the villageCredit: Alamy

Solva has been described as “idyllic” by visitors, who visit for its beach, its fresh seafood and its stunning views.

Fish and lobster caught in the harbour’s waters are served in fine dining restaurants in the village, while art galleries and music festivals provide culture and entertainment for the villagers and visitors.


SUN READER HOLIDAY TIPS: Give us your best tip for an underrated UK place and you could win a £100 Amazon voucher


Among those singing the Solva’s praises are confectioners Mamgu Welsh Cakes, who used to be based near the small harbour.

In a blog post on their website, explaining why its such a perfect place to visit.

They wrote: “Solva is without a doubt Pembrokeshire’s most shining gem, arguably Wales’ too!

“Nestled between two high cliff sides in a valley, the idyllic harbour village boasts one of the most breathtaking coastal views in the country.

“You can find local fishermen and women bring in its famous Solva crab and lobster, which can be purchased in the village and served fresh in the restaurants.”

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They also described the village as Pembrokeshire’s “home of coastal culture”, due to its music festivals, art galleries and fine dining options.

Arguably the village’s biggest event is the Solva Edge festival, a three-day long summer soiree, featuring art, music, food and drink, writers and other performers.

The village also left a big impression upon travel bloggers Emily and Krystina, who run Instagram account My UK Staycation (@myukstaycation).

Eight world-class UK beaches

They shared footage of their trip to the village, highlighting its clear blue seas and quaint chocolate box houses.

Their video was accompanied by a caption that reads: “Pretty little Solva. The Welsh harbour village which stole my heart.

“With neighbouring St David’s and Tenby stealing most of the limelight of Pembrokeshire this is like a hidden little gem, but with a big history.

“Don’t miss it on your next trip to Pembrokeshire. It’s worth going out your way for and if you catch the sun like we did then it is the most gorgeous beach day.”

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  2. Source D’Argent, Seychelles
  3. Hidden, Philippines
  4. Whitehaven, Australia
  5. One Foot, Cook Islands
  6. Trunk, US Virgin Islands
  7. Honopu, Hawaii
  8. Reynisfjara Beach, Iceland
  9. Navagio Beach, Greece
  10. Balandra, Mexico
  11. Cala Goloritze, Italy
  12. Pipe Creek, Bahamas
  13. Pink, Indonesia
  14. Grace, Turks & Caicos
  15. Gardner, Ecuador
  16. Mcway, California
  17. Turquoise, Australia
  18. Le Morne, Mauritius
  19. Sancho, Brazil
  20. Seven Mile, Cayman Islands
  21. Lanikai, Hawaii
  22. Maya, Thailand
  23. Moro, Spain
  24. Kelingking, Indonesia
  25. Meads, Anguilla
  26. Flamenco, Puerto Rico
  27. Arena, Dominican Republic
  28. Little Hellfire, Australia
  29. Lazio, Seychelles
  30. Vaeroy, Norway
  31. Horseshoe, Bermuda
  32. Myrtos, Greece
  33. Hidden, Mexico
  34. Grand Anse, Grenada
  35. Xpu Ha, Mexico
  36. San Josef, Canada
  37. Matira, French Polynesia
  38. Capriccioli, Italy
  39. Pasjaca, Croatia
  40. Boulders, South Africa
  41. Salines, Martinique
  42. Champagne, Vanuatu
  43. Marinha, Portugal
  44. Balos, Greece
  45. Achmelvich, Scotland
  46. Kaputas, Turkey
  47. Radhangar, India
  48. Varadero, Cuba
  49. Piha, New Zealand
  50. Pink Sand, Bahamas 

Their followers were amazed by their video, with plenty saying they would love to pay a visit.

One wrote: “It’s literally heaven on earth.”

Another said: “Planning my trip now.”

A third added: “It looks absolutely stunning.”

A night for two in the village can be booked from around £85 in a hotel.

If the trip to west Wales is a little too far, there are plenty of other unsung staycation destinations in the UK to explore.

Hastings

Sussex’s Hastings is back on the up, with new attractions and hotels set to open for tourists this year.

It was once voted the “worst weekend stay” in the country by consumer champions Which? with its food and drink and accommodation rated poorly.

However, the seafront is now home to multicoloured beach shacks, selling coffees and freshly caught fish, attracting holidaymakers opting to stay in the UK rather than go abroad.

Devon

East Portlemouth in Devon has been compared to the Mediterranean online, with Visit South Devon praising its natural beauty and peace and quiet.

They said: “If you want a beach holiday that gets you away from the crowds and gives you a chance to relax in peace and quiet, then East Portlemouth is well worth a visit.”

Meanwhile, these are the six best staycation locations for 2024.

And this is how a “two-resort” staycation can save you hundreds on family holidays.

Fresh seafood from the harbour is served in the village's restaurants

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Fresh seafood from the harbour is served in the village’s restaurantsCredit: Alamy





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