Get to know Solva from several perspectives: through its landscape, historic buildings and crafts, as well as its paths and coastal activities. The steep-sided, wooded valley was formed during the last Ice Age and developed into a flooded coastal inlet, known as a ria. If you are interested in how the coast was formed, this is a special place to explore the landscape and the history of the village together.
Ria, Fort and Lime Kilns
The Gribyn is also associated with an earlier use: in the Iron Age, it served as a fort. A group of recently consolidated lime kilns stands at the high-water mark of Solva Harbour. The kilns are best viewed from the path; at low tide, you can see them up close. The tide level matters if you want a closer look, so check the local tide information.
The landscape and built heritage offer different points of interest: the ria explains the shape of the valley, while The Gribyn and the lime kilns tell of human use in different contexts. When visiting the kilns, deciding whether to view them from the path or approach them at low tide is also a practical planning consideration.
St Aidan's Church and its heritage
St Aidan's Church was built by J. L. Pearson in 1877–1879. Notable features include a bowl-shaped, carved 12th-century font from the lost church of St Teilo at St Elvis. The porch also contains a large pre-Norman stone with a cross inscription. It came from St Elvis Farm and was found in 1925.
The two older objects offer different insights: both the shape and provenance of the font are recorded, while the stone is identified by its cross inscription, findspot and year of discovery. Alongside the information about the construction of St Aidan's Church, these provide several specific historical details to look out for if you are interested in architecture and heritage.
Woollen Mill, Art and Courses
The Solva Woollen Mill, a working woollen mill with a shop and tearoom, is located on the banks of the River Solfach. It is the oldest continuously operating woollen mill in Pembrokeshire. This means that, alongside the historic buildings, a living craft is also in focus. If you plan to visit the mill, shop or tearoom, check the latest visitor information beforehand.
The Raul Speek Gallery is located in a converted chapel in the village of Solva. There, you can view the collection and buy original art from the Old Chapel in person or online. The gallery also offers courses and workshops in art, photography and music. If you plan to attend a course or workshop, check current availability; offerings may change.
Walking, Coastal Rowing and Getting Here
From Solva Harbour, you can walk to Gribin Headland or walk down to Gwadn Beach. The two destinations offer different directions for a walk. As path conditions can change, check them before setting out. The Solva Rowing and Watersports Club invites beginners to try coastal rowing in St Brides Bay from Solva Harbour. As this activity is seasonal, check current availability in advance.
At Solva Quayside, a 0.8 km path runs from the Lower Solva car park to the Yacht Club; this section is designated for wheelchair use. Surfaces and accessibility can change, so check current conditions. For travel, bus route 411 runs via Solva between Haverfordwest railway station and St David's. Check current bus services before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Fishguard, Kilgetty, Stackpole, Cosheston, Pembroke Dock, Ludchurch, Roch, Mynachlog-ddu
For the main travel overview: Pembrokeshire.
