Llys yr Esgob, Tyddewi / St Davids Bishop's Palace

The ruins of the Bishop's Palace sit just downhill from St Davids Cathedral, and they're frankly more impressive than you'd expect from what's left of a medieval residence. Built in the 15th century for the bishops who ran this corner of Wales, the palace is now a skeletal framework of stone walls and window frames - enough to let you imagine the grandeur without pretending it's intact.

Walking through what remains takes about twenty minutes if you're not rushing. The kitchen block is still recognizable, and the great hall gives you a proper sense of scale. The views across the valley are the real draw here, though - you're looking out over countryside that hasn't changed much since the bishops held court.

Historically minded visitors will get the most from a visit; it's not the sort of place that holds kids' attention for long unless they're already interested in medieval Wales. It's free to wander the grounds, which is worth knowing if you're camping nearby at Pembrokeshire Meadows or any of the other sites clustered within a mile of St Davids. The palace is barely a walk away from the cathedral, so you can easily do both in an afternoon.

Best visited on a clear day when the light picks out the stonework properly. Winter feels a bit bleak and exposed, but spring and autumn are ideal. If you're staying in the area, combine it with a proper walk down to Caerfai Beach or a browse around St Davids town itself - the palace alone won't fill your day, but it's a solid twenty-minute addition to exploring the cathedral and surrounding headland.