If you’re considering a fun and unusual way to experience the charming city of St Davids in Pembrokeshire, Wales, the St Davids Comedy Walking Tour might just be your best bet. This lively, humorous take on local history offers a blend of storytelling, comedy, and sightseeing that appeals to families, solo travelers, and history buffs alike.
What we love about this tour is how it balances entertainment and local lore—you get a lighthearted view of the city’s landmarks while still soaking up some interesting tidbits. Plus, the guides’ energetic performances make the stories memorable and engaging. The price point of about $13.73 per person is also a notable highlight, offering great value for a 90-minute experience.
That said, a potential consideration is that the tour emphasizes comedy and storytelling over strict historical facts. If you’re someone looking for a deeply factual history lesson, this might not be your ideal experience. But for those after a light-hearted, local-flavor introduction that leaves you smiling, this tour is well worth your time and money.
It’s particularly suited for families, groups of friends, or visitors who appreciate humor and storytelling with an authentic sense of place. It’s also a good choice if you want a relaxed, fun way to explore St Davids without feeling like you’re back in a classroom.
Key Points
- Humor and folklore combine to make local history engaging and memorable.
- Value-oriented price offers a fun experience for a budget-friendly cost.
- Family-friendly content keeps kids entertained while adults enjoy the stories.
- The tour’s easy pace and scenic stops allow for relaxed exploration.
- Guides’ enthusiasm and storytelling skill are frequently praised by visitors.
- The experience is informal and theatrical, with costumes and lively characters.
A Deep Dive into the Experience
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Pembrokeshire.
What the Tour Offers and Why It Stands Out
The St Davids Comedy Walking Tour is billed as the “best ever 100% verifiably accurate” tour, but it’s best understood as a playful blend of historical anecdotes, local legends, and theatrical humor. The guides, dressed in costumes, fully embrace their roles, weaving stories that range from the legendary to the outright silly—think Vikings, goats, and leeks—crafted to entertain as much as inform.
This tour is designed to be lighthearted—a deliberate departure from dry, fact-heavy guides. As one reviewer put it, the guides are “energetic and skilled storytellers,” and the humor “very British,” which means a healthy dose of wit, satire, and playful exaggeration. For many, that’s exactly the appeal: you get a quirky, memorable portrait of St Davids that’s as much about fun as it is about history.
The Itinerary in Detail
Starting at the Oriel y Parc Landscape Gallery and Visitor Centre, you’ll get a quick peek at this eco-friendly building and its quaint gardens. Here, hidden treasures like St Non’s Rocks and a Neolithic picnic table set the tone—these are spots that weave natural beauty with a dash of archaeological intrigue.
The tour then moves to Stryd yr Afr, a street once associated with the monks’ torment, now transformed into a humorous sightseeing stroll—“we pass down freely without fear of goats,” the guide jokes. This playful twist on a historical site is typical of the tour’s approach: blending local legends with comedy.
Cross Square is next, the heart of St Davids, home to the iconic cross monument and war memorial garden. Here, you’ll hear about Owain Glyndwr, a Welsh hero, along with lesser-known tales about the Brotherhood of St David. Visitors often remark how this stop offers a great sense of the town’s character, with a mix of genuine history and amusing anecdotes.
Stephen’s Lane hosts the oldest bed & breakfast in town—a tiny, historic site where a famous monarch once stayed. The stories seem to blend real history with humorous embellishment, making the visit more lively than a typical history walk.
Next, the RNLI Barometer isn’t just a weather tool; it’s a quirky stop that offers a bit of local maritime history flavored with humor. The tour’s final destination is the cathedral, where your guides share legends—like a battle between the Devil and St David—that are more myth than fact. You’re free to explore the cathedral afterward, soaking in its spiritual and architectural beauty at your leisure.
Visiting the Landmarks and Local Lore
Each stop has a story or two that sticks with visitors. As one reviewer noted, the guides “had us laughing out loud with their tales of the life and times of St David,” with a particular highlight being the humorous stories about goats, Vikings, and even the leek—the Welsh symbol. The tour’s theatrical flair, with costumes and animated storytelling, fuels its entertainment value and creates a lively, immersive environment.
Practicalities: Group Size, Duration, and Cost
With a maximum of 20 travelers, the tour maintains an intimate and engaging atmosphere. The 1 hour 30 minutes duration is just right—long enough to explore and listen, but not so long as to become tiresome. The price of around $13.73 per person makes it a very budget-friendly option, especially considering the quality of the guides’ storytelling and the unique experience offered.
The tour is mobile ticketed, making it convenient to book and participate without the hassle of printed tickets. It begins at the Oriel y Parc Visitor Centre and ends near the cathedral steps, allowing for easy access and optional further exploration of the area.
Insights from Reviews
Many visitors praise the guides’ enthusiasm and wit. One called the guides “energetic and skilled storytellers,” while another appreciated how the tour was “fun for all ages,” emphasizing its family-friendly nature. Several reviews highlight that the humor is very British, which adds a charming, authentic flavor to the experience.
However, some mention that the focus on comedy sometimes overshadows the factual content. One reviewer noted, “It was too much comedy and not enough facts,” suggesting that if you’re seeking a detailed history, this might not be ideal. Conversely, others valued the entertainment, with comments like “fully entertaining and worth every penny.”
The Value of the Experience
Given the modest price, this tour offers excellent value—a relaxed, amusing stroll through one of Wales’ most picturesque towns. It’s especially suitable if you’re traveling with children or simply want a break from more traditional sightseeing.
While it isn’t a rigorous history lesson, it provides a sense of place and local character that will be remembered long after the jokes fade. The playful storytelling, coupled with scenic stops and friendly guides, creates a memorable snapshot of St Davids’ charm.
Who Would Love This Tour
If you enjoy lighthearted storytelling and theatrical performance, you’ll find this experience delightful. It’s ideal for families, couples, or groups looking for something different from typical guided tours. Those interested in local legends, myths, and Welsh humor will especially appreciate the approach.
It’s not suited for anyone craving a detailed, fact-driven history tour, but if your goal is to have a good laugh while learning a bit about the town, this tour hits the mark. The emphasis on entertainment and fun makes it perfect for those wanting a relaxed, engaging way to explore St Davids.
The Sum Up
The St Davids Comedy Walking Tour offers a refreshingly humorous perspective on a Welsh town steeped in legend and beauty. Its guides’ infectious energy and theatrical flair make it more than just a walk—it’s an experience filled with laughs, local color, and charming stories.
For families, casual visitors, or anyone with a good sense of humor, this tour provides fantastic value and a memorable way to see St Davids. While it may not satisfy those seeking rigorous historical facts, it excels at creating a lively, engaging atmosphere that showcases the town’s character through comedy and storytelling.
If you’re after a light, fun, and affordable way to learn about and enjoy St Davids, this tour definitely deserves a place on your list.
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, many reviews mention that the tour is family-friendly and keeps kids entertained with humor and lively storytelling.
How long does the tour last?
The tour takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, making it a manageable and relaxed way to explore the town.
Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at the Oriel y Parc Landscape Gallery and Visitor Centre and finishes near the steps above the cathedral, giving easy access for further sightseeing.
What is the price?
The tour costs about $13.73 per person, providing an affordable, entertaining experience.
Are the guides in costume?
Yes, the guides dress up and act out stories, adding to the theatrical feel of the tour.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour, with a full refund.
Is the tour suitable for all weather?
It requires good weather; if canceled due to rain or poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
In summary, the St Davids Comedy Walking Tour is a lively, humorous introduction to Wales’ smallest city, blending entertainment with local lore at a great price. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a bit of theatrical flair and a good laugh while discovering the sights and stories of St Davids.