Away from the glow of busy towns and cities, Penrhiw Priory offers a wonderfully peaceful place to look up and watch the night sky. Set within the secluded St Davids Peninsula, the priory is surrounded by open countryside and dark skies, making it easy to slow down, settle in and spend an evening beneath the stars. From spotting familiar constellations to keeping an eye out for nocturnal wildlife, there is plenty to discover after sunset.
Why St Davids is special for stargazing
The St Davids Peninsula is a naturally quiet and remote corner of Pembrokeshire, with little artificial light to compete with the night sky. Its coastal location and surrounding countryside create ideal conditions for escaping the brightness of towns and enjoying a clearer view of the stars.
On a clear night, take your time looking upwards and you may begin to notice far more than you would at home. Constellations become easier to pick out, brighter stars stand out against the darkness and, depending on the time of year, you may even spot planets or the Milky Way stretching across the sky.
The Penrhiw stargazing hamper
To help you make the most of the dark skies around Penrhiw, we have a stargazing hamper available as a complimentary extra for guests, subject to availability.
Inside, you’ll find everything you need to settle in for an evening beneath the stars, including binoculars and a guide book to help you explore the night sky, along with chairs and blankets to make yourself comfortable. There’s also a thermos for a warm drink, perfect for keeping cosy as you spend time watching the stars overhead.
Take the hamper out to the meadow, find a quiet spot, wrap up in a blanket and see what you can discover. Whether you’re an experienced stargazer or simply want to spend a peaceful evening looking up, it’s a lovely way to experience Penrhiw after dark.
The stargazing hamper is a free extra for guests and is subject to availability. Please speak to the team during your stay if you’d like to use it.
Stargazing in the meadow
Just a short walk from the main building, the meadow is a lovely spot to set up for the evening. With open views across the surrounding fields and Carn Llidi rising in the distance, it feels wonderfully removed from the outside world.
As darkness falls, the meadow becomes a great place not only for stargazing, but for spotting some of Pembrokeshire’s nocturnal wildlife too. Keep your eyes and ears open and you might see a fox making its way across the fields, a badger passing through the shadows or, if you’re particularly lucky, the silent flight of a local barn owl.
Make a Night of It
Settle into Penrhiw Priory, step outside after dark and discover the stars, wildlife and peaceful countryside of the St Davids Peninsula.
