Fans of ITV’s Unforgotten in Wales may have recognised a familiar locale in the show’s latest series. In February, viewers were treated to the return of Sinead Keenan and Sanjeev Bhaskar as DCI Jess James and DI Sunny Khan respectively in the sixth instalment of the critically acclaimed crime drama, which took the narrative to Ireland.
In the sixth episode, DI Sunny Khan journeys to an Irish coastal village to meet outspoken political pundit Miranda Ricci (portrayed by MyAnna Buring). However, in reality, the village is not situated in Ireland, but right here in Wales.
The location under discussion is the stunning seaside hamlet of Solva, nestled in the northern region of Pembrokeshire. Despite its tucked-away position in a tranquil corner of the Welsh countryside, this small village has garnered glowing praise and awards in recent times.
In 2022, luxury travel publication Conde Nast Traveller dubbed it one of the ‘most beautiful villages in the UK and Ireland’. Following that, in 2023, it was lauded as one of ‘the poshest Welsh villages in the UK’ by the Sunday Times, much to the surprise of some locals, reports Wales Online.
Situated within the scenic Pembrokeshire National Park, this delightful harbour village boasts all the hallmarks of a quintessential Welsh tourist attraction. It offers a picturesque setting, a lively quay, and a charming high street.
Many years ago, the harbour at Solva became the main connection for the remote village before the road was built. Its long harbour snakes its way from the grey sand at the foot of the village all the way to the sea.
During a quiet walk along this harbour, you’ll see limekilns and fishing boats, reminiscent of a working harbour built on industry and toil.
Luckily in this seaside village, as is the case for most around Wales, there is still life here. Solva attracts walkers, nature lovers, foodies and families alike, who are looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of their daily lives.
Located at the top of Solva, you’ll find Bay View Stores, which is the only convenience store in the village that sells pretty much anything and everything. It made quite the name for itself during the coronavirus pandemic with its funny slogans written on a chalkboard outside the shop.
If you are looking for somewhere to have a bite to eat, then rest assured, as Solva has plenty of cafes, pubs and restaurants to try. You have Cafe on the Quay, Harbour Inn, Thirty-Five Mainstreet, The Ship and The Cambrian Inn.
The Cambrian Inn in Solva received glowing commendation from esteemed food critic Giles Coren in 2022. Dining at the 16th-century pub, Coren savoured a feast including “prawn cocktail, Caesar salad, Greek salad, terrific ribeye and chips, hilariously loaded ‘Fat Cow’ burger, excellent Mangalore chicken curry and a perfectly serviceable rose for just £21.50 a bottle”, all at a price shy of £100.
However, this small Welsh village isn’t merely known for its culinary delights; its main allure lies in its pastel-hued buildings that accommodate independent art galleries, quaint craft shops and inviting cafes. Strolling down Main Street, it becomes readily apparent why this idyllic paradise continues to attract tourists keen on soaking up its artistic vibe.
Come summer, throngs of holidaymakers descend upon the village harbour – a hub for crabbing, boating, kayaking and swimming during high tide. The harbour also stages one of the UK’s most prominent open-water swim events, Swim to the Edge, with July seeing swimmers converge here.
Solva stands as an exceptional destination in itself yet remains within easy reach of nearby landmarksa mere seven-minute journey separates it from the historical St David’s City. Whitesands Bay offers sprawling sandy beaches just 13 minutes away by car, and for those enthusiasts seeking a scenic coastal walk, the Porthgain to Abereiddy trail starts a mere quarter-of-an-hour’s drive from the village.