How to get to St Govan’s Chapel Wales
St Govan’s Chapel is in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park near Bosherton in southwest Wales. The medieval chapel, built into the side of a dramatic limestone cliff, is considered an important religious site.
Although most of the chapel was constructed 700 years ago in the 13th-century, it arguably dates back to the 6th-century when St Govan (the hermit) moved into a cave where the chapel is today. St Govan was an early Celtic Christian monk, and there are a lot of myths about who he was and how he ended up so isolated.
St Govan’s Chapel is a Grade I Listed building, and visiting is exceptionally magical, although the inside is often described as simple. It will likely be the most unique chapel you have ever seen due to its backdrop of the rugged coastline and Atlantic scene. We guarantee that it will exceed your expectations as it did ours.
There’s no better feeling than approaching the chapel and feeling at peace inside, listening to the waves crashing against the rocks from below. So we have created an ultimate guide on visiting St Govan’s Chapel, complete with parking information, history, facts, and the best things to do there and nearby! It is free to visit and park, so it is a beautiful addition to a road trip through Pembrokeshire.
St Govan’s Chapel History
Legend has it that St Govan used the cliffside today’s chapel to hide from Lundy pirates. As a fissure opened up, he jumped inside, and it closed. Once the pirates left, the crack opened once more to release him. It was not unusual in the 5th and 6th centuries for Celtic missionaries to travel up and down the coastline, which is why he may have ended up there from Wexford. It is then thought that he stayed there and founded the chapel until he died in 586, where he would have taught and worshipped.
Arguably, you can see his rib markings on the rock clefts as he is buried there. We couldn’t make them out, but maybe you’ll have a better eye than us. Others believe that Govan was Gawain, a knight from King Arthur who lived as a hermit at the end of his life.
Either way, the chapel could have been built by his followers. The healing well was known for its healing powers – to cure skin diseases, rheumatism and eye complaints! Today, you can make a wish in the well, or you can join the pilgrims who once came hoping to be cured.
St Govan’s Chapel Wales Facts
- The building’s size is 6.1m x 3.7m.
- It has two chambers with an altar at the east.
- The walls are made with limestone, and there are open windows.
- The roof is made from slate and is more modern.
- It is a Scheduled Ancient Monument.
- It is owned by the Military of Defence and leased to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.
St Govan’s Chapel Car Park
St Govan’s Chapel Car Park is large, grassy and free. Unfortunately, access is not always available because it is in the Ministry of Defence’s Firing Range. You can only visit when it is open. There are signs that tell you and lots of warning notices on the way in. You can call ahead to check if it is open to the public on the day you visit. Call the Pembroke Visitor Centre on 01437 776499 or Castlemartin Range on 01646 662367.
You can also check the website to see whether it is open or not – Castlemartin Firing Range.
To reach the car park, you will have to drive towards Bosherston down single narrow roads until you get to the military base entrance, where you should follow the directions provided. The address is: St Govans Head, Bosherston, Pembrokeshire SA71, 5DR
There are no toilets or facilities at this car park. However, there is sometimes an ice-cream van! You can reach the car park via Google Maps Directions here.
St Govan’s Chapel Postcode: SA71 5DR
St Govan’s Chapel Walk
It is a short walk (only a few minutes) to the St Govan’s Chapel steps. From the car park, go to the information board, and then you will find the steps almost immediately in front of you at an opening in the cliff. There are 52 steps in total. The steps are steep and uneven, but there is a handrail to help you get down. If you have mobility issues, you may find this problematic. We would recommend wearing sturdy shoes, especially if it has been raining because it can be pretty slippery.
Things to do at St Govan’s Chapel
- Walk to St Govan’s Head to see the breathtaking chapel across the sea. Be careful as there are steep drops from the cliff! It will only take roughly 10-minutes.
- Look for the small aperture where Govan hid, make a wish and turn three times to have your wish come true. Let us know if this works.
- Have an ice cream from the Ice Cream Van (in peak season)
- You will notice a large arch to your left when you first leave the chapel. If the tide is out, you can walk under it and explore the caves on the other side. The rock formations are spectacular. However, they are incredibly uneven, so make sure you take your time. They provide a great photo opportunity, though!
- Walk to Stack Rocks and the Green Bridge of Wales – 3.1 miles one way. This route offers a unique walk, which is remote and rugged. You may get to see seabirds such as razorbills and rare clough. There is a wheelchair option for this walk as a military track.
- Walk to Bosherston, which is 4.4miles one way and will likely take around 2 hours and 30-minutes. It can be a circular walk with a stop at Broad Haven South Beach!
Things to do near St Govan’s Chapel
- Visit the Lily Ponds at Bosherston
- Relax on Broad Haven South Beach
- Admire Barafundle Bay – our favourite beach in Wales
- Visit Olde Tea Rooms
FAQ
Where is St Govan’s Chapel?
St Govan’s Chapel is near Bosherton in Pembrokeshire National Park. You can find the exact position of St Govan’s Chapel on Google Maps here. It is incredibly close to the most southerly tip of Pembrokeshire- St Govan’s Head. It is a popular place to stop on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path Trail.
Where to park for St Govan’s Chapel?
The car park is found in the MOD training range. If it is open, follow the signs, and you will arrive at a large car park.
Can I reach St Govan’s Chapel by public transport?
Yes, but there is a catch. Get a Traveline service and then get off at Trefalen Car Park. From here, you will have to walk 2-miles to reach St Govan’s Chapel. Therefore, the easiest and most convenient way to get to St Govan’s Chapel is by car.
When is the best time to visit St Govan’s Chapel?
The best time to visit St Govan’s Chapel is when the tide is low so that you can access the cave under the arch at the right of the chapel. However, we also would not recommend visiting on a stormy day, as the steps are slippery and many of them. Therefore, you can see the tide times here to plan your trip.
Is St Govan’s Chapel dog friendly?
Yes, you can bring your dogs to St Govan’s Chapel. Just remember the cliffs are steep, so watch them closely!
It is easy to see why St Govan’s Chapel gets hundreds of visitors every year. However, you still feel like you have stumbled upon a true hidden gem full of peace and tranquillity when you visit. We think it is one of Britain’s most mystical and unique churches!
We suggest that you visit another attraction next, as it won’t take you all day to see the chapel.
Please read our complete guide to the Green Bridge of Wales and Stack Rocks here. It is a fantastic option because it is nearby!
Photo Credits: averagelives.com