Fans of ITV's popular series Unforgotten, particularly those in Wales, may have spotted a familiar backdrop in the latest season. In February, audiences watched as Sinead Keenan and Sanjeev Bhaskar reprised their roles as DCI Jess James and DI Sunny Khan for the sixth instalment of the highly praised crime drama, which took them to Ireland. However, in the sixth episode, when DI Sunny Khan visits an Irish coastal village to meet forthright political pundit Miranda Ricci, played by MyAnna Buring, viewers might be surprised to learn that the village is actually located in Wales, not Ireland.
The picturesque seaside village of Solva in northern Pembrokeshire was used as the filming location. Despite its remote setting in the peaceful Welsh countryside, this small hamlet has received considerable acclaim and recognition in recent years, reports the Express. In 2022, the luxury travel magazine Conde Nast Traveller included it in its list of the 'most beautiful villages in the UK and Ireland'. Then, in 2023, the Sunday Times named it one of 'the poshest Welsh villages in the UK', much to the astonishment of some residents.
Nestled within the stunning Pembrokeshire National Park, this delightful harbour village possesses all the characteristics of a classic Welsh tourist spot. It boasts a picturesque landscape, a bustling quay, and a charming high street. The picturesque Welsh village of Solva is steeped in history, with its harbour being the focal point before road connections were made. A stroll along the harbour's length reveals grey sands at the village's base leading out to sea, limekilns and remnants of fishing activities that hint at Solva's bustling history.
Solva may be tucked away, but it's by no means off the radar. It pulls in not only nature enthusiasts and ramblers who find respite here from their busy livesbut also foodies and families looking to unwind. The local lifeline, Bay View Stores, perches atop the village, winning hearts during the Covid-19 pandemic with its witty chalkboard messages. For a taste of Solva, visitors are spoilt for choice with eateries like Cafe on the Quay, Harbour Inn, Thirty-Five Mainstreet, The Ship, and The Cambrian Inn dotting the village.
Notably, The Cambrian Inn captured the acclaim of famed food critic Giles Coren in 2022, who enjoyed a grand spread there. His selection included "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", totalling less than a hundred quid. However, it isn't just the grub that draws folks in. Solva throws open its doors with captivating pastel buildings housing unique art galleries, craft shops, and welcoming cafes.
Take a leisurely stroll down Main Street and you'll quickly see why this charming village is a magnet for those seeking an artsy atmosphere. When the summer sun shines, Solva transforms into a haven for outdoor lovers. Hundreds flock to the village harbour to partake in crabbing, boating, kayaking, and swimming at high tide. Not only that, but this picturesque spot also hosts one of the UK's top open-water challenges - Swim to the Edge - every July.
But Solva isn't just a star attraction on its own; its location near other points of interest enhances its allure. Just a quick seven-minute trip will transport you to the historic city of St David's, while a brief 13-minute drive will take you to the vast beaches of Whitesands Bay. And for those who enjoy a scenic coastal walk, the trail from Porthgain to Abereiddy is a mere 15-minute car journey away.
