Caldey Island is a short boat ride away off the Pembrokeshire coastline and sits offshore near Tenby. The remote and beautiful island is one of the UK's holy islands and is renowned as an idyllic tourist attraction due to its ancient history, tranquil beaches, and woodlands.
Caldey Island has been inhabited since the Stone Age and has been home to many orders of monks since the Bronze and Iron Ages. The island has been owned by monks of the Cistercian Order since 1929 and they continue to pray, study, and work on the island within their monastery.
What can you do on Caldey Island?
The only beach open to the public on the island is Priory Bay, which is a green coast award site. Bathers can also swim when the sea conditions are calm. For a light bite to eat visitors can also relax at the tea garden café, which has an outdoor seating area. However if people want to bring a picnic they can sit on numerous benches located on the village green, lighthouse area, and Matthews Meadow.
The Abbey and Monastic Enclosure are not open to visitors but tourists are able to visit the Abbey Church viewing gallery and can watch or take part in the services of Sext. Visitors can also visit St Iltyd’s Church, St David’s Church, and church yard where they can light votive candles.
Day-trip visitors can also visit the shops which sell a range of products including perfume made by the monks. The Post Office also has a small shop and a museum highlighting the Island's history. There is also a chocolate factory where visitors can tour and purchase milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and fudge.
There is also plenty to explore with several walking paths across the island. Visitors can choose to stroll along the coastal paths, enjoy cliff and woodland walks, head to the lighthouse, or go beyond the village through grass and gravel pathways. You can find out more here.
How to get to Caldey Island?
The island is open Monday to Saturday from Easter to the end of October. Day-trip visitors can access the island via boats. Passengers can access the boats at high tide from the harbour steps in Tenby or from a mobile jetty on Tenby Castle Beach at low tide. All children travelling to the island must be accompanied by an adult.
There are no public car parking facilities in the harbour area of Tenby but visitors can park in nearby car parks within easy walking distance. A park and ride bus service also operates from North Beach car park during the school summer holiday.
Can I stay on Caldey Island?
There is a retreat house called St Philomena's on the island, which is for groups or individuals to stay at for a 'few days of reflection', but renovation work is currently taking place. The retreat house is expected to remain closed until 2024.
However there is a Monastic Guesthouse for men to stay for a few days or up to one week where they can worship and eat with the monks and assist with daily tasks. More information here.
