Your Essential Guide to Caldey Island Access

Nestled just off the stunning Pembrokeshire coast, Caldey Island offers a unique blend of natural beauty, spiritual tranquillity, and historical intrigue. This tiny island, home to a community of Cistercian monks, provides a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of mainland life. But how does one embark on this journey to a place where time seems to slow down? This guide will navigate you through every step, from reaching the Tenby harbour to exploring the island's hidden gems, ensuring your visit is as smooth and enriching as the calm waters surrounding this remarkable destination.

Planning Your Trip to Caldey Island

Getting to Tenby Harbour

Your adventure to Caldey Island begins in the picturesque harbour town of Tenby. While Caldey itself is a car-free zone, understanding the parking and arrival situation in Tenby is crucial for a stress-free start. Please note that there are no public car parking facilities directly in the harbour area; this space is reserved for permit holders only. For those requiring disabled parking, a limited number of spaces are available, and it's always advisable to check availability in advance.

For general visitors, several convenient Pay and Display Car Parks are located within a reasonable walking distance of the harbour. These include the Multi Storey Car Park, Salterns Car Park, and North Beach Car Park. All are typically within a 10 to 15-minute walk, offering ample space for your vehicle before you embark on your sea journey.

During the school summer holiday period, Tenby operates a pedestrianisation scheme, which means vehicle access to certain areas might be restricted. To accommodate this, a convenient Park and Ride bus service operates from the North Beach Car Park, clearly signposted to guide you. This service offers an excellent alternative to walking, particularly for families or those with limited mobility.

Public toilets, a convenient facility before your trip, are easily located through the stone archway at the entrance to Tenby Castle Beach, right in the harbour area.

Securing Your Passage: Tickets and Information

Tickets and informative leaflets for Caldey Island are readily available from the Caldey Island Kiosk, prominently situated in Tenby Harbour. Should the kiosk be closed, you can obtain your tickets from the Tractor located at the beach ramp, ensuring you can always secure your passage. It is important to remember that all children under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Unaccompanied children are not permitted to purchase tickets or travel to the island, a policy in place for their safety and well-being.

The Sea Crossing: Your Journey to Tranquillity

The only way to reach Caldey Island is by a passenger-carrying boat, offering a pleasant crossing time of approximately 20 minutes. These boats are designed for open-air sea travel, so for your utmost comfort, it is highly recommended to bring suitable clothing for a sea trip. Layers are always a good idea, as conditions can change quickly on the water.

Boarding Procedures: High Tide vs. Low Tide

The boarding location in Tenby varies depending on the tide:

• At High Tide: Access to the boats is directly from the Tenby Harbour Steps.
• At Low Tide: Boarding takes place from a mobile jetty on Tenby Castle Beach. It's crucial to note that reaching this mobile jetty at low tide may involve crossing up to 100 metres of soft sand. This can present a significant challenge for wheelchair users and those with reduced mobility.

Regardless of the tide, visitors will be required to either step down or step up when boarding and disembarking from the boats. Rest assured, assistance from a friendly member of the crew is always available to help you safely on and off the vessel.

Upon arrival at Caldey, landing and boarding are facilitated via a wide concrete slipway. At very low tides, a specially adapted landing craft is utilised to ensure smooth transitions for all passengers.

Safety and Comfort at Sea

All boats operating the Caldey Island route are licensed by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, guaranteeing adherence to stringent safety standards. While the boats and landing craft are capable of accommodating wheelchairs, they do not feature access ramps for independent wheelchair users. However, be assured that all necessary assistance will be provided by the crew to help with boarding and disembarking.

Visitors are kindly reminded that they use the boats, landing craft, ramps, jetties, and slipways at their own risk. Furthermore, all children travelling to the island must be accompanied by an adult who will be responsible for their safety at all times throughout the journey and on the island.

Navigating Caldey Island: Accessibility and Exploration

Arrival on the Island

Upon reaching the tranquil shores of Caldey Island, you'll find a site map readily available to help you orient yourself. Additionally, further informative leaflets can be obtained from the Island Post Office and shop located in the village. Your initial journey from the landing point to the village involves a fairly level walk of approximately 500 metres along a concrete roadway. Benches are conveniently placed along this route, offering opportunities to rest and soak in the serene surroundings before reaching the heart of the island's community.

A Focus on Accessibility

Caldey Island strives to be as accessible as possible, though its natural terrain and historical buildings present some unique challenges. Here's a detailed breakdown of accessibility features across the island:

• Boat Access: As mentioned, assistance is available for embarking wheelchair users or those with reduced mobility. It is highly recommended to seek advice from the Kiosk or by telephone or email before purchasing your tickets if you have specific needs regarding mobility.
• Mobile Jetty (Low Tide): Be aware of the potential for crossing 100 metres of soft sand at low tide, which can be problematic for wheelchairs.
• Island Pathways: The main pathway from the jetty to the village is a smooth concrete roadway, approximately 500 metres long and fairly level, with benches provided. Beyond the village, some routes may involve undulating ground and a variety of grassed and gravel pathways, which could be challenging for those with reduced mobility. Always consult the map or enquire at one of the facilities before setting out on longer walks.
• Wheelchairs on the Island: A limited number of wheelchairs are available to borrow, conveniently stored either on the jetty or at the Gift Shop in the village.
• Public Toilets: Located in the village opposite the Post Office, these facilities include Ladies and Gents toilets, a baby changing table, and a fully adapted disabled cubicle for independent wheelchair users.
• Tea Garden Café: The approach to the café is on flat, level ground. There is a single step up into the main café area and a manually opening wooden door that opens inwards. Menu boards are posted on the walls for easy viewing. The self-serve counter has a one-way system, exiting through double doors with a single step onto the grass. A separate entrance for the 'ice-cream shop' along the side facing the road provides easier access for those just wanting cold drinks or ice cream, helping to reduce queues. Staff are available to assist with menu items and prices.
• Village Centre Shops: Some shop doorways have steps, but assistance from staff is readily available. Doors are typically wooden and require manual opening. All shops are single-storey and well lit.
• Abbey Church: Access to the Abbey Church is signposted via a set of stone steps with a handrail opposite the cottages. Alternatively, an inclined concrete road curves around in front of St David’s Church, offering a less strenuous approach. The entrance to the Abbey Church itself involves two steps up to a large, manually opened wooden door. The viewing gallery upstairs is accessed by a stone staircase with a metal handrail. If mobility is limited, visitors are welcome to observe services through the glass partition from the ground floor porch area.
• St David’s Church: Access to the grounds is via a concrete ramp or steps, leading to a stone pathway. The church entrance has a single stone step up to the doorway, followed by two steps in front of a large, manually opened wooden door. Inside, a stone-tiled vestibule leads to two further steps up into the church.
• St Iltyd’s Church: From the village, a smooth inclined road leads halfway to the Lighthouse. Entrance is through a manually opened wooden door with a single step down onto a cobbled floor.
• The Old Priory: Access varies: via a gravel path and two steps from St Iltyd's, or through a wooden gate on the Nature Trail (uneven, undulating pathway), or via Priory Pond Path with two steps down to a gravel path. Care is required due to deep water nearby.
• New Village Hall: Accessed via a smooth concrete roadway from the village, past the cottages up a slight incline. Entrance is through two sets of manually opened wooden doors onto a wooden floor.
• Priory Bay Beach: Accessed by stone steps with handrails by the jetty, or via 'The Cut', a sloping concrete ramp 150 yards further along the beach. Be aware that wind and weather can alter sand levels at the base of the ramp, potentially creating a significant height difference.

Life in the Village Centre

The heart of Caldey Island's visitor experience lies within its charming village centre, offering essential amenities and unique shopping opportunities.

Food and Refreshments

A delightful tea garden café, complete with an outdoor seating area, is located in the village. It offers a selection of hot and cold snacks and drinks, perfect for a mid-day break. Please note that indoor seating is not available, so plan for outdoor enjoyment, weather permitting. The approach to the café is on flat, level ground, ensuring ease of access. Inside, you'll find a chilled drinks and self-serve sandwich and cake counter. Staff are always on hand to help with menu items and prices. A large, flat grassed area with seating and tables, along with a decked area, provides ample space to relax and enjoy your refreshments. Many visitors also bring their own picnics, and benches are thoughtfully situated at numerous points around the island for this purpose, including the Village Green, Lighthouse area, and Matthews Meadow.

Shopping and Souvenirs

The village centre boasts several unique shops, each offering a distinct experience:

• The Island Gift Shop: A treasure trove of products, perfect for finding a memento of your visit.
• The Photography Shop: Showcases a selection of prints in varying sizes and frames, capturing the island's beauty.
• The Post Office: Not just for sending postcards, this also features a small shop and a fascinating museum charting the island's rich history.

As noted, some shop doorways have steps, but friendly staff are always available to provide assistance. Doors are typically wooden and require manual opening. All shops are single-storey and well lit, ensuring a pleasant browsing experience.

Essential Facilities

Conveniently located in the village centre, opposite the Post Office, you'll find well-maintained toilet facilities. These include Ladies and Gents toilets, a baby changing table, and a dedicated disabled cubicle, which is fully adapted for independent wheelchair users.

Spiritual and Historical Discoveries

Caldey Island is deeply rooted in its monastic heritage, offering visitors a glimpse into a unique way of life.

The Abbey and Churches

The Abbey and Monastic Enclosure are private areas and are not open to visitors. It is crucial to respect the privacy of the monastic community; filming or photographing monks or any activity within the Enclosure or Abbey is a breach of personal privacy and strictly prohibited without prior express written permission. Please observe all 'private', 'enclosure', and similar no-access signs.

However, the Abbey Church viewing gallery, situated upstairs, is open to visitors. You are most welcome to observe or even take part in the daily services of Sext at 12:15 pm and None at 2:20 pm. Visitors are kindly requested to respect the silence of the Church and refrain from talking or noisy activity whilst in the gallery, especially during services.

Beyond the Abbey, two other churches offer historical and spiritual insights:

• St David’s Church: A stone pathway leads to this church, accessible via a concrete ramp or steps to its grounds. Inside, votive candles are available for lighting, and donations are welcome.
• St Iltyd’s Church: Located halfway to the Lighthouse, next to the Old Priory, this church features an open space lined with wooden pews in a typical Monastic Quire style. Votive candles are also available here.

The Old Priory & New Village Hall

The Old Priory can be accessed via St Iltyd's (gravel path, two steps), the Nature Trail (uneven, undulating path), or Priory Pond Path (two steps down, deep water to the left). The New Village Hall, a modern addition, is accessible via a smooth concrete roadway from the village. Inside, seating is provided to watch a continuously-looped DVD presentation, running for approximately 15 minutes, offering insights into island life.

Embracing Nature: Beaches and Walks

Caldey Island's natural beauty is captivating, inviting visitors to explore its diverse landscapes.

Priory Bay Beach

Priory Bay is the only beach on Caldey Island accessible to visitors. It can be reached by stone steps with handrails near the jetty or via 'The Cut', a sloping concrete ramp about 150 yards further along the beach. Be mindful that wind and weather can significantly add to or remove sand at the base of this ramp, potentially creating a notable height difference between the ramp and the actual beach. The beach has a gentle slope, but currents can be affected by weather, so bathers should always exercise caution. Subject to normal precautions and always with responsible adult supervision of children, bathing is generally safe when sea conditions are calm. No other beaches on the island are open or available for public access.

Island Walks

Caldey offers several island walks, catering to various preferences and fitness levels. These walks feature a variety of surfaces, and benches are provided along the way for rest. For your safety, it's crucial to understand that fences, walls, and other barriers are in place for a reason and should not be climbed over or crossed. The 'Right to Roam' on Caldey is restricted to marked paths, again for your safety and to protect the island's delicate ecosystem.

While access to the village and Monastery is via smooth roadways, waymarked cliff walks pass by steep cliffs and deep water, necessitating care. Children must be supervised at all times. Beyond the village, some routes involve undulating ground and a variety of grassed and gravel pathways, which may present a challenge for those with reduced mobility. It's always advisable to consult the island map or enquire at one of the facilities before embarking on a walk to ensure it aligns with your capabilities.

Important Information for Visitors

Drone Policy

To preserve the island's unique tranquillity and provide an escape from mainland noise, the use of camera drones is strictly forbidden anywhere on Caldey Island without prior written approval from island management. This policy helps maintain the peaceful atmosphere that many visitors cherish.

General Island Safety

While exploring the island, please be aware that certain parts have uneven ground, steep and unstable cliffs, deep water, and strong currents. Only essential vehicle movements are carried out on the island, and a speed limit of 20mph is in force, except for emergency vehicles. Your safety is paramount, so always remain vigilant and adhere to all signage.

Child Supervision

As reiterated throughout, children must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times, both on the boats and whilst exploring Caldey Island. This ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much is a boat ticket to Caldey Island?

While specific ticket prices are not detailed in the provided information, tickets and leaflets are obtained from the Caldey Island Kiosk in Tenby Harbour or, when closed, from the Tractor at the beach ramp. We recommend checking with these points of sale for the most current pricing information.

Can I bring my dog to Caldey Island?

Yes, dogs are welcome on Caldey Island, provided they are accompanied by their responsible owners. It is a strict requirement that dogs must be kept on a lead at all times while on the island to ensure the comfort and safety of all visitors and the island's wildlife.

Is Caldey Island open on Sundays?

For the first time in its history, Caldey Island will be open seven days a week throughout the summer holidays, including Sundays, from Sunday 20th July to Sunday 30th August. Visitors are warmly invited to experience the island's unique tranquillity and spiritual heritage, and are welcome to attend the Sunday services in the Abbey Church (Holy Mass: 10:45, Vespers: 15:30).

Is Caldey Island suitable for wheelchair users?

Caldey Island offers various levels of accessibility. Boats and landing craft can take wheelchairs, and crew assistance is available for boarding and disembarking. The main path from the jetty to the village is a smooth concrete roadway. The village features a fully adapted disabled toilet cubicle, and staff assistance is available at shops with steps. However, parts of the island, especially at low tide (crossing soft sand) and on certain walking paths beyond the village (uneven ground), may present challenges. A limited number of wheelchairs are available to borrow on the island. It's highly recommended to seek advice from the Kiosk or by telephone/email before purchasing tickets if you have specific mobility concerns.

Are there places to eat on Caldey Island?

Yes, Caldey Island has a tea garden café located in the village, offering hot and cold snacks and drinks with outdoor seating. There is no indoor seating. Many visitors also bring their own picnics, and benches are available throughout the island for this purpose.

A visit to Caldey Island truly is an experience unlike any other, offering a profound sense of peace and a chance to connect with nature and history. By understanding the access details and what awaits you, your journey to this unique Welsh island promises to be a memorable and enriching escape.

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