Priory Bay

Just off the coast of one of South Pembrokeshire’s most popular seaside resorts, Tenby, lies the neighbouring island of Caldey. It is ashore this idyllic rural isle where you will find Priory Bay. A wonderful wide expanse of sand, Priory Bay at Caldey Island is a fantastic place for family days at the beach and relaxing coastal adventures.

Caldey Island is an ancient land, inhabited only by a monastery of Cistercian monks and Priory Bay marks the landing point for visitors coming ashore. Less than three miles out to sea, the island has allegedly had residents since the Stone Age, with monks ruling the island since the Celtic era.

Traditionally farmers, the Cistercian monks have opened up the island to welcome in day visitors, resulting in trips to Caldey fast-becoming one of the favourite attractions of the area. Visitors can spend their days at Priory Bay, take a walk around the island up to the lighthouse or spend the day in the village. Whilst you are able to attend some services, the main monastery and residential area is forbidden to day visitors.

Activities

Situated on the island, Priory Bay is home to more leisurely beachgoers than those looking to spend their time doing adrenaline-fuelled watersports. Rather than seeing surfers and kayakers here, you will see a stunning sandy beach filled with families and small children enjoying a more traditional day at the beach.

Bring along your bucket and spades for a day of sandcastle building and hole digging, try your hand at some sand art and take the toddlers for a splash in the shore. This bay is known to be safe enough for swimming so don’t forget to pack your bathers and a towel. Older children and groups may enjoy a game of frisbee, rounders or beach cricket, whilst dogs will enjoy getting their sandy paws wet in the ebbing waves.

Whilst some do sail over to Caldey Island simply for the enjoyment of spending the day at Priory Bay, first-time visitors to the island and those with a keen interest in history or religion will certainly not want to waste the opportunity to explore the remainder of the island. Overlooking the beach you may spy the Cavalry and Watchtower, a lifesize crucifix and Medieval round tower chapel.

Further inland, you can explore the Old Priory and St Illtyd’s Church. Built by the previous monastery of Benedictine monks, these are no longer in use since the dissolution of monasteries in previous years but do still offer a fascinating insight into the times gone by. You might also wish to stop by St David’s Church which lies above the village.

Planning a walk around the island is highly recommended, and maps are available within the village to help illustrate the safe pathways. Walk through the woodlands, across the farmland, along the cliffs - be wary as some sections here are dangerous. Follow the route up to the lighthouse for unforgettable panoramic views over the mainland and even out towards Mumbles on clear days. Whilst you are unable to go inside the monastery, it is impossible not to take in views of the iconic building towering over the village. With white walls and a distinct orangey-red roof, this Grade II listed building is a sight to behold. Two daily services are held in the Abbey here, which day-trippers are welcome to attend.

In recent years, the monastery has been keen to explore conservation projects as the remote, rural location lends itself well to endangered species. As a result, Caldey Island is transforming into a nature’s paradise with a wealth of wildlife to be seen. Now a rat-free isle, you may spot red squirrels, barnacle geese, black swans, Soay sheep, woodcock and much more during your visit.

Facilities

For a tiny offshore island with a small population, Caldey Island has established a great selection of facilities catering for the tourists visiting. The village green is the main hub of the island and is complete with a post office, with exclusive Caldey Island stamps, and a museum where you can find out more about the heritage of the island.

Turning their hand to tourism alongside their traditional farming background, the Cistercian monks here have set up a Chocolate Factory and Fudgery making their own sweet items, and a Perfume Store where you can buy handcrafter scents made in their island perfumery.

The beauty of this picturesque village can be enjoyed here from one of the menu benches on the village green, with views of that recognisable monastery towering above. There is also a Tea Garden Café on the island, but no indoor seating so you will find most on the island enjoying picnics on the grassy lawn here. Public toilets including disabled and baby changing facilities are also available in the village.

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Access

All private landings at Caldey Island are strictly prohibited, thus all visitors wishing to make a trip to Priory Bay and Caldey Island are required to book a ferry trip from the mainland. All ferries sail out of Tenby; departure point via a jetty at Tenby Castle Beach during low tide or via the harbour steps at Tenby Harbour Beach during high tide.

There is no parking at Tenby Harbour, so you will need to park in one of the main car parks within the town. The main multi-storey car park is often your best bet, with long-stay parking available on the higher levels. Alternatively, you could park at Tenby South Beach Car Park as this is another large parking area.

The boat trip from Tenby to Caldey Island lasts approximately 20 minutes, and those with wheelchairs are required to notify staff upon booking your ferry ticket at the booking office – a hut at Tenby harbour. (Please note, this is currently a cash-only office.) Whilst there is no ramp onto or off the boat, ferry staff will assist as much as required to help wheelchairs manoeuvre this.

The Caldey Island boats only run between Easter and October, running on weekdays during the entire opening period and extending to run on Saturdays between May and September. All landings alight at Priory Bay onto a concrete slipway, so you needn’t go any further onto the island if you wish to spend your day beach-bound.

Is Priory Bay Dog Friendly?

Yes, Priory Bay at Caldey Island is dog friendly, as is the entire island. If you are visiting with your furry best friend, you are asked to keep them on a close lead at all times though.

Award-Winning

Caldey Island’s only accessible beach, Priory Bay, has been known to receive the coveted Green Coast Award and is on the list of recommended beaches to visit by the Marine Conservation Society.

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