From the harbour in Tenby a fleet of boats run to the island from the Spring Bank Holiday till late September. These boats are owned by local boatmen and strictly supervised and controlled to the Ministry of Transport standards. Many of these crews who provide a frequent service to the island across the Caldey Sound also form the Tenby Lifeboat service.
The Island and its sister isle of St. Margaret's, a seal and bird sanctuary, offer unique chances to see wild life. The Island has been lived and worked on by Monks for nearly 1500 years. Today it is belongs to the reformed Cistercian Order who devote their lives to the service of God within the monastery. The monastery is a splendid building with white walls and reddish tiled roofs overlooking the village green.
The long association and dedication to monastic heritage gives Caldey an air of peace and tranquility. With its natural beauty, and freedom from noise and traffic, a day at Caldey is more than a reward and is a chance to contemplate the deeper significance of this spendid isle.
The community of some 20 monks lead the lives in accordance to the strict Rule of St. Benedict and attend seven services each day. Their first service at 3.15 a.m. is held in their simple but very dignified monastery church. Other activites are centered on the farmland of the island and they produce milk, butter, creams, yoghurt, ice cream and confectionery.
Perhaps the best known business venture is in the manufacture of the world famous range of Caldey perfumes and toiletries which reflect the island flowers, herbs and gorse. A visit to their Perfumery Shop is an oppertunity to explore the wonderful fragrances.
Exploration of the island can be made by foot with a walk to the lighthouse or visits to the parish church of St. David's. A small museum and the Post Office offer a chance to see the history of the island and even capture a picture post card franked with the unique Caldey imprint. Near the landing stage is the magnificent Priory Beach looking outwards Tenby. From the higher points you can see spectacular views of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park's rugged coastline.
Getting to Caldey Island
Tickets for the boats to Caldey are obtained from the booking kiosk in Castle Square just above the picturesque harbour in Tenby. The tickets cover all the charges including landing fees and the crossing takes about 30 minutes. The boats run every 15 minutes between 9.30 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday.
The island is closed to visitors on Sundays. The island is open on Saturdays between the 1st of June and early September but only from 11 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.
Things to Do and See
Shops Gift shop, Island Post Office, Museum and Perfumery
Refreshments Village tea garden ( run by the monastery ) with a good selection of light refreshments and island produce.
Monastery Tours Unfortunately ladies are not allowed to enter the monastery but can hear the introduction from outside.
Visitors Holy Mass Visitors may attend Holy Mass in the Abbots Chapel at 2.30 p.m. Direction can be obtained from the staff in the island shop.
One of the monks is usually available in the Abbot's Chapel for confessions between 11.00 and 11.50 a.m.daily and after Mass.
